Diodes Incorporated ZXRE160AFT4-7

Overview

ZXRE160AFT4-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a 5-terminal adjustable precision shunt regulator with 0.6 V feedback reference voltage, ±0.5% initial tolerance at +25°C, -40°C to +125°C operating range, 0.2 V to 18 V open-collector output capability, and DFN1520-6 (X2-DFN1520-6) package. It enables low-voltage point-of-load regulation down to 0.6 V in isolated DC-DC converters and microprocessor core supply designs.

For engineers reviewing the ZXRE160AFT4-7 datasheet, ZXRE160AFT4-7 pinout, ZXRE160AFT4-7 application, or ZXRE160AFT4-7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its sub-1V reference accuracy, separate IN/OUT pins enabling LDO-like operation, thermal stability over automotive temperature range, and compatibility with opto-coupled feedback loops in isolated power supplies.

Technical Context

The ZXRE160AFT4-7 implements a high-accuracy bandgap-based reference amplifier driving an open-collector NPN output stage, with independent IN and OUT pins allowing biasing from auxiliary rails while regulating higher or lower master rails. Its FB pin compares against a trimmed 0.6 V internal reference with <12 mV total drift over -40°C to +125°C.

It operates as a shunt regulator by sinking up to 15 mA when FB exceeds 0.6 V, supporting both comparator-mode monitoring and closed-loop voltage regulation. The device achieves >45 dB PSRR at 300 kHz and features dynamic output impedance of 0.25–0.6 Ω across temperature, enabling stable control of low-impedance POL outputs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: X2-DFN1520-6 (1.5 mm × 2.0 mm, 0.4 mm height, exposed thermal flag). Pin assignments are validated per DS35688 Rev. 2–2, Figure 1 (top view).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable shunt regulator applications.

Compared with TLC1451CDR and TL431CDBVR, the ZXRE160AFT4-7 uniquely supports sub-1V regulation, separate biasing, and automotive temperature range - making it the only viable option for next-generation low-voltage isolated POL systems.

Availability

ZXRE160AFT4-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for isolated DC-DC converters, microprocessor core POL regulators, low-voltage LDO controllers, and supply monitor circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for ZXRE160AFT4-7 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 power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and automotive markets.

The ZXRE160 product line delivers enhanced precision shunt regulation for next-generation low-voltage power systems, specifically engineered to replace legacy references in isolated and ultra-low-dropout applications demanding <1V regulation accuracy.

FAQ

What is the function of the N/C pin on ZXRE160AFT4-7?

Pin 2 is internally not connected and serves no electrical function. Diodes Incorporated's datasheet explicitly labels it "N/C" and recommends leaving it floating or connecting it to GND for mechanical stability and ESD mitigation. No current flows through this pin, and it must never be used as a signal or power path.

Can ZXRE160AFT4-7 regulate output voltages below 0.6 V?

No. The internal reference is fixed at 0.6 V nominal, and regulation occurs only when the FB pin voltage equals or exceeds that threshold. The minimum regulated output is therefore determined by the resistor divider ratio and cannot fall below 0.6 V. For sub-0.6 V regulation, a different architecture (e.g., dedicated low-V_REF IC or custom amplifier) is required.

How does the separate IN and OUT pin configuration improve design flexibility?

Separating IN and OUT allows the device to be powered from an auxiliary rail (e.g., 3.3 V standby supply) while regulating a higher or lower main rail (e.g., 1.2 V core or 5 V I/O), enabling true isolated feedback and low-dropout LDO operation. This eliminates dependency on the regulated rail for biasing and improves fault containment.

What is the maximum recommended output capacitor for stability in shunt regulator mode?

The datasheet specifies C2 compensation capacitor values ranging from 0.1 µF to 10 µF depending on application conditions. For most 0.6–1.2 V POL applications with standard output capacitors (e.g., 100 µF ceramic), a 2.2 µF X7R ceramic placed adjacent to the device provides optimal phase margin and transient response, as verified in Figure 2 gain/phase plots.