Microchip Technology 1N2970C
- Part No.:
- 1N2970C
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-203AA, DO-4, Stud
- Datasheet:
-
1N2970C.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 6.8V 10W DO4
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,911
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Product details
Overview
1N2970C from Microsemi is a 10 W, 6.8 V ±5% hermetically sealed Zener diode in DO-213AA (DO-4) metal-glass stud package with anode-to-stud polarity, rated for junction temperatures from –65 °C to +175 °C and designed for high-reliability voltage regulation in aerospace power conditioning and military-grade power supply reference circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N2970C datasheet, 1N2970C pinout, 1N2970C application, or 1N2970C equivalent, this part supports precision DC voltage stabilization under wide temperature extremes, high steady-state power dissipation, and radiation-hardened operation per Microsemi MicroNote 050 - critical for avionics, satellite subsystems, and hardened industrial control.
Technical Context
This device operates as a two-terminal voltage reference diode, conducting in reverse breakdown at its nominal Zener voltage (VZ = 6.8 V @ IZT = 1.2 mA) with dynamic impedance ZZT = 370 Ω and temperature coefficient αVZ = +0.057 %/°C. Its hermetic metal-glass construction ensures long-term stability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure.
Rated for 10 W steady-state power dissipation at TC = +55 °C with RθJC = 12 °C/W, it requires mechanical mounting to a heatsink via its 10–32 threaded stud; forward voltage is specified at VF = 1.5 V @ 2.0 A, confirming robust surge handling capability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 6.8 V @ IZT = 1.2 mA - defines stable regulation point for feedback loops in high-precision power supplies. |
| Power Dissipation | 10 W @ TC = +55 °C - enables high-current reference operation without external derating below ambient. |
| Zener Impedance | 370 Ω @ IZT - indicates moderate AC regulation sensitivity; suitable for low-frequency (<1 kHz) stabilization. |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.057 %/°C - positive drift allows predictable compensation in series-connected references. |
| Junction Temperature Range | –65 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in extreme environments including space-grade thermal vacuum cycles. |
| Reverse Leakage Current | 150 µA @ VR = 5.2 V - confirms low standby loss in high-impedance bias networks. |
| Package Type | DO-213AA (DO-4), 7/16″ hex stud with 10–32 threads - provides direct thermal path and mechanical anchoring for chassis-mounted regulation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-213AA (DO-4), hermetically sealed metal-glass stud package with tin-lead plated terminals; 7/16″ hex body, 10–32 UNF–2A threaded stud (anode), flat seating surface (C/C1 dimensions per Page 8), weight ≈ 7.5 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Stud (Body) | Anode | Primary current-carrying terminal and thermal interface; must be mounted to heatsink or chassis for thermal management. |
| Cap Terminal | Cathode | Signal/reference node connection point; reverse-biased during regulation; electrically isolated from stud by glass seal. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hermetic metal-glass seal | Prevents moisture ingress and parameter drift over 20+ year field life in humid or vacuum environments. |
| JANTXV qualification per MIL-PRF-19500/124 | Validated reliability for flight-critical systems including burn-in, temperature cycling, and radiation testing. |
| Internal solder bond construction | Eliminates wire bonds susceptible to vibration fatigue - essential for launch vehicle and airborne electronics. |
| Nonsensitive to ESD (MIL-STD-750 Method 1020) | Enables safe handling without special grounding protocols during board assembly or field maintenance. |
| Inherent radiation hardness | Operates without parameter shift up to 100 krad(Si); documented in Microsemi MicroNote 050 for space applications. |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Bus Regulation | Military Radar Bias Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing ±15 V analog supply rails in satellite attitude control electronics exposed to thermal cycling from –40 °C to +85 °C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for op-amp-based error amplifiers in linear regulator feedback paths. Use Value: Maintains <±0.5% output variation across temperature due to tight 5% VZ tolerance and predictable +0.057 %/°C drift. |
Use Scenario: Providing stable gate bias for GaN RF power amplifiers in ground-based radar transmitters operating at 125 °C case temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power Zener clamp protecting amplifier bias circuitry from transient overvoltage events. Use Value: Sustains 10 W dissipation without thermal runaway thanks to RθJC = 12 °C/W and metal-stud thermal path. |
| Avionics Instrumentation Reference | Nuclear Plant Control System Sensor Excitation |
Use Scenario: Generating precise 6.8 V excitation for strain gauge bridges in flight data recorders requiring 20-year calibration stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift DC reference source in ratiometric measurement chains. Use Value: Hermetic seal and radiation hardness prevent parameter shift during high-altitude cosmic ray exposure. |
