Diodes Incorporated ZRC250R03
- Part No.:
- ZRC250R03
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- E-Line-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZRC250R03.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% E-LINE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,070
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Product details
Overview
ZRC250R03 from Diodes Incorporated is a precision 2.5 V micropower voltage reference IC using bandgap architecture, with ±3% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and stable operation from 13 µA to 25 mA. It requires no external capacitor, delivers sub-10 µs transient response, and is rated for -40°C to +85°C industrial operation in E-Line 3-pin through-hole package.
For engineers reviewing the ZRC250R03 datasheet, ZRC250R03 pinout, ZRC250R03 application, or ZRC250R03 equivalent, key selection criteria include low knee current (13 µA min), slope resistance (0.4 Ω typ), wide operating current range (20 µA–5 mA recommended), and capacitor-free stability-critical for portable instrumentation and battery-powered sensing nodes.
Technical Context
The ZRC250R03 implements a two-terminal shunt voltage reference topology with internal bandgap core, delivering fixed 2.5 V output via reverse breakdown regulation. Its design eliminates need for external stabilization capacitance while maintaining stability into capacitive loads up to 10 nF.
It operates as a precision current-sink device: reference voltage is maintained across its anode-cathode terminals when reverse-biased within 13 µA–25 mA, with dynamic impedance of 0.3 Ω (f = 100 Hz) and wideband noise of 60 µV(rms) (10 Hz–10 kHz).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 2.5 V ±3% at 150 µA; enables accurate ADC/DAC biasing in 3.3 V or 5 V systems |
| Tempco (TC) | 30 ppm/°C typical; ensures ≤±1.5 mV drift over -40°C to +85°C ambient |
| Min Operating Current | 13 µA; supports ultra-low-power sleep modes in energy-harvesting sensors |
| Slope Resistance | 0.4 Ω typical; minimizes load-induced voltage shift under dynamic current changes |
| Transient Response | Stable in <10 µs; suitable for fast-switching power supply feedback or data acquisition sampling |
| Wideband Noise | 60 µV(rms), 10 Hz–10 kHz; preserves SNR in precision analog front-ends |
| Max Reverse Current | 25 mA absolute rating; withstands short-duration surge events without degradation |
Pinout & Package
E-Line 3-pin through-hole package (suffix R), with Pin 1 floating or internally connected to Pin 3 per datasheet revision - configured as a 2-terminal device (anode/cathode) with third pin unused or tied for mechanical stability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 2) | Reference current sink input | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return path; defines cathode-to-anode voltage drop |
| Cathode (Pin 1 or Pin 3) | 2.5 V reference output node | Provides regulated 2.5 V when reverse-biased; serves as precision voltage source for op-amp references or ADC refs |
| Pin 3 (if used) | NC or Anode tie | Internally bonded to Pin 1 per "Reversed" variant; provides mechanical reinforcement without electrical function |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external capacitor required | Enables direct integration into space-constrained PCB layouts without stability-compromising layout dependencies |
| Low knee current (13 µA) | Permits reliable startup and regulation in microamp-level standby circuits, e.g., RTC backup supplies |
| Sub-10 µs transient recovery | Supports high-speed closed-loop control where reference settling must track rapid load transients |
| 0.4 Ω slope resistance | Reduces output voltage variation to <1 mV under ±1 mA load step, improving measurement repeatability |
| Industrial temp range (-40°C to +85°C) | Validated performance across full range without derating-suitable for outdoor metering and factory automation |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Battery-Powered Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) analog front-end requiring stable 2.5 V reference for 16-bit ADC during 10-year battery life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt reference providing precision excitation voltage for biosensor transduction circuitry. Use Value: 13 µA min operating current extends coin-cell lifetime; 60 µV(rms) noise avoids signal corruption in µV-level bio-potential measurements. | Use Scenario: Environmental sensor node logging temperature/humidity every 5 minutes using Li-SOCl₂ primary cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power voltage reference for SAR ADC and microcontroller VREF pin during active sampling bursts. Use Value: Sub-10 µs settling enables immediate post-wakeup conversion without waiting for reference stabilization, reducing active time by >15%. |
| Handheld Test Meters | Industrial Process Transmitters |
