Microchip Technology 1N4120-1
- Part No.:
- 1N4120-1
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N4120-1.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 30V 500MW DO204AH
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,440
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Product details
Overview
1N4120-1 from Microsemi is a 500 mW, 30.0 V metallurgically bonded glass Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, qualified to JANS level per MIL-PRF-19500/435, with 1% Zener voltage tolerance, 200 Ω dynamic impedance at 250 mA test current, and +0.095 %/°C temperature coefficient - used for precision voltage regulation in aerospace power conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N4120-1 datasheet, 1N4120-1 pinout, 1N4120-1 application, or 1N4120-1 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, military-grade reliability context, thermal derating behavior, noise density performance, and direct alternatives for high-reliability analog reference design.
Technical Context
The 1N4120-1 operates as a reverse-biased voltage reference with a nominal Zener voltage of 30.0 V at 250 mA test current (IZT), exhibiting 200 Ω dynamic impedance (ZZT) and 13.0 mA maximum Zener current (IZM) under 500 mW power limit. Its +0.095 %/°C temperature coefficient ensures predictable drift across -65 °C to +175 °C junction range.
Constructed with internal metallurgical bonding in hermetically sealed axial-glass DO-35 packaging, it delivers <0.01 µA reverse leakage (IR) at 22.8 V (VR), minimal capacitance (~3 pF typical), and 1 µV/√Hz noise density - enabling stable low-noise reference generation in radiation-hardened systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 30.0 V at 250 mA - defines precise regulation point for feedback loops in DC-DC converters. |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW at 25 °C - sets absolute thermal limit before linear derating begins at 50 °C. |
| Dynamic Impedance | 200 Ω at IZT - determines output voltage variation under load current changes. |
| Temp Coefficient | +0.095 %/°C - quantifies voltage drift magnitude per degree Celsius over full operating range. |
| Reverse Leakage | ≤0.01 µA at 22.8 V - ensures negligible current draw in standby or high-impedance bias networks. |
| Noise Density | 1 µV/√Hz - enables use in low-noise analog references where spectral purity matters. |
| Junction Temp Range | -65 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in extreme environments including space and engine bay applications. |
Pinout & Package
DO-35 (DO-204AH) axial-leaded glass package: hermetically sealed, cathode indicated by band, tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, ~0.2 g weight, 1.0–1.5 inch lead length (25.4–38.1 mm), body diameter 0.056–0.090 inch (1.42–2.29 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / Zener cathode reference ground | Connected to circuit common or ground; reverse voltage applied between cathode and anode to activate regulation. |
| Cathode | Zener regulation input / voltage reference node | Banded end; biased positive relative to anode to maintain breakdown; serves as stable 30.0 V reference source. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| MIL-PRF-19500/435 qualification | Validated to JANS level - guarantees performance and reliability for flight-critical avionics and defense electronics. |
| Metallurgical bond construction | Eliminates interfacial delamination risk - ensures long-term stability under thermal cycling and mechanical shock. |
| 1% Zener voltage tolerance | Reduces need for post-production trimming - improves yield and consistency in precision reference designs. |
| Radiation hardness | Inherently resistant to TID and SEE - validated per Microsemi MicroNote 050 for space-grade applications. |
| Low noise density | 1 µV/√Hz at 30 V - supports ultra-low-noise analog signal chains without external filtering. |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Reference | Defense System Bias Network |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 30.0 V reference for ADC front-end and op-amp biasing in satellite telemetry modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference diode regulating supply rail for analog signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Maintains ±0.3% regulation over -55 °C to +125 °C ambient with <1 µV/√Hz noise, ensuring data integrity in LEO missions. | Use Scenario: Setting threshold voltage for overvoltage protection in radar transmitter power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener clamp element in crowbar circuit triggering thyristor-based shutdown on rail excursion. Use Value: JANS qualification ensures survivability during EMI transients and thermal shock in airborne EW platforms. |
| Industrial Sensor Excitation | Medical Imaging HV Bias |
Use Scenario: Supplying excitation voltage to strain gauge bridges in downhole oilfield instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable 30.0 V reference source for ratiometric bridge measurement systems. Use Value: 1% tolerance and +0.095 %/°C TC enable sub-0.1% total error budget across -40 °C to +150 °C wellbore temps. | Use Scenario: Generating calibrated bias voltage for photomultiplier tube (PMT) dynode chains in PET scanners. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, radiation-tolerant Zener reference in high-voltage analog subsystems. Use Value: 1 µV/√Hz noise density prevents signal degradation in single-photon counting applications. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4120UR-1 | Same electrical specs, DO-213AA surface-mount package instead of DO-35 axial. | Required for automated SMT assembly; lacks axial mounting flexibility and manual prototyping ease. | Select when board space is constrained and reflow compatibility is mandatory. |
