Diodes Incorporated ZRC500A03STOA
- Part No.:
- ZRC500A03STOA
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
ZRC500A03STOA.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,693
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Product details
Overview
ZRC500A03STOA 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. It operates from 25 µA to 5 mA, requires no external capacitor, and achieves stable output in <10 µs-ideal for low-power battery-operated instrumentation and portable metering systems.
For engineers reviewing the ZRC500A03STOA datasheet, ZRC500A03STOA pinout, ZRC500A03STOA application, or ZRC500A03STOA equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (19 µA typ), load stability without capacitance, transient response under 10 µs, TC performance across –40°C to +85°C, and SOT23-3 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The ZRC500A03STOA implements a two-terminal shunt reference topology using a bandgap-derived core, delivering regulated 5.0 V reverse breakdown voltage at currents from 19 µA to 25 mA. Its low 0.4 Ω dynamic impedance and 105 µVrms wideband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz) support high-accuracy analog signal conditioning.
It exhibits monotonic temperature drift (±30 ppm/°C typ) over –40°C to +85°C, with guaranteed stability into capacitive loads and immunity to transients up to 200 mA peak. The device's 10 µs settling time enables use in fast-cycling ADC biasing and power-supply monitor circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 5.0 V ±3% at 150 µA - defines absolute accuracy of reference for 12-bit+ ADC calibration |
| Temp Coefficient | 30 ppm/°C typ - ensures ≤1.5 mV drift over full industrial temperature range |
| Knee Current | 19 µA typ - enables operation in ultra-low-power sleep modes without dropout |
| Slope Resistance | 0.4 Ω typ - minimizes load-induced voltage shift under varying current draw |
| Transient Response | <10 µs to settle - supports rapid power-up sequencing in portable devices |
| Noise (10Hz–10kHz) | 105 µVrms - preserves SNR in precision sensor front-ends and DAC references |
| Operating Current Range | 25 µA to 5 mA - covers standby monitoring and active measurement phases |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOT23-3 (suffix 'F'), lead-free, RoHS-compliant surface-mount package with thermal pad omitted. Pin 1 = Anode (input), Pin 2 = Cathode (output/reference), Pin 3 = NC (no connect, internally floating per datasheet).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Anode) | Current input terminal | Accepts regulated current from series resistor; must be biased above 5.0 V to activate reference |
| Pin 2 (Cathode) | Reference output node | Provides stable 5.0 V sink point; connects to load and feedback networks |
| Pin 3 (NC) | No internal connection | Electrically isolated; may be left unconnected or grounded for mechanical stability only |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external capacitor required | Enables direct integration into compact PCB layouts without stability-compromising bypass components |
| Low knee current (19 µA) | Permits use with high-value bias resistors in energy-harvesting and coin-cell applications |
| Stable into capacitive loads | Eliminates need for isolation resistors when driving ADC sample-and-hold or op-amp inputs |
| Fast 10 µs transient response | Supports burst-mode sensing and wake-on-event architectures without reference settling delay |
| Rugged 200 mA surge rating | Withstands ESD and inductive kickback in industrial I/O modules without external protection |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Multimeters | Portable Gas Detectors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter requiring stable 5.0 V reference for 16-bit sigma-delta ADC during 100 ms auto-ranging cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt voltage reference providing ratiometric excitation and ADC reference simultaneously. Use Value: 30 ppm/°C TC and 105 µV noise ensure <0.01% measurement linearity across –10°C to +50°C ambient. | Use Scenario: Low-power electrochemical gas sensor node operating on CR2032 battery with 10-year shelf life target. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision bias source for transimpedance amplifier and ADC reference in analog front-end. Use Value: 19 µA knee current allows continuous sensor biasing while drawing <1 µA average system current in sleep mode. |
| Industrial Panel Meters | Smart Electricity Meters |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted 4–20 mA loop-powered panel meter with local display and RS-485 interface. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for isolated analog input channel and microcontroller VREF. Use Value: Stable 5.0 V output under 5 mA load and 85°C ambient enables consistent 12-bit conversion accuracy without derating. | Use Scenario: Class 0.5 electricity meter requiring metrology-grade reference for polyphase energy measurement ASIC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary reference for calibration offset correction and tamper-detection comparator thresholds. Use Value: 0.4 Ω slope resistance prevents >0.2 mV error under 500 µA load variation from internal metrology circuit switching. |
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 | 2.5 V nominal, adjustable via resistive divider; 20 ppm/°C max TC; requires external resistor network | Used where programmable reference or higher output flexibility is needed | Select if system already uses TL431-based feedback and 2.5 V base reference suffices |
| LM4040CIM3-5.0 | 5.0 V fixed, ±0.5% initial tolerance; 100 ppm/°C max TC; 75 µVrms noise; 60 µA knee current | Preferred where tighter initial accuracy outweighs higher knee current and slower transient response | Choose when calibration budget allows tighter initial tolerance but board space permits larger bias resistor |
Compared with TL431ACDBVR and LM4040CIM3-5.0, the ZRC500A03STOA offers superior low-current operation (19 µA vs. ≥60 µA), faster settling (<10 µs vs. ≥50 µs), and lower dynamic impedance (0.4 Ω vs. ≥0.8 Ω), making it optimal for space- and power-constrained portable instrumentation.
Availability
ZRC500A03STOA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered test equipment, portable instrumentation, and industrial metering systems requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.
Supply support for ZRC500A03STOA 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 ZRC500 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, space-constrained applications demanding stable 5.0 V references without external compensation.
FAQ
Is ZRC500A03STOA a three-terminal or two-terminal device?
ZRC500A03STOA is a two-terminal shunt voltage reference: Pin 1 (anode) and Pin 2 (cathode) form the functional terminals. Pin 3 is internally unconnected and serves only mechanical anchoring-no electrical function. Operation requires external current limiting via a series resistor.
Can ZRC500A03STOA drive a 10 nF capacitive load directly?
Yes-the ZRC500A03STOA is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads and requires no external stabilization capacitor. Datasheet testing confirms stability into ≥10 nF loads, enabling direct connection to ADC sample-and-hold inputs and op-amp reference pins without isolation resistors.
What is the maximum safe operating current for continuous use?
The absolute maximum continuous operating current is 25 mA per datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings. However, recommended operation is 25 µA to 5 mA. At 5 mA, power dissipation in SOT23-3 is ~25 mW-well below the 330 mW rating-ensuring reliable long-term operation at 85°C ambient.
Does ZRC500A03STOA support operation below –40°C?
No-ZRC500A03STOA is specified for industrial temperature range only: –40°C to +85°C. Electrical characteristics including TC, VR, and knee current are guaranteed only within this range. Operation below –40°C is outside specification and may result in increased drift or failure to regulate.
ZRC500A03STOA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- TO-92
ZRC500A03STOA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZRC500A03STOA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC500A03STOA 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 ZRC500A03STOA reliable?
The price and inventory of ZRC500A03STOA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC500A03STOA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC500A03STOA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC500A03STOA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZRC500A03STOA?
ZRC500A03STOA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZRC500A03STOA 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 ZRC500A03STOA?
For technical support, including ZRC500A03STOA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC500A03STOA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC500A03STOA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZRC500A03STOA 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 ZRC500A03STOA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC500A03STOA?
All ZRC500A03STOA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC500A03STOA, 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 ZRC500A03STOA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZRC500A03STOA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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