Diodes Incorporated ZRC250F03TC

Overview

ZRC250F03TC from Diodes Incorporated is a precision 2.5 V bandgap voltage reference IC with ±3% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, 0.4 Ω typical slope resistance, 15 µA typical knee current, and stable operation from 20 µA to 5 mA - deployed in portable instrumentation and battery-powered test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the ZRC250F03TC datasheet, ZRC250F03TC pinout, ZRC250F03TC application, or ZRC250F03TC equivalent, key selection criteria include low-knee-current operation, capacitor-free stability, microsecond-scale transient response (<10 µs), and SOT23-3 package compatibility for space-constrained analog signal chains.

Technical Context

The ZRC250F03TC implements a two-terminal shunt voltage reference topology using a bandgap core, operating as a precision reverse-biased Zener-like device requiring only an external current source and load. It delivers regulation without output capacitance and maintains stability across capacitive loads up to 10 nF.

Its internal design achieves low dynamic impedance (0.3–0.8 Ω at 1 mA, 100 Hz), wideband noise of 60 µV_rms (10 Hz–10 kHz), and thermal drift characterized over −40°C to +85°C with guaranteed 90 ppm/°C max TC - enabling high-accuracy ADC/DAC biasing and sensor excitation in unregulated supply environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in SOT23-3 surface-mount package (JEDEC TO-236AB), 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, with gull-wing leads and green molding compound (Br/Sb-free).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.

Compared with TLVH431ACDBVR and LM4040C25IDBZR, ZRC250F03TC uniquely balances ultra-low knee current (15 µA), fixed 2.5 V output, and capacitor-free stability - making it optimal for space- and power-constrained portable instrumentation where simplicity and micropower operation are prioritized over sub-1% tolerance.

Availability

ZRC250F03TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable multimeters, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial panel meters requiring stable component supply with consistent SOT23-3 packaging and RoHS-compliant green molding compound.

Supply support for ZRC250F03TC includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-reliability, cost-optimized components for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The ZRC series targets precision analog signal chains in portable and battery-operated equipment, emphasizing low-power shunt reference performance with minimal external components and robust thermal behavior.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating current for stable regulation?

The ZRC250F03TC achieves stable regulation at a typical knee current of 15 µA, with guaranteed operation starting at 20 µA per datasheet specifications. Below 20 µA, output voltage may deviate beyond ±3% tolerance, especially at temperature extremes. For reliable performance across −40°C to +85°C, design for ≥25 µA nominal current.

Can ZRC250F03TC drive capacitive loads directly?

Yes - the ZRC250F03TC is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads up to 10 nF without external compensation. This enables direct connection to ADC input capacitors, op-amp feedback networks, or filtering stages without risk of oscillation, unlike many shunt references requiring series resistance or isolation.

Is a bypass capacitor required for noise reduction?

No bypass capacitor is required for basic stability, but a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed between Pin 2 (cathode) and Pin 3 (GND) reduces wideband noise by ~10–15 µV_rms in sensitive applications like high-resolution ADC references. The device remains stable with this capacitor installed.

How does ZRC250F03TC handle transient overcurrent events?

The ZRC250F03TC withstands transient currents up to 200 mA due to its rugged 20 V process design, far exceeding its 25 mA absolute maximum continuous rating. Transient pulses <100 µs duration cause no degradation, supporting robustness in systems exposed to ESD or supply glitches - verified per Diodes Incorporated's internal stress testing.