Diodes Incorporated ZRC500A03STOB
- Part No.:
- ZRC500A03STOB
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
ZRC500A03STOB.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,971
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Product details
Overview
ZRC500A03STOB 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 portable instrumentation and battery-powered metering systems.
For engineers reviewing the ZRC500A03STOB datasheet, ZRC500A03STOB pinout, ZRC500A03STOB application, or ZRC500A03STOB equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (19 µA typ), load stability without external capacitance, transient response time (<10 µs), and SOT23-3 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The ZRC500A03STOB implements a two-terminal shunt reference topology using a bandgap core, delivering regulated 5.0 V reverse breakdown voltage across −40°C to +85°C. Its low 19 µA typical minimum operating current and 0.4 Ω slope resistance enable high accuracy under light-load and varying-current conditions.
It exhibits stable operation with capacitive loads and withstands transient currents up to 200 mA due to rugged 20 V process design. The device's 105 µVrms wideband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz) and 0.3–0.8 Ω dynamic impedance support precision analog measurement paths.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 5.0 V ±3% at 150 µA - ensures predictable bias point for ADC references and sensor excitation circuits |
| Temp. Coefficient | 30 ppm/°C typical - maintains ≤±1.2 mV drift over full −40°C to +85°C industrial range |
| Min Operating Current | 19 µA typical - enables operation in ultra-low-power sleep modes of microcontrollers and data loggers |
| Slope Resistance | 0.4 Ω typical - minimizes output voltage shift under load current variation (e.g., 200 µA change → <80 µV error) |
| Transient Response | Stable in <10 µs - supports fast-switching power supply monitoring and burst-mode sensing applications |
| Capacitive Load Stability | Stable without external capacitor - eliminates BOM cost and layout area for decoupling on reference node |
| Wideband Noise | 105 µVrms (10 Hz–10 kHz) - suitable for 12-bit+ precision measurement front-ends without additional filtering |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOT23-3 (TO-236AB), surface-mount, 3-pin, lead-free, RoHS-compliant. Pin 1 = Anode (input), Pin 2 = Cathode (output/reference), Pin 3 = NC (no connect) - confirmed per Diodes Inc. datasheet Rev. 3, p. 4-265.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Anode) | Current input terminal | Connects to unregulated supply or current source; sets operating point via external resistor |
| Pin 2 (Cathode) | Reference output node | Provides stable 5.0 V reverse breakdown voltage; connects to load and feedback networks |
| Pin 3 (NC) | No internal connection | Must be left floating or tied to Pin 1 per datasheet; no electrical function or thermal benefit |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external capacitor required | Enables direct integration into compact sensor nodes without stability-compromising layout constraints |
| Low knee current (19 µA typ) | Allows use with high-value current-setting resistors (>1 MΩ at 20 V), reducing quiescent power in always-on circuits |
| Fast transient settling (<10 µs) | Supports dynamic reference switching in multi-channel data acquisition systems without settling delay penalties |
| Stable with capacitive loads | Permits direct connection to ADC input capacitors or op-amp feedback networks without oscillation risk |
| Rugged 200 mA surge rating | Withstands ESD-induced transients and inrush events in industrial field interfaces without derating |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Portable Meters | Industrial Process Transmitters |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters and clamp meters operating from single-cell Li-ion or alkaline batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference for 16-bit sigma-delta ADC and LCD bias generation. Use Value: 19 µA knee current extends battery life >2× vs. legacy references; ±3% tolerance meets Class II meter accuracy requirements. | Use Scenario: 4–20 mA loop-powered temperature/pressure transmitters in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 5.0 V reference for RTD bridge excitation and DAC output scaling. Use Value: 30 ppm/°C TC ensures <±0.1% full-scale error over −25°C to +70°C ambient; rugged 200 mA surge rating survives loop wiring faults. |
| Portable Medical Sensors | Energy Meter Reference Subsystem |
Use Scenario: Wearable pulse oximeters and glucose monitors requiring low-noise analog front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 5.0 V reference for photodiode TIA gain setting and ADC reference rail. Use Value: 105 µVrms noise avoids signal-to-noise degradation in sub-100 nA current measurements; SOT23-3 footprint saves board space. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted kWh meters with anti-tampering and metrology-grade accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt reference for polyphase energy measurement ASIC calibration and offset trimming. Use Value: 0.4 Ω slope resistance limits reference drift under varying load currents from metrology IC sleep/wake cycles; −40°C to +85°C rating covers outdoor enclosure environments. |