| 1N4120-1e3 | Identical DO-35 package and electrical parameters, but RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating (commercial grade only). | Not qualified to JANTXV/JANS levels; unsuitable for military/aerospace programs requiring mil-spec traceability. | Select for commercial industrial designs needing RoHS compliance without mil-qualification. |
Compared with 1N4120UR-1 and 1N4120-1e3, the 1N4120-1 provides JANS-level qualification and axial-leaded DO-35 packaging - making it the sole choice for legacy-replacement, through-hole, radiation-hardened applications where mil-certified traceability is non-negotiable.
Availability
1N4120-1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power reference, defense system bias network, and industrial sensor excitation applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and full MIL-PRF-19500/435 documentation traceability.
Supply support for 1N4120-1 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 analog and mixed-signal components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The 1N4120-1 belongs to Microsemi's legacy 1N4099–1N4135 Zener series - engineered specifically for precision voltage regulation in mission-critical systems where military qualification, radiation tolerance, and long-term parametric stability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for 1N4120-1?
The 1N4120-1 has a nominal Zener voltage of 30.0 V with a standard tolerance of ±1%, as indicated by the "D" suffix in its nomenclature per MIL-PRF-19500/435. This tight tolerance eliminates need for external calibration in precision reference designs and is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3 of T4-LDS-0245-2 Rev. 1.
Is 1N4120-1 suitable for space applications?
Yes, the 1N4120-1 is inherently radiation-hardened per Microsemi MicroNote 050 and qualified to JANS level per MIL-PRF-19500/435 - making it suitable for low-earth orbit (LEO) and deep-space missions where total ionizing dose (TID) and single-event effects (SEE) resilience are required. Its DO-35 glass package enhances hermeticity and reliability in vacuum environments.
What is the maximum Zener current for 1N4120-1 at 25 °C?
The maximum Zener current (IZM) for 1N4120-1 is 13.0 mA at 25 °C, derived from its 500 mW power rating and 30.0 V Zener voltage (P = V × I). This value is explicitly listed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3 of the official datasheet T4-LDS-0245-2 Rev. 1.
Does 1N4120-1 have RoHS compliance?
The base 1N4120-1 is not RoHS compliant; RoHS versions carry the "e3" suffix (e.g., 1N4120-1e3) and are available only in commercial grade - not qualified to JAN, JANTX, JANTXV, or JANS levels. The e3 variant uses annealed matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 method 2026 but forfeits military qualification.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-lead for 1N4120-1?
The thermal resistance junction-to-lead (RθJL) for 1N4120-1 is 250 °C/W when measured with 3/8 inch (10 mm) lead length from the body, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table on page 1 of T4-LDS-0245-2 Rev. 1. This parameter governs heat transfer efficiency in lead-mounted configurations and informs derating calculations for high-power operation.
1N4120-1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 30 V
- Tolerance:
- ±5%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 200 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 10 nA @ 22.8 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.1 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AH (DO-35)
1N4120-1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N4120-1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N4120-1 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 1N4120-1 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N4120-1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N4120-1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N4120-1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N4120-1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N4120-1?
1N4120-1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N4120-1 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 1N4120-1?
For technical support, including 1N4120-1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N4120-1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N4120-1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N4120-1 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 1N4120-1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N4120-1?
All 1N4120-1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N4120-1, 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 1N4120-1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N4120-1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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