Diodes Incorporated ZXRE160ET5TA

Overview

ZXRE160ET5TA from Diodes Incorporated is a 5-terminal adjustable precision shunt regulator with 0.6V feedback reference voltage, ±1% initial tolerance at +25°C, and operation from −40°C to +125°C. It features an open-collector output (0.2V–18V), separate IN/OUT pins enabling low-dropout linear regulator topologies, and supports isolated DC-DC converter feedback via optocoupler interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the ZXRE160ET5TA datasheet, ZXRE160ET5TA pinout, ZXRE160ET5TA application, or ZXRE160ET5TA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.6V FB threshold for sub-1V core rail regulation, thermal drift <12mV over −40°C to +125°C, and TSOT25 package compatibility with high-density POL layouts.

Technical Context

The ZXRE160ET5TA implements a precision bandgap reference (0.6V nominal) driving a high-gain transconductance amplifier (5000 mA/V) that controls an open-collector NPN output stage. Its dual-ground architecture-separate PGND (power ground) and GND (analog ground)-isolates power path noise from reference stability.

It operates in two primary modes: shunt regulation (FB senses output voltage divider; OUT sinks current to maintain V_FB = 0.6V) and comparator mode (threshold detection with hysteresis added externally). Input voltage range is 2.2V–18V (−40°C to 0°C) or 2V–18V (0°C to +125°C), supporting auxiliary-rail biasing independent of master rail voltage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ZXRE160ET5TA is housed in a 5-pin TSOT25 package (JEDEC MO-257), with exposed flag electrically connected to GND for thermal enhancement and EMI reduction. Pin 1 = PGND, Pin 2 = N/C, Pin 3 = OUT, Pin 4 = FB, Pin 5 = GND, Pin 6 = IN - note: Pin 2 is no-connect and must remain unconnected; exposed flag is internal thermal pad tied to GND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLVH431AIDBVR and ZXRE100LFT1, ZXRE160ET5TA uniquely supports 0.6V regulation with dual-ground architecture and 15mA drive - critical for isolated, low-voltage, high-precision POL converters where reference accuracy and noise rejection are design-critical.

Availability

ZXRE160ET5TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for isolated DC-DC converters, sub-1V core voltage regulation, and low-voltage supply monitoring requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and computing applications.

Supply support for ZXRE160ET5TA 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 ICs, specializing in high-performance, high-reliability components for power management, signal integrity, and protection applications.

ZXRE160ET5TA belongs to Diodes' precision shunt regulator product line, engineered specifically for next-generation low-voltage point-of-load regulation, isolated feedback, and high-accuracy voltage monitoring in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for ZXRE160ET5TA to operate across its full temperature range?

The ZXRE160ET5TA requires a minimum input voltage of 2.2V over the −40°C to 0°C range and 2.0V from 0°C to +125°C. This allows reliable startup and regulation in low-input auxiliary rails common in multi-rail power systems, including those powering isolated feedback circuits where VIN may be derived from a winding with limited headroom.

Can ZXRE160ET5TA be used without an external compensation capacitor in shunt regulator mode?

No - a compensation capacitor (C2) between OUT and GND is mandatory for closed-loop stability in shunt regulator mode. Recommended values range from 0.1µF to 10µF depending on resistor divider values and load dynamics; the minimum value is calculated as C2 ≥ (R1 + R2) × R3 / 1000 µF (with R in kΩ), per Diodes AN58 design guidelines.

How does the dual-ground (PGND/GND) architecture improve performance in noisy systems?

The separation of PGND (for output transistor emitter return) and GND (for reference and amplifier ground) prevents switching noise from high-current OUT transitions from coupling into the precision reference path. This preserves <12mV total temperature drift and >45dB PSRR by eliminating ground-bounce-induced reference errors - especially critical in shared PCB ground planes with switching regulators.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the TSOT25 package electrically connected, and how should it be handled in layout?

Yes - the exposed flag on ZXRE160ET5TA's TSOT25 package is internally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a dedicated GND copper pour with multiple thermal vias to inner-layer ground planes. This improves thermal resistance by ~30% (vs. no pad connection) and reduces EMI susceptibility by lowering high-frequency impedance of the GND path.