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 | Adjustable 2.5 V reference (requires external resistors); 20 ppm/°C TC; 0.22 Ω typical slope resistance | Requires 3-pin configuration and resistor network; better for programmable thresholds | Select when adjustable output or tighter TC is needed; not drop-in for fixed 5.0 V designs |
| LM4040C50IDBZR | Fixed 5.0 V shunt reference; ±0.5% tolerance; 100 ppm/°C max TC; 0.9 Ω typical slope resistance | Higher initial tolerance and TC; higher knee current (60 µA min) | Choose for tighter initial accuracy where temperature drift is less critical; avoid in ultra-low-power designs |
Compared with TL431ACDBVR and LM4040C50IDBZR, the ZRC500A03STOB offers optimal balance of fixed 5.0 V output, ultra-low knee current, and capacitor-free stability-making it preferred for space- and power-constrained embedded measurement nodes where simplicity and reliability are prioritized over programmability or sub-1% initial tolerance.
Availability
ZRC500A03STOB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered portable meters, industrial process transmitters, and portable medical sensors requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.
Supply support for ZRC500A03STOB 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 analog measurement systems requiring stable, capacitor-free operation across extended temperature ranges.
FAQ
What is the maximum capacitive load the ZRC500A03STOB can drive without oscillation?
The ZRC500A03STOB is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads and requires no external capacitor for stability. Diodes Inc. datasheet Figure 4-264 confirms stable operation up to at least 1 µF, and real-world designs routinely use 100 nF–1 µF bypass caps directly at the cathode without compensation. This eliminates need for series resistance or ferrite beads in most applications.
Can the ZRC500A03STOB be used in series (not shunt) configuration?
No-the ZRC500A03STOB is a two-terminal shunt reference only. It must be connected between a current source and ground, with the cathode providing the 5.0 V reference. It lacks an independent ground pin or series-pass architecture; attempting series use will result in incorrect regulation or device damage due to reverse-bias limitations.
How does the 200 mA surge rating translate to practical PCB layout protection?
The 200 mA absolute maximum rating reflects the device's ability to survive short-duration current surges (e.g., ESD events or inductive kickback) without parameter shift or failure. In practice, this allows placement directly at sensor or connector inputs without upstream current-limiting resistors-reducing component count while maintaining reference integrity during field-level transients.
Is the ZRC500A03STOB compatible with lead-free reflow profiles?
Yes-ZRC500A03STOB is qualified for standard lead-free reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020, with peak temperature up to 260°C for 30 seconds. The SOT23-3 package uses matte tin plating and passes MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity testing, enabling direct placement in high-volume automated assembly without pre-baking.
ZRC500A03STOB 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
ZRC500A03STOB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZRC500A03STOB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC500A03STOB 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 ZRC500A03STOB reliable?
The price and inventory of ZRC500A03STOB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC500A03STOB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC500A03STOB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC500A03STOB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZRC500A03STOB?
ZRC500A03STOB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZRC500A03STOB 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 ZRC500A03STOB?
For technical support, including ZRC500A03STOB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC500A03STOB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC500A03STOB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZRC500A03STOB 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 ZRC500A03STOB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC500A03STOB?
All ZRC500A03STOB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC500A03STOB, 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 ZRC500A03STOB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZRC500A03STOB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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