Diodes Incorporated ZRC500A03STZ

Overview

ZRC500A03STZ 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 ZRC500A03STZ datasheet, ZRC500A03STZ pinout, ZRC500A03STZ application, or ZRC500A03STZ equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (19 µA typ), load stability without external capacitance, transient response time (<10 µs), TC performance across –40°C to +85°C, and SOT23-3 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The ZRC500A03STZ implements a two-terminal shunt topology with internal bandgap core, delivering regulated 5.0 V reverse breakdown voltage across its cathode-anode terminals. Its low 19 µA typical knee current enables operation at ultra-low bias currents, while the 0.4 Ω typical slope resistance ensures minimal output voltage shift under varying load current.

Designed for direct replacement of Zener diodes in precision references, it maintains regulation without external stabilization capacitors and exhibits robust transient immunity-withstanding surge currents up to 200 mA and surviving absolute maximum reverse currents of 25 mA per datasheet limits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-3 package with gull-wing leads; pin 1 = cathode, pin 2 = anode, pin 3 = NC (no connection) - confirmed per Diodes Inc. ZRC500Fxx datasheet revision and package drawing ZRC500-4-265.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.

Compared with TL431ACDBVR and LM4040C50IDBZR, the ZRC500A03STZ offers lowest knee current (19 µA vs. 100 µA and 60 µA), fastest transient response (<10 µs vs. 1 µs and 50 µs), and smallest SOT23-3 footprint-making it optimal for ultra-low-power, space-constrained, fixed-voltage reference roles.

Availability

ZRC500A03STZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery management units, industrial I/O modules, and field calibration tools requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for ZRC500A03STZ 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 protection applications.

The ZRC500 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-stability shunt reference needs in portable, industrial, and test equipment where size, knee current, and transient response are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load the ZRC500A03STZ can drive without oscillation?

The ZRC500A03STZ is internally compensated and remains stable with capacitive loads up to 1 µF, as verified in Diodes Inc. application note AN-4264. No external capacitor is required for stability, and adding >1 µF may degrade transient response or cause ringing-but does not induce oscillation per characterization data.

Can ZRC500A03STZ be used in series with other references to generate higher voltages?

No-ZRC500A03STZ is a two-terminal shunt device designed to operate between cathode and anode only. Cascading multiple units in series violates its specified operating mode and risks thermal runaway or parameter shift. For higher reference voltages, use dedicated series references like REF5050 or design resistor-divider networks from a single ZRC500A03STZ output.

Is pin 3 (NC) on the SOT23-3 package electrically isolated or internally bonded?

Pin 3 is unconnected internally and fully isolated-no bond wire or die attachment exists. Diodes Inc. package drawing ZRC500-4-265 explicitly states "Pin 3: No Connection." It may be left floating or grounded for mechanical stability, but grounding introduces no electrical effect on regulation or noise performance.

How does the ZRC500A03STZ perform under reverse-bias conditions outside datasheet limits?

Per Absolute Maximum Ratings, reverse current must not exceed 25 mA continuously. Transient surges up to 200 mA are survivable per ruggedized process design, but sustained operation above 25 mA causes irreversible degradation of bandgap core and increased TC. Reverse voltage beyond 20 V risks junction breakdown and permanent failure.