Diodes Incorporated ZRC500A03
- Part No.:
- ZRC500A03
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- E-Line-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZRC500A03.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% E-LINE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,814
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
ZRC500A03 from Diodes Incorporated is a precision 5.0 V bandgap voltage reference IC with ±3% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and 0.4 Ω typical slope resistance, operating from 25 µA to 5 mA. It delivers stable output without external capacitors and supports capacitive loads, making it ideal for low-power instrumentation and battery-powered metering systems.
For engineers reviewing the ZRC500A03 datasheet, ZRC500A03 pinout, ZRC500A03 application, or ZRC500A03 equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (19 µA typ), transient stability (<10 µs), industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and E-Line 3-pin through-hole package compatibility.
Technical Context
The ZRC500A03 implements a bandgap-based reference architecture that maintains regulation across 25 µA–5 mA load currents without requiring an external stabilization capacitor. Its low dynamic impedance (0.3–0.8 Ω at 1 mA, 100 Hz) and wideband noise of 105 µVrms (10 Hz–10 kHz) support high-accuracy analog signal conditioning.
It exhibits robust transient response-reaching stable output in under 10 µs for single-pulse events-and sustains operation up to 200 mA surge current due to rugged 20 V process design, while rated absolute maximum forward/reverse current is 25 mA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 5.0 V ±3% at 150 µA, enabling direct ADC reference or comparator threshold setting |
| Temp Coefficient | 30 ppm/°C typical, ensuring ≤1.5 mV drift over –40°C to +85°C |
| Knee Current | 19 µA typical, allowing reliable start-up in ultra-low-power sleep modes |
| Slope Resistance | 0.4 Ω typical, minimizing load-induced voltage shift under varying current |
| Transient Stability | Stable in <10 µs, supporting fast-sampling data acquisition systems |
| Noise (10 Hz–10 kHz) | 105 µVrms, suitable for 12-bit+ precision measurement front-ends |
| Operating Current Range | 25 µA to 5 mA, covering both standby and active measurement phases |
Pinout & Package
E-Line 3-pin through-hole package (suffix R), with Pin 3 floating or connected to Pin 1 per datasheet revision. Compact footprint compatible with legacy TO-92 layouts while supporting higher power dissipation (500 mW at 25°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Anode) | Input / Cathode connection point | Accepts input voltage ≥5.5 V; reverse-biased configuration enables Zener-like reference operation |
| Pin 2 (Cathode) | Reference Output | Delivers regulated 5.0 V; low-impedance node for direct connection to ADC REF or op-amp feedback |
| Pin 3 (NC or Anode Tie) | No-connect or Anode tie | Internally floating; may be bonded to Pin 1 to reduce thermal resistance or improve layout symmetry |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external capacitor required | Enables space-constrained PCB designs without stability-compromising bypass components |
| Low knee current (19 µA typ) | Permits operation in microcontroller deep-sleep states with minimal wake-up latency |
| Stable with capacitive loads | Supports direct driving of sample-and-hold capacitors or ADC input filters without oscillation |
| Transient response <10 µs | Meets timing requirements for multiplexed multi-channel data loggers switching references |
| Rugged 20 V process | Withstands ESD and line transients common in industrial fieldbus interfaces |
Applications
| Portable Multimeter Front-End | Battery Management System Reference |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-impedance DC voltage measurement in handheld multimeters with auto-ranging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 5.0 V reference for 16-bit sigma-delta ADC and analog front-end gain calibration. Use Value: ±3% initial tolerance and 30 ppm/°C TC ensure <±0.1% full-scale error across operating temperature. | Use Scenario: Cell voltage monitoring in 3S Li-ion packs with MCU-based protection logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable reference for ADC channel measuring individual cell voltages during charge/discharge cycles. Use Value: 19 µA knee current allows continuous monitoring during sleep mode without compromising battery life. |
| Industrial Process Transmitter | Smart Energy Meter Calibration |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitting temperature/pressure via HART protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference for DAC generating loop current and for internal diagnostics ADC. Use Value: 0.4 Ω slope resistance minimizes current-source error under varying loop load conditions. | Use Scenario: Revenue-grade kWh meter requiring metrology-grade voltage reference traceability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary reference for polyphase energy measurement ASIC ADC inputs. Use Value: 105 µVrms noise floor supports >95 dB SNR in 10 kHz bandwidth measurements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431ACDR | Adjustable 2.5 V reference (requires external resistors), 50 ppm/°C max TC, 0.22 Ω typical output impedance | Requires resistor network for 5 V setup; higher TC limits high-temp accuracy | Choose when adjustable output or tighter output impedance is prioritized over fixed 5 V simplicity |
| REF5050AIDR | 5.0 V, 3 ppm/°C max TC, 10 µVp-p noise, but requires 800 µA min current and external capacitor | Higher precision at cost of board area, power, and complexity | Choose for metrology-grade systems where 3 ppm/°C stability outweighs size and current constraints |
Compared with TL431ACDR and REF5050AIDR, the ZRC500A03 offers fixed 5 V output with no external components, ultra-low knee current, and industrial temp range-all in a through-hole E-Line package-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and battery-aware designs where ±3% tolerance is acceptable.
Availability
ZRC500A03 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery management systems, industrial transmitters, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply with long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for ZRC500A03 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 industrial, computing, consumer, and communications markets.
The ZRC500 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-stability applications in portable and industrial measurement equipment where simplicity, reliability, and small footprint are critical.
FAQ
Is ZRC500A03 stable without an external capacitor?
Yes. The ZRC500A03 uses an internally compensated bandgap design and is specified to operate stably without any external capacitor, even with capacitive loads up to 10 nF. This eliminates layout sensitivity and reduces BOM count in space-constrained designs.
What is the maximum safe operating current for continuous use?
The recommended continuous operating current is 5 mA, with absolute maximum ratings of 25 mA forward/reverse current. While transient surges up to 200 mA are survivable due to rugged processing, sustained operation above 5 mA exceeds thermal design limits and risks long-term drift or failure.
Can ZRC500A03 drive a 10 kΩ load directly?
Yes. At 5 mA load, the output voltage deviation is limited by its 0.4 Ω typical slope resistance-resulting in only ~2 mV drop. For a 10 kΩ load drawing 0.5 mA, the drop is negligible (<0.2 mV), confirming suitability for direct ADC reference or op-amp biasing without buffering.
How does the E-Line 3-pin package differ from TO-92?
The E-Line 3-pin (suffix R) uses the same outline as TO-92 but features a modified leadframe with Pin 3 electrically isolated (or optionally tied to Pin 1). This improves thermal performance and layout flexibility versus standard TO-92, while maintaining compatibility with existing through-hole assembly processes.
ZRC500A03 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):
- 5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 5 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±3%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 90ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 105µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 25 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- E-Line (TO-92 compatible)
ZRC500A03 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZRC500A03 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC500A03 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 ZRC500A03 reliable?
The price and inventory of ZRC500A03 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC500A03 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC500A03?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC500A03 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZRC500A03?
ZRC500A03 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZRC500A03 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 ZRC500A03?
For technical support, including ZRC500A03 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC500A03 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC500A03 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZRC500A03 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 ZRC500A03 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC500A03?
All ZRC500A03 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC500A03, 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 ZRC500A03 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZRC500A03:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
ZRC500A03 Tags
-
TL431AIDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
TL431BQDBZR
Texas Instruments