Use Scenario: 4½-digit handheld DMM with auto-ranging, requiring consistent reference across battery discharge curve (3.2 V–4.2 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference regulating internal DAC and comparator thresholds independent of supply rail variation. Use Value: 30 ppm/°C tempco maintains accuracy across field use temperatures; 0.4 Ω slope resistance prevents reading drift during autoranging current pulses. | Use Scenario: 4–20 mA loop-powered pressure transmitter operating in refinery control cabinets (−25°C to +70°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for 24-bit sigma-delta ADC converting bridge sensor output. Use Value: Stable operation without external cap simplifies conformal coating and reduces BOM count; −40°C to +85°C rating covers extended industrial envelope. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431ACDBZR | Adjustable output (2.5 V programmable), higher 1 mA min cathode current, 0.22 Ω typical dynamic impedance | Requires two external resistors for 2.5 V setting; less suited for ultra-low-current sleep states | Preferred when adjustable reference or tighter dynamic impedance is needed, but adds component count and quiescent current penalty |
| LM4040C25IDBZR | Fixed 2.5 V, 75 ppm/°C max tempco, 65 µV(rms) noise, 60 µA min operating current | Higher knee current limits use in sub-100 µA systems; tighter initial tolerance (±0.5%) | Chosen for higher accuracy where power budget allows; not viable for µA-level wake-up circuits |
Compared with TL431ACDBZR and LM4040C25IDBZR, the ZRC250R03 uniquely balances ultra-low knee current (13 µA), capacitor-free stability, and industrial temp range-making it optimal for battery longevity-critical, space-constrained, and thermally variable deployments.
Availability
ZRC250R03 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, battery-powered data loggers, handheld test meters, and industrial process transmitters requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle designs.
Supply support for ZRC250R03 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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for power management, signal integrity, and connectivity applications.
The ZRC250 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, capacitor-free, and thermally robust operation in portable, industrial, and instrumentation systems.
FAQ
Is ZRC250R03 a two-terminal or three-terminal device?
ZRC250R03 is functionally a two-terminal shunt voltage reference (anode and cathode), packaged in an E-Line 3-pin through-hole outline where Pin 3 is either floating or internally tied to Pin 1 per the "Reversed" configuration. No external connection is required to Pin 3 for basic operation.
Can ZRC250R03 drive capacitive loads without oscillation?
Yes-the ZRC250R03 is explicitly designed to remain stable with capacitive loads up to at least 10 nF without requiring an external series resistor or stabilization capacitor, as confirmed in its datasheet transient and stability characterization.
What is the maximum safe reverse current for continuous operation?
The recommended continuous operating current is 20 µA to 5 mA. While the absolute maximum reverse current rating is 25 mA, sustained operation above 5 mA may increase self-heating and affect long-term stability; 25 mA is limited to transient surge conditions only.
Does ZRC250R03 require a heatsink in SO8 or E-Line packages?
No heatsink is required. At 5 mA operating current and 2.5 V drop, power dissipation is 12.5 mW-well below the 500 mW rating for E-Line packages and 625 mW for SO8. Thermal rise remains negligible even at maximum recommended load in still air.
ZRC250R03 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:
- ±3%
- 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)
ZRC250R03 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZRC250R03 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC250R03 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 ZRC250R03 reliable?
The price and inventory of ZRC250R03 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC250R03 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC250R03?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC250R03 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZRC250R03?
ZRC250R03 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZRC250R03 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 ZRC250R03?
For technical support, including ZRC250R03 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC250R03 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC250R03 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZRC250R03 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 ZRC250R03 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC250R03?
All ZRC250R03 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC250R03, 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 ZRC250R03 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZRC250R03:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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