ZRC250A02STZ Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ZRC250A02STZ is a shunt voltage reference IC manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, providing a fixed 2.5V output with ±2% tolerance in a TO-92 package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement. Shunt voltage references are critical components in precision analog circuits, power supply monitoring, and calibration applications where stable reference voltages are required across temperature ranges.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Reference Type	Shunt
Output Type	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed)	2.5V
Current - Output	5 mA
Tolerance	±2%
Temperature Coefficient	90ppm/°C
Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz	60µVrms
Current - Cathode	20 µA
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ZRC250A02STZ is determined by the following critical parameters:

Fixed Output Voltage: 2.5V (all substitutes must match this specification)
Reference Type: Shunt configuration (functional equivalence)
Package Compatibility: TO-92-3 form factor with through-hole mounting
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (full industrial range required)
Output Current Capability: Minimum 5 mA (ZRC250A02STZ specification)
Tolerance and Stability: Voltage tolerance and temperature coefficient determine precision class

Substitute parts are grouped into two functional categories based on tolerance specifications:

Category A - Enhanced Tolerance (±1.5%): LM285LPR-2-5, LM285LPRE3-2-5, LM285Z-2.5#TRPBF, LM285Z-2.5/LFT7, LM285Z-2.5RAG, LM385BLPR-2-5, LM385BZ-2.5/LFT7

Category B - Standard Tolerance (±3%): LM385LPR-2-5, LM385Z-2.5/LFT1, LM385Z-2.5/LFT2

All substitute parts maintain the 2.5V fixed output, TO-92-3 package, and through-hole mounting configuration. Output current capability ranges from 20 mA (all substitutes), exceeding the 5 mA requirement of the original part.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Tolerance	Temp Coeff	Operating Temp	Product Status	Package
ZRC250A02STZ	Diodes Incorporated	2.5V	5 mA	±2%	90ppm/°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Obsolete	TO-92-3
LM285LPR-2-5	Texas Instruments	2.5V	20 mA	±1.5%	20ppm/°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM285LPRE3-2-5	Texas Instruments	2.5V	20 mA	±1.5%	20ppm/°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM285Z-2.5#TRPBF	Analog Devices Inc.	2.5V	20 mA	±1.5%	20ppm/°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM285Z-2.5/LFT7	National Semiconductor	2.5V	20 mA	±1.5%	150ppm/°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM285Z-2.5RAG	onsemi	2.5V	20 mA	±1.5%	80ppm/°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM385BLPR-2-5	Texas Instruments	2.5V	20 mA	±1.5%	20ppm/°C	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM385BZ-2.5/LFT7	Texas Instruments	2.5V	20 mA	±1.5%	150ppm/°C	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM385LPR-2-5	Texas Instruments	2.5V	20 mA	±3%	20ppm/°C	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM385Z-2.5/LFT1	National Semiconductor	2.5V	20 mA	±3%	150ppm/°C	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	TO-92-3
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2	Texas Instruments	2.5V	20 mA	±3%	150ppm/°C	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	TO-92-3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Full Compatibility)

LM285LPR-2-5, LM285LPRE3-2-5, and LM285Z-2.5#TRPBF are the preferred substitutes. These parts maintain the full -40°C ~ 85°C operating temperature range of the original ZRC250A02STZ, provide superior tolerance (±1.5% vs ±2%), and are in active production status. All three are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting modern regulatory requirements. Texas Instruments and Analog Devices maintain consistent long-term availability for these devices.

Secondary Substitutes (Temperature-Limited)

LM385BLPR-2-5 and LM385BZ-2.5/LFT7 offer ±1.5% tolerance but operate only to 0°C ~ 70°C. These are suitable for applications not requiring the full -40°C lower temperature limit. LM385LPR-2-5, LM385Z-2.5/LFT1, and LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 provide ±3% tolerance with 0°C ~ 70°C range, acceptable for less stringent precision requirements.

Temperature Coefficient Considerations

LM285LPR-2-5, LM285LPRE3-2-5, and LM385BLPR-2-5 feature 20ppm/°C temperature coefficients, superior to the original 90ppm/°C specification. LM285Z-2.5/LFT7 and LM385BZ-2.5/LFT7 specify 150ppm/°C, representing a trade-off in thermal stability. LM285Z-2.5RAG provides 80ppm/°C, closely matching the original performance.

All substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, ensuring compliance with current environmental and safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace ZRC250A02STZ with any of these substitutes?

A: Direct replacement is possible for all listed substitutes in the TO-92-3 package. However, operating temperature range must be verified. If your application requires -40°C operation, use LM285 series parts. If limited to 0°C ~ 70°C, LM385 series parts are acceptable. Pin configuration is identical across all TO-92-3 devices.

Q: What is the difference between ±2%, ±1.5%, and ±3% tolerance specifications?

A: Tolerance defines the maximum deviation of output voltage from the nominal 2.5V specification across temperature and load conditions. The ZRC250A02STZ guarantees ±2% (2.375V to 2.625V). LM285 series at ±1.5% provides tighter accuracy (2.4375V to 2.5625V), while LM385 series at ±3% allows wider variation (2.425V to 2.575V). Select based on your circuit's precision requirements.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher output current (20 mA vs 5 mA)?

A: The ZRC250A02STZ specifies 5 mA output current. All substitute parts provide 20 mA capability, which is backward compatible—your circuit will function identically. Higher current capability provides design margin and does not negatively impact performance in existing applications.

Q: What does temperature coefficient (ppm/°C) mean?

A: Temperature coefficient quantifies how the output voltage changes with temperature. A 20ppm/°C coefficient means the voltage shifts 20 parts per million per degree Celsius. Lower values indicate better thermal stability. The ZRC250A02STZ at 90ppm/°C will drift more than LM285 parts at 20ppm/°C across the -40°C ~ 85°C range.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes, all listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental regulations for lead-free manufacturing and hazardous substance restrictions.

Q: Which substitute offers the best overall performance?

A: LM285LPR-2-5 and LM285LPRE3-2-5 provide optimal performance: full -40°C ~ 85°C temperature range, ±1.5% tolerance, 20ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and active production status with high inventory availability. These are recommended for new designs and critical replacements.

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