VLZ20C-GS18 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLZ20C-GS18 is a Zener diode rated at 19.73 V, 500 mW, manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component is classified as obsolete, though 872 pieces remain in current inventory. The part is qualified to AEC-Q101 automotive standards and is housed in a SOD-80 QuadroMELF surface mount package. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent substitute parts are necessary for new designs and long-term supply chain continuity.

Substiute Parts

VLZ20C-GS18

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 925VLZ20C-GS18 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TLZ20C-GS18

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1135TLZ20C-GS18 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N4114UR-1

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 7941N4114UR-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

1N5540BUR-1

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 8281N5540BUR-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the VLZ20C-GS18 is determined by the following critical parameters: nominal Zener voltage, maximum power dissipation, operating temperature range, mounting type, and regulatory compliance. The substitute parts identified are grouped into two categories based on these criteria.

Category 1: Direct Vishay Equivalent The TLZ20C-GS18 shares the same manufacturer (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division), identical power rating (500 mW), matching operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C), and surface mount configuration. The nominal Zener voltage is 20 V, representing a 0.27 V deviation from the main part. This part is active and available in Tape & Reel packaging.

Category 2: Microchip Technology Alternatives The 1N4114UR-1 and 1N5540BUR-1 are Microchip Technology Zener diodes with 20 V nominal Zener voltage and 500 mW power rating. Both operate across the same temperature range (-65°C to 175°C) and are surface mount devices. These parts are active and available. The 1N4114UR-1 uses DO-213AA (Glass) packaging, while the 1N5540BUR-1 uses DO-213AA packaging. Both differ from the original SOD-80 package format.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Automotive Applications with AEC-Q101 Requirement: The TLZ20C-GS18 is the primary substitute for the VLZ20C-GS18. Both parts are manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor, share identical electrical specifications (500 mW power rating, 28 Ohms impedance, -65°C to 175°C operating range), and maintain ROHS3 compliance. The TLZ20C-GS18 is active and available in higher inventory (1100 pieces). The nominal Zener voltage difference of 0.27 V (20 V versus 19.73 V) falls within acceptable circuit tolerance for most applications. Package format differs (SOD-80 MiniMELF versus SOD-80 QuadroMELF), requiring PCB layout verification.

For Non-Automotive Applications or RoHS Compliance Priority: The 1N4114UR-1 (Microchip Technology) is suitable for applications where AEC-Q101 qualification is not required. This part maintains ROHS3 compliance, operates across the same temperature range, and delivers 500 mW power dissipation. The impedance specification is higher (150 Ohms versus 28 Ohms), and reverse leakage current is significantly lower (10 nA versus 40 µA). The DO-213AA (Glass) package differs from the original SOD-80 format and requires PCB redesign.

For General-Purpose Applications: The 1N5540BUR-1 (Microchip Technology) provides an alternative with 500 mW power rating and matching operating temperature range. This part exhibits lower impedance (100 Ohms) compared to the 1N4114UR-1 and reduced reverse leakage current (10 nA). However, this part is RoHS non-compliant and uses DO-213AA packaging, requiring PCB layout modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TLZ20C-GS18 directly replace the VLZ20C-GS18 in automotive circuits? A: The TLZ20C-GS18 is electrically compatible for most automotive applications. Both parts share identical power ratings (500 mW), impedance specifications (28 Ohms), and operating temperature ranges (-65°C to 175°C). The nominal Zener voltage difference of 0.27 V (20 V versus 19.73 V) is typically acceptable in circuit design. However, PCB layout modification is required due to package format differences (SOD-80 MiniMELF versus SOD-80 QuadroMELF).

Q: What is the primary difference between the Vishay and Microchip substitute options? A: The Vishay TLZ20C-GS18 maintains the same impedance specification (28 Ohms) and manufacturer as the original part, with only package format and product status differences. The Microchip alternatives (1N4114UR-1 and 1N5540BUR-1) feature higher impedance values (150 Ohms and 100 Ohms respectively), significantly lower reverse leakage current (10 nA versus 40 µA), and different package formats (DO-213AA). Microchip parts are suitable for non-automotive applications.

Q: Are the Microchip alternatives suitable for automotive applications? A: The 1N4114UR-1 is suitable for non-automotive applications and maintains ROHS3 compliance. The 1N5540BUR-1 is also non-automotive and is RoHS non-compliant. Neither part carries AEC-Q101 qualification. For automotive circuits requiring AEC-Q101 certification, the TLZ20C-GS18 is the appropriate substitute.

Q: What packaging considerations apply when substituting these parts? A: The VLZ20C-GS18 uses SOD-80 QuadroMELF packaging. The TLZ20C-GS18 uses SOD-80 MiniMELF packaging, which differs in physical dimensions and footprint. The Microchip alternatives use DO-213AA packaging, which is substantially different. PCB layout and footprint verification is required for all substitutions. Tape & Reel packaging availability differs between parts.

Q: How do the electrical specifications compare across all options? A: All parts maintain 500 mW power dissipation and -65°C to 175°C operating temperature ranges. Nominal Zener voltage is 19.73 V (main part) versus 20 V (all substitutes). Impedance ranges from 28 Ohms (Vishay parts) to 100-150 Ohms (Microchip parts). Reverse leakage current varies significantly: 40 µA (main part) versus 40 nA (TLZ20C-GS18) and 10 nA (Microchip parts). Forward voltage at 200 mA is 1.5 V (Vishay parts) versus 1.1 V (Microchip parts).

Q: What is the inventory status for each substitute? A: The VLZ20C-GS18 (main part, obsolete) has 872 pieces in stock. The TLZ20C-GS18 (active) has 1100 pieces available. The 1N4114UR-1 (active) has 736 pieces in stock. The 1N5540BUR-1 (active) has 818 pieces available. All substitutes maintain adequate inventory for procurement.