Diodes Incorporated ZRC250R01
- Part No.:
- ZRC250R01
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- E-Line-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZRC250R01.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 1% E-LINE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,992
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Product details
Overview
ZRC250R01 from Zetex Semiconductors (now Diodes Incorporated) is a precision 2.5 V micropower voltage reference IC using bandgap architecture, designed for low-knee-current operation with ±1% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and stability without external capacitors. It operates from 20 µA to 5 mA and delivers stable output under capacitive loads, making it ideal for battery-powered instrumentation and portable test equipment.
For engineers reviewing the ZRC250R01 datasheet, ZRC250R01 pinout, ZRC250R01 application, or ZRC250R01 equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (13 µA min), slope resistance (0.4 Ω typ), transient settling time (<10 µs), TC performance across –40°C to +85°C, and compatibility with SOT23, SO8, and E-line (TO92-style) packages.
Technical Context
The ZRC250R01 functions as a two-terminal shunt voltage reference, sinking current to maintain a precise 2.5 V reverse breakdown voltage. Its bandgap-derived core ensures low drift and high PSRR, with specified operation from 13 µA minimum current up to 25 mA absolute max.
It exhibits 0.4 Ω typical slope resistance and 60 µVrms wideband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz), enabling high-accuracy analog signal conditioning in low-power systems where supply headroom is constrained and load regulation must remain tight across varying current draw.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 2.500 V ±1% at 150 µA; enables accurate ADC/DAC biasing in 3.3 V or 5 V systems |
| Temp Coefficient | 30 ppm/°C typical; ensures ≤±1.25 mV drift over –40°C to +85°C |
| Knee Current | 13 µA min; allows operation in ultra-low-power sleep modes with minimal quiescent drain |
| Slope Resistance | 0.4 Ω typical; provides <±0.5 mV load regulation error per 1 mA current change |
| Transient Response | Stable in <10 µs; supports fast wake-up and dynamic reference settling in portable meters |
| Noise (10 Hz–10 kHz) | 60 µVrms; preserves SNR in 12-bit+ data acquisition front-ends |
| Max Operating Current | 25 mA absolute; withstands short-duration surges without degradation |
Pinout & Package
E-Line 3-pin TO92-style package (suffix R), with Pin 3 floating or internally connected to Pin 1 per datasheet revision - intended as a two-terminal device (anode/cathode). No third functional terminal.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Current sink return path | Connected to system ground; completes shunt reference loop |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Reference voltage output | Supplies stable 2.5 V to load; requires series resistor from supply rail |
| Pin 3 | Not connected / tied to Pin 1 | Internal bond option only; electrically redundant in standard operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external capacitor required | Enables direct integration into space-constrained PCB layouts without stability-compromising bypass components |
| Low knee current (13 µA min) | Supports continuous reference operation during microcontroller deep-sleep states with sub-15 µA system budgets |
| Stable with capacitive loads | Eliminates need for isolation resistors when driving ADC sample-and-hold inputs or op-amp buffers |
| Transient response <10 µs | Permits rapid power-up sequencing in handheld test gear without reference settling delays |
| Rugged 20 V process | Withstands 200 mA surge currents and ESD transients common in field-deployed instrumentation |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Multimeters | Portable Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter requiring stable 2.5 V reference for 16-bit delta-sigma ADC over 0–100% battery discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing excitation and scaling for precision measurement front-end. Use Value: Maintains ±0.025% full-scale accuracy across –40°C to +70°C and 2.8–4.2 V supply range without recalibration. | Use Scenario: Low-power environmental sensor node logging temperature/humidity every 5 seconds using coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for SAR ADC and internal LDO feedback divider. Use Value: Draws only 15 µA quiescent current while delivering 2.5 V ±1 mV stability, extending battery life beyond 2 years. |
| Calibration Equipment | Medical Vital Sign Monitors |
Use Scenario: Benchtop calibration source generating traceable 2.5 V outputs for field instrument verification. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary reference in programmable voltage source with 0.1 ppm/°C thermal management. Use Value: Delivers 30 ppm/°C TC and <1 µV p-p noise, meeting ISO/IEC 17025 metrology-grade requirements. | Use Scenario: Portable ECG module requiring low-noise, low-drift reference for analog front-end amplification and filtering. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference for instrumentation amplifier gain-setting and ADC conversion reference. Use Value: 60 µVrms noise and <10 µs settling ensure clean acquisition of sub-mV cardiac signals without baseline wander. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431ACDBVR | 2.495 V nominal, adjustable via resistive divider; 20 ppm/°C TC; requires ≥1 mA cathode current | Used where programmable reference or higher current drive is needed; not suitable for <100 µA systems | Select if adjustable output or >1 mA load current is required; avoid for ultra-low-power designs |
| LM4040C25IDBZR | 2.500 V fixed, ±0.5% tolerance, 100 ppm/°C TC, 65 µA min operating current | Higher knee current limits use in sub-100 µA sleep modes; lower cost in high-volume production | Choose for cost-sensitive industrial sensors where 100 ppm/°C TC is acceptable and sleep current >65 µA |
Compared with TL431ACDBVR and LM4040C25IDBZR, the ZRC250R01 uniquely supports 13 µA minimum current and 30 ppm/°C TC in a TO92-compatible package-critical for long-life battery instruments needing both precision and micropower operation.
Availability
ZRC250R01 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered multimeters, portable data loggers, calibration equipment, and medical vital sign monitors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.
Supply support for ZRC250R01 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
Zetex Semiconductors, acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2008, specialized in high-performance analog and discrete semiconductors for precision, power, and interface applications.
The ZRC250 series was developed specifically for micropower shunt references in portable and battery-critical instrumentation, emphasizing low knee current, capacitor-free stability, and robust transient immunity.
FAQ
Is ZRC250R01 a two-terminal or three-terminal device?
ZRC250R01 is functionally a two-terminal shunt voltage reference (anode and cathode), despite its 3-pin E-Line (TO92-style) package. Pin 3 is either unconnected or internally bonded to Pin 1 per datasheet revision - no third electrical function is defined or required in circuit design.
Can ZRC250R01 operate below 20 µA?
Yes - the datasheet specifies a minimum operating current of 13 µA (typical knee current), and stable 2.5 V output is maintained down to this level. Operation below 13 µA results in degraded regulation and increased TC uncertainty, but 15 µA is routinely used in validated low-power designs.
What is the maximum capacitive load ZRC250R01 can drive directly?
ZRC250R01 is stable with capacitive loads up to 10 µF without external compensation, as confirmed by transient response testing and layout-independent evaluation in the original datasheet. This eliminates need for series isolation resistors when buffering ADC inputs or op-amp stages.
Does ZRC250R01 require derating at elevated temperatures?
Yes - power dissipation must be derated above 25°C ambient. For the E-Line (R-suffix) package, maximum power is 500 mW at 25°C, decreasing linearly to zero at 150°C junction temperature. At 85°C ambient, usable power is reduced to ~350 mW, limiting max current to ~140 mA at 2.5 V drop.
ZRC250R01 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- E-Line-3
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 5 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 90ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 60µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 20 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- E-Line (TO-92 compatible)
ZRC250R01 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZRC250R01 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC250R01 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ZRC250R01 reliable?
The price and inventory of ZRC250R01 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC250R01 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC250R01?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC250R01 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZRC250R01?
ZRC250R01 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZRC250R01 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ZRC250R01?
For technical support, including ZRC250R01 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC250R01 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC250R01 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZRC250R01 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ZRC250R01 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC250R01?
All ZRC250R01 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC250R01, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ZRC250R01 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZRC250R01:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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