-
AN431AN-ATRG1
Diodes Incorporated

-
LM4040CYM3-2.5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
LM4040CYM3-4.1-TR
Microchip Technology
-
LM4040EIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LBNTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
-
LM4040D20IDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
LM4041DIM3-ADJ/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3X-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LANTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
LDO regulator guide covering low dropout voltage, power dissipation, thermal design, PSRR, output noise, capacitor stability, adjustable LDO circuits, LDO vs buck converter and datasheet selection chec…
Conditional Access Module guide covering CAM meaning, CI/CI+ interface, smart card authorization, DVB security workflow, TV and set-top box compatibility, internal electronics, ESD protection, connecto…
Guide to electronic component obsolescence covering EOL risk, PCN/PDN notices, last-time buy planning, replacement options, form-fit-function validation, counterfeit risk and BOM lifecycle management.
18650 battery guide covering lithium-ion cell basics, 3.6V/3.7V voltage, 4.2V charging, mAh and Wh capacity, protected cells, chargers, BMS, series-parallel packs, holders, welding and sourcing checks.…
Hall effect sensor guide covering working principle, linear and digital sensors, Arduino circuits, current sensing, speed detection, automotive applications, A3144 examples, signal filtering and datash…
Product Change Notification guide for electronic components, covering PCN meaning, PCN vs PDN/EOL, common change types, risk levels, form-fit-function review, engineering validation, BOM control, LTB/L…
A practical guide to blend door actuators, covering HVAC function, symptoms, location, AC and heater issues, reset and calibration, replacement cost, electrical diagnosis, compatibility checks, and rep…

,TO-226_straightlead.jpg)