Microchip Technology 1N3156A

Overview

1N3156A from Microsemi is an 8.4 V temperature-compensated Zener reference diode in a hermetically sealed DO-7 (DO-204AA) glass package, rated for ±5% voltage tolerance, 0.002 %/°C temperature coefficient, and 26 mV max voltage drift over –55°C to +100°C. It delivers stable voltage reference performance at 10 mA test current with 15 Ω dynamic impedance and is used in precision instrumentation power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the 1N3156A datasheet, 1N3156A pinout, 1N3156A application, or 1N3156A equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low TC, military-grade qualification path (JANTXV), hermetic glass packaging, and compatibility with high-reliability analog signal conditioning and calibration circuits.

Technical Context

This device belongs to Microsemi's JEDEC-registered 1N3154–1N3157A series of zero-TC Zener references. Its 8.4 V nominal zener voltage is stabilized via internal metallurgical compensation, achieving 0.002 %/°C effective TC and only 26 mV total ΔVZ across –55°C to +100°C.

It operates optimally at I_ZT = 10 mA (90 mW dissipation), with Z_ZT = 15 Ω and I_R ≤ 10 μA at 5.5 V reverse bias. The DO-7 package supports axial-leaded mounting and meets MIL-STD-750 ESD immunity per Method 1020.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Hermetically sealed glass DO-7 (DO-204AA) package with axial leads; cathode identified by band; polarity requires banded end positive relative to unbanded end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.

Compared with 1N3157A and LM399H, the 1N3156A delivers the best balance of ultra-low TC, hermetic reliability, and plug-and-play simplicity for industrial and aerospace analog reference designs where active temperature control is impractical.

Availability

1N3156A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-reliability instrumentation, aerospace sensor interfaces, and industrial process controller power supplies requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 1N3156A 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 (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog and mixed-signal components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The 1N3156A belongs to Microsemi's legacy JEDEC-registered Zener reference diode family, engineered specifically for applications demanding long-term voltage stability, hermetic integrity, and military-grade environmental resilience.

FAQ

What is the nominal zener voltage and tolerance of the 1N3156A?

The 1N3156A has a nominal zener voltage of 8.4 V with a guaranteed range of 8.00–8.80 V at 10 mA test current, corresponding to ±5% initial tolerance. Tighter tolerances (e.g., ±1%, ±2%) are available via suffixes like "-1%" but require custom ordering. This specification is verified per JEDEC registration and applies across the full operating temperature range.

What is the temperature coefficient and maximum voltage drift of the 1N3156A?

The 1N3156A exhibits an effective temperature coefficient of 0.002 %/°C and a maximum total voltage change (ΔV_ZT) of 26 mV over the –55°C to +100°C range. These values are measured after 15 seconds of dc current application and reflect the device's compensated Zener structure optimized for minimal thermal drift in precision analog circuits.

Is the 1N3156A available in military-grade versions?

Yes-the 1N3156A can be ordered in qualified military variants including JANTX and JANTXV grades per MIL-PRF-19500/158 by adding appropriate prefixes and the "-1" suffix (e.g., JANTXV1N3156A-1). These versions undergo additional screening and testing for enhanced reliability in defense and aerospace applications.

What package type and marking does the 1N3156A use?

The 1N3156A uses the DO-7 (DO-204AA) hermetically sealed glass package with axial leads. It is marked with the full part number and a cathode band; polarity requires the banded end to be held positive relative to the unbanded end during operation. Weight is 0.2 grams, and soldering follows MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.

Does the 1N3156A require external compensation or supporting circuitry?

No-the 1N3156A is a fully self-contained, temperature-compensated Zener reference diode. Its metallurgically tuned junction eliminates the need for external TC correction networks, series resistors for current limiting (when used at 10 mA), or thermal management. It operates directly as a two-terminal reference with no auxiliary components required for basic functionality.