Use Scenario: Supplying regulated excitation voltage to RTD sensors in reactor coolant monitoring systems where failure modes must be excluded. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fail-safe voltage limiter ensuring sensor signal integrity during grid transients. Use Value: JANTXV qualification guarantees zero latent defects and full traceability per MIL-STD-883 requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N2970B | Same electrical specs but commercial-grade (non-military) qualification; no MIL-PRF-19500/124 testing. | Lacks radiation hardness validation and extended reliability screening; unsuitable for flight hardware. | Select 1N2970B only for cost-sensitive ground-test or lab-bench prototypes where MIL-spec is not mandated. |
| 1N2970RB | Reverse polarity (cathode-to-stud); identical VZ, PD, and thermal specs. | Requires PCB layout revision to accommodate inverted mounting orientation and signal routing. | Choose 1N2970RB when cathode-referenced topology simplifies grounding in multi-rail systems with shared chassis return. |
Compared with 1N2970B and 1N2970RB, the 1N2970C delivers verified JANTXV-level reliability, radiation tolerance, and hermetic integrity - making it the sole choice for deployed aerospace and nuclear safety-critical systems where parameter stability over lifetime is non-negotiable.
Availability
1N2970C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power bus regulation, military radar bias supply, and avionics instrumentation reference applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles and stringent environmental compliance.
Supply support for 1N2970C 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
Microsemi Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability, radiation-hardened, and military-qualified analog and mixed-signal components.
The 1N2970C belongs to Microsemi's legacy MIL-PRF-19500/124 qualified Zener diode family, engineered specifically for voltage reference stability in defense, space, and nuclear infrastructure systems where long-term parametric consistency is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for the 1N2970C?
The 1N2970C has a nominal Zener voltage of 6.8 V with a guaranteed tolerance of ±5% at IZT = 1.2 mA, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on Page 4 of T4-LDS-0075 Rev. 3. This tolerance applies to all JAN, JANTX, and JANTXV versions unless tighter tolerances are specially ordered.
Does the 1N2970C require a heatsink, and what is its thermal resistance?
Yes - the 1N2970C must be mounted to a heatsink or conductive chassis via its threaded stud to maintain safe junction temperature. Its thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) is 12 °C/W, meaning a 10 W dissipation raises the junction 120 °C above case temperature; proper mounting is essential for reliability.
Is the 1N2970C RoHS compliant?
No - the standard 1N2970C is not RoHS compliant. RoHS-compliant versions (matte-tin plating) are available only in commercial-grade variants with the "e3" suffix (e.g., 1N2970Ce3); JANTXV-qualified 1N2970C retains traditional tin-lead plating per MIL-PRF-19500/124 requirements.
What is the polarity configuration of the 1N2970C?
The 1N2970C uses standard polarity: anode connected to the threaded stud and cathode at the cap terminal. This is explicitly defined for the 1N2970B–1N3015B series in the Mechanical and Packaging section (Page 2), and reverse-polarity variants use the "RB" suffix (e.g., 1N2970RB).
How does the 1N2970C perform under radiation exposure?
The 1N2970C exhibits inherent radiation hardness up to 100 krad(Si), as documented in Microsemi MicroNote 050. This behavior stems from its hermetic metal-glass construction and silicon process - no parameter shift occurs in total ionizing dose environments typical of low-Earth orbit or nuclear facility deployments.
1N2970C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-203AA, DO-4, Stud
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 6.8 V
- Tolerance:
- ±2%
- Power - Max:
- 10 W
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 1.2 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 150 µA @ 5.2 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.5 V @ 2 A
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Stud Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-4 (DO-203AA)
1N2970C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N2970C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N2970C on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 1N2970C reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N2970C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N2970C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N2970C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N2970C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N2970C?
1N2970C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N2970C order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 1N2970C?
For technical support, including 1N2970C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N2970C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N2970C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N2970C products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 1N2970C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N2970C?
All 1N2970C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N2970C, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 1N2970C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N2970C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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