VLZ15C-GS18 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLZ15C-GS18 is a Zener diode rated at 14.72 V nominal with 500 mW power dissipation in a SOD-80 QuadroMELF surface mount package, manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component is classified as Obsolete, requiring identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production support. The part carries automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and operates across the temperature range of -65°C to 175°C.

Substiute Parts

VLZ15C-GS18

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 879VLZ15C-GS18 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TLZ15C-GS18

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1148TLZ15C-GS18 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N4109CUR-1

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 7581N4109CUR-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

1N4109UR-1

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 12261N4109UR-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

1N965BUR-1

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 7541N965BUR-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the VLZ15C-GS18 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Zener voltage nominal rating within acceptable circuit tolerance
• Power dissipation rating of 500 mW minimum
• Operating temperature range of -65°C to 175°C minimum
• Surface mount mounting type
• Impedance characteristics suitable for circuit application

Substitute Categories:

Category 1: Direct Vishay Equivalent The TLZ15C-GS18 maintains identical power rating (500 mW), impedance (16 Ohms), operating temperature range, and surface mount configuration. The nominal zener voltage differs at 15 V versus 14.72 V. This part is Active status and ROHS3 compliant.

Category 2: Microchip Technology Alternatives The 1N4109CUR-1, 1N4109UR-1, and 1N965BUR-1 all provide 15 V nominal zener voltage with 500 mW power rating and -65°C to 175°C operating range. These parts utilize DO-213AA packaging (surface mount) rather than SOD-80 QuadroMELF. Impedance values vary: 1N4109 series at 100 Ohms, 1N965B at 16 Ohms. All are Active status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Automotive Applications with AEC-Q101 Requirement: The TLZ15C-GS18 is the primary substitute, maintaining Vishay manufacturing continuity, ROHS3 compliance, and automotive-grade qualification. The 15 V nominal rating represents a 1.9% increase from the original 14.72 V specification. This part is Active status with 1131 units in stock.

For General Industrial Applications: The 1N4109CUR-1 provides ROHS3 compliance with ±2% tolerance specification and Active product status. The 100 Ohm impedance differs from the original 16 Ohm specification. This part is suitable where tighter voltage tolerance is required.

For Cost-Optimized Designs: The 1N4109UR-1 and 1N965BUR-1 offer Active status and lower cost positioning. The 1N4109UR-1 carries RoHS non-compliance status. The 1N965BUR-1 maintains 16 Ohm impedance matching the original part but exhibits higher reverse leakage current (500 nA versus 40 µA original specification).

Package Consideration: All Microchip alternatives utilize DO-213AA packaging, requiring PCB layout modification from the original SOD-80 QuadroMELF footprint. The TLZ15C-GS18 uses SOD-80 MiniMELF, also requiring footprint adjustment but maintaining Vishay ecosystem compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TLZ15C-GS18 directly replace the VLZ15C-GS18 in automotive applications? A: The TLZ15C-GS18 maintains AEC-Q101 qualification, ROHS3 compliance, and identical power/impedance ratings. The 15 V nominal zener voltage represents a 1.9% increase from 14.72 V. Circuit validation is required to confirm voltage tolerance acceptance.

Q: What is the primary difference between the Vishay and Microchip substitute options? A: The TLZ15C-GS18 maintains Vishay manufacturing and automotive qualification. Microchip alternatives (1N4109CUR-1, 1N4109UR-1, 1N965BUR-1) offer different impedance characteristics and require DO-213AA package footprint implementation instead of SOD-80.

Q: Does the 1N4109UR-1 RoHS non-compliance status affect substitution eligibility? A: RoHS compliance status is determined by application requirements and regional regulations. The 1N4109UR-1 is Active status with 1139 units in stock but does not meet ROHS3 compliance. Applications requiring RoHS compliance should select the 1N4109CUR-1 or TLZ15C-GS18.

Q: How do impedance differences affect circuit performance? A: Impedance values of 16 Ohms (VLZ15C-GS18, TLZ15C-GS18, 1N965BUR-1) versus 100 Ohms (1N4109CUR-1, 1N4109UR-1) impact transient response and noise filtering characteristics. Circuit analysis is required to determine acceptable impedance range for specific applications.

Q: What packaging modifications are required when substituting with Microchip parts? A: The original VLZ15C-GS18 uses SOD-80 QuadroMELF packaging. All Microchip alternatives use DO-213AA packaging, requiring PCB footprint redesign. The TLZ15C-GS18 uses SOD-80 MiniMELF, also requiring footprint modification but maintaining smaller form factor within the SOD-80 family.

Q: Are all substitute parts rated for the same operating temperature range? A: All substitute parts operate across -65°C to 175°C, matching the original VLZ15C-GS18 specification.

Q: What is the significance of the reverse leakage current differences? A: The original VLZ15C-GS18 specifies 40 µA reverse leakage at 13.6 V. The TLZ15C-GS18 reduces this to 40 nA, and Microchip parts specify 50 nA to 500 nA at different voltage points. Lower leakage current improves circuit efficiency and reduces standby power consumption.