Microchip Technology 1N4566AE3

Overview

1N4566AE3 from Microsemi is a 6.4 V temperature-compensated Zener reference diode in DO-7 (DO-204AA) glass axial-leaded package, rated for 0.5 mA test current, ±0.005 %/°C temperature coefficient (±0.32 mV/°C), 200 Ω dynamic impedance, and operation from –65 °C to +175 °C. It delivers high-stability voltage reference for precision analog instrumentation requiring minimal drift over temperature.

For engineers reviewing the 1N4566AE3 datasheet, 1N4566AE3 pinout, 1N4566AE3 application, or 1N4566AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low TC, hermetic DO-7 packaging, MIL-PRF-19500/452 qualification readiness, and compatibility with low-current biasing circuits demanding <30 mW dissipation.

Technical Context

This device belongs to Microsemi's zero-temperature-coefficient Zener family optimized for stable 6.4 V reference generation across wide temperature extremes. Its internal metallurgical bonding and hermetically sealed glass construction ensure long-term parameter stability under thermal cycling and harsh environments.

The 1N4566AE3 achieves ±0.005 %/°C TC by balancing opposing TC components within the Zener junction-enabling sub-millivolt drift over 0 to +75 °C operating range at I_ZT = 0.5 mA. It is not a standard Zener but a precision compensated reference diode with specified TC and tight V_Z tolerance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-7 (DO-204AA) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with cathode band marking. Leads are tin-lead plated and solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Polarity: banded end is anode (positive) when operated as reference diode.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N4566AE3, 1N4566A offers identical electrical performance but lacks military plating and traceability, while LM399H delivers superior TC at the expense of higher power, larger footprint, and oven-control overhead-making 1N4566AE3 optimal for ruggedized, low-power, mid-accuracy reference needs.

Availability

1N4566AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace instrumentation, downhole sensor modules, and military power supply feedback circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 1N4566AE3 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 1N4566AE3 belongs to Microsemi's Scottsdale Division zero-TC Zener reference diode family, engineered specifically for precision voltage referencing in mission-critical systems where long-term stability and extreme temperature resilience are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the Zener test current for 1N4566AE3?

The 1N4566AE3 is characterized at a Zener test current (I_ZT) of 0.5 mA. This current is specified to achieve its guaranteed temperature coefficient and dynamic impedance values. Operating significantly above or below this current may degrade TC performance or increase impedance, so biasing circuits should be designed to maintain ~0.5 mA under normal conditions. The 1N4566AE3 datasheet confirms this value in the Electrical Characteristics table.

Does 1N4566AE3 meet military specifications?

Yes, the 1N4566AE3 is manufactured to meet MIL-PRF-19500/452 requirements when ordered with the "-1" suffix (e.g., JANTXV1N4566AE3-1). The base 1N4566AE3 carries E3 plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 and is built on the same process as qualified military variants. Its hermetic DO-7 package, –65 °C to +175 °C rating, and ESD robustness align with JANTXV-level reliability expectations.

What is the maximum power dissipation for 1N4566AE3?

The 1N4566AE3 has a maximum DC power dissipation of 500 mW at lead temperature (T_L) = 25 °C. However, for optimal temperature coefficient stability, Microsemi recommends limiting dissipation to <30 mW-achievable by biasing at its 0.5 mA I_ZT. Exceeding 30 mW increases self-heating and degrades the ±0.005 %/°C TC specification. Derating curves are provided in the official 1N4566AE3 datasheet.

How does the temperature coefficient of 1N4566AE3 compare to standard Zeners?

The 1N4566AE3 features a ±0.005 %/°C temperature coefficient-over 100× tighter than typical 6.2 V Zeners (≈±0.05 %/°C). This is achieved via internal temperature-compensation design, not simple Zener breakdown. Standard Zeners exhibit parabolic TC curves; the 1N4566AE3 maintains near-zero slope across 0 to +75 °C, delivering <0.5 mV total drift in that range-critical for uncalibrated precision systems.

Is 1N4566AE3 compatible with automated PCB assembly processes?

Yes, the 1N4566AE3 uses DO-7 axial-leaded packaging with tin-lead plated leads compliant with MIL-STD-750 Method 2026, supporting wave and reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020. Its 260 °C / 10 s maximum solder temperature rating and 0.2 g weight make it compatible with standard surface-mount and through-hole assembly lines. The cathode band marking also enables automated optical inspection (AOI) verification.