Microchip Technology 1N3157

Overview

1N3157 from Microsemi is a JEDEC-registered, temperature-compensated 8.4 V Zener reference diode in a hermetically sealed DO-7 (DO-204AA) glass axial package, rated for ±5% voltage tolerance, 0.001 %/°C temperature coefficient, and 10 mA test current, used in precision instrumentation voltage references requiring minimal drift over -55°C to +100°C.

For engineers reviewing the 1N3157 datasheet, 1N3157 pinout, 1N3157 application, or 1N3157 equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low TC (0.001 %/°C), tight 13 mV max ΔVZ over full temperature range, DO-7 mechanical robustness, MIL-PRF-19500/158 qualification path, and RoHS-compliant e3 variant availability.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal, forward-biased cathode-negative voltage reference with metallurgically bonded junctions optimized for thermal stability. Its compensation architecture achieves 0.001 %/°C TC by balancing opposing temperature coefficients of series-connected PN junctions.

At 10 mA nominal test current, it delivers 8.00–8.80 V zener voltage with ≤15 Ω dynamic impedance and ≤10 μA reverse leakage at 5.5 V. Voltage stability is specified over -55°C to +100°C with ≤13 mV total deviation, validated per JEDEC registered data.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Hermetically sealed glass DO-7 (DO-204AA) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking; terminals are tin-lead (military) or matte-tin (RoHS e3); polarity requires banded end positive relative to unbanded end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N3157A, the 1N3157 offers identical TC and voltage spec but limits upper operating temperature to +100°C; versus LM399H, it provides simpler two-terminal implementation and lower cost, though with higher TC and no internal trimming.

Availability

1N3157 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-reliability instrumentation, aerospace avionics, medical imaging power supplies, and calibration-grade test equipment requiring stable component supply with traceable sourcing and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for 1N3157 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, RF, and radiation-hardened components for defense, aerospace, and industrial markets.

The 1N3157 belongs to Microsemi's legacy JEDEC-registered Zener reference diode family, engineered specifically for applications demanding ultra-stable voltage references under extreme thermal and environmental stress.

FAQ

What is the exact zener voltage tolerance for 1N3157?

The 1N3157 has a nominal zener voltage of 8.4 V with a guaranteed tolerance of ±5%, corresponding to a range of 8.00–8.80 V at 10 mA test current per JEDEC-registered specifications. Tighter tolerances (e.g., ±1%) are available via suffixes like 1N3157-1% but require custom ordering.

Does 1N3157 require external current limiting?

Yes, the 1N3157 is a two-terminal shunt reference and must be operated with a series current-limiting resistor. At its optimal 10 mA test current, it dissipates ≤90 mW; exceeding 55 mA risks permanent damage. Proper resistor selection ensures stable operation while maintaining ≤13 mV total voltage deviation over temperature.

Is 1N3157 RoHS compliant?

Yes, the RoHS-compliant version of 1N3157 is designated with an "e3" suffix (1N3157e3) and features annealed matte-tin plating. This variant is not available in military-qualified versions; RoHS compliance applies only to commercial-grade units meeting JEDEC 1N3154–1N3157A series specifications.

Can 1N3157 be used in radiation-prone environments?

The standard 1N3157 is not radiation-hardened. However, Microsemi offers radiation-hardened variants under the RH prefix (e.g., RH3157), qualified per MIL-STD-883 methods. These require separate qualification documentation and are not drop-in replacements-RH3157 uses different process technology and testing protocols than the commercial 1N3157.

What is the maximum operating temperature for 1N3157?

The 1N3157 is rated for operation from -55°C to +100°C. This upper limit is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table for the base 1N3157 (non-A) variant. Exceeding +100°C may cause irreversible parameter shift; for +150°C operation, the 1N3157A variant must be selected instead.