Microchip Technology 1N4579
- Part No.:
- 1N4579
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AA, DO-7, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N4579.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 6.4V 500MW DO7
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,848
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Product details
Overview
1N4579 from Microsemi is a 6.4 V temperature-compensated Zener reference diode in DO-7 (DO-204AA) glass axial-leaded package, rated for 2.0 mA test current, 0.0005 %/°C temperature coefficient, 50 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 1N4579 datasheet, 1N4579 pinout, 1N4579 application, or 1N4579 equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low TC (0.0005 %/°C), tight 6.4 V nominal tolerance, hermetic DO-7 packaging, military-grade qualification path (JANTXV), and suitability for high-reliability analog reference circuits where thermal stability is critical.
Technical Context
The 1N4579 uses internal metallurgical bonding to achieve exceptional thermal stability, with voltage drift minimized across –65 °C to +175 °C operating range. Its 0.0005 %/°C TC corresponds to just ±0.03 mV/°C at 6.4 V, verified at 2.0 mA test current (IZT).
This device belongs to the JEDEC-registered 1N4565–1N4584A-1 series of zero-TC Zener references. It operates with cathode-positive polarity, requires no external biasing circuitry, and maintains <2.0 µA reverse leakage at 3 V - enabling direct use in low-power reference topologies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 6.4 V nominal ±5%; provides stable reference point for analog signal conditioning and ADC/DAC biasing. |
| Temperature Coefficient (TC) | 0.0005 %/°C (±0.03 mV/°C); enables sub-millivolt drift over industrial/military temperature ranges. |
| Zener Test Current (IZT) | 2.0 mA; defines operating point where VZ and TC are specified - optimal for low-power, high-stability designs. |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZT) | 50 Ω @ IZT; ensures minimal output voltage variation under load transients in precision reference circuits. |
| Max Reverse Current (IR) | 2.0 µA @ 3 V; confirms low leakage for accurate reference establishment without significant error contribution. |
| Operating Temperature Range | –65 °C to +175 °C; supports deployment in aerospace, downhole, and high-temp industrial environments. |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW @ TL = 25 °C; allows robust thermal margin while maintaining <30 mW typical operating power for stability. |
Pinout & Package
DO-7 (DO-204AA) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with tin-lead plated leads. Cathode identified by band; operated with banded end positive relative to anode.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unbanded end) | Reference ground node | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return; forms reference potential baseline. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reference output node | Delivers regulated 6.4 V when forward-biased into Zener conduction; must be held positive relative to anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low temperature coefficient | 0.0005 %/°C enables <±0.5 mV total drift over –55 °C to +100 °C operating range per spec table. |
| Hermetic DO-7 glass package | Ensures long-term parameter stability and moisture resistance in harsh environments including aerospace and oilfield applications. |
| MIL-PRF-19500/452 qualification path | Supports JANTXV-level reliability via prefix/suffix (e.g., JANTXV1N4579A-1), meeting stringent screening and traceability requirements. |
| Nonsensitive to ESD | Complies with MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 - eliminates need for special handling during assembly or field service. |
Applications
| High-Precision Data Acquisition | Aerospace Avionics Reference |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Analog front-end of 16-bit+ data acquisition systems requiring stable reference for ADC conversion accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference source for SAR and sigma-delta ADCs, replacing less stable bandgap references. Use Value: 0.0005 %/°C TC and 50 Ω ZZT reduce gain error drift and noise coupling, preserving ENOB over temperature. |
Use Scenario: Power supply monitoring and sensor excitation in flight control computers operating across –55 °C to +125 °C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for analog comparators and voltage supervisors in redundant avionics modules. Use Value: Hermetic DO-7 package and JANTXV qualification path ensure reliability and parameter retention under vibration, radiation, and thermal cycling. |
| Downhole Oil & Gas Instrumentation | Calibration Equipment Reference |
Use Scenario: Pressure and temperature sensor signal conditioning in borehole tools exposed to >150 °C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable bias reference for op-amp gain stages and RTD bridge excitation circuits. Use Value: Guaranteed operation to +175 °C and <2 µA IR at 3 V prevent thermal runaway and leakage-induced offset errors. |
Use Scenario: Portable handheld calibrators requiring traceable, low-drift voltage standards for field verification. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary reference element in self-contained calibration sources with manual or auto-ranging outputs. Use Value: Tight 6.4 V nominal tolerance and metrology-grade TC support ±0.01 % absolute accuracy after factory calibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4574A | Same 6.4 V nominal, same 0.0005 %/°C TC, but rated for 1.0 mA IZT instead of 2.0 mA. | Better suited for ultra-low-power reference designs where <1 mA bias current is mandatory. | Select 1N4574A when system bias current budget is constrained to ≤1 mA; otherwise 1N4579 offers higher current headroom. |
| 1N4584A | Same 6.4 V nominal and 0.0005 %/°C TC, but rated for 4.0 mA IZT and 25 Ω ZZT (lower than 1N4579's 50 Ω). | Preferred in high-accuracy, higher-current reference buffers where lower dynamic impedance improves transient response. | Choose 1N4584A when driving low-impedance loads or requiring <25 Ω output impedance; 1N4579 balances power and stability for medium-current use. |
Compared with 1N4574A and 1N4584A, the 1N4579 occupies the mid-current tier (2.0 mA) in the 0.0005 %/°C TC family - offering optimal trade-off between low-power operation and dynamic impedance for general-purpose precision reference design.
Availability
1N4579 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-reliability analog instrumentation, aerospace avionics subsystems, and downhole oilfield electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle requirements.
Supply support for 1N4579 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, radiation-hardened, and high-temperature analog and RF components.
The 1N4579 belongs to Microsemi's legacy Scottsdale Division 6.4 V temperature-compensated Zener reference diode family, engineered specifically for metrology-grade stability in mission-critical analog systems.
FAQ
What is the Zener test current (IZT) for the 1N4579?
The 1N4579 is specified at a Zener test current of 2.0 mA. This current defines the operating point at which its 6.4 V nominal voltage and 0.0005 %/°C temperature coefficient are guaranteed. Operating significantly above or below this value may increase voltage drift or dynamic impedance, so the 1N4579 should be biased near 2.0 mA for optimal performance.
Does the 1N4579 have military qualification options?
Yes - the 1N4579 supports MIL-PRF-19500/452 qualification through prefix/suffix combinations such as JANTXV1N4579A-1. These versions undergo additional screening, lot traceability, and environmental testing required for aerospace and defense applications. The base 1N4579 is commercial-grade but shares identical electrical specs and DO-7 packaging.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the 1N4579?
The 1N4579 is rated for continuous operation from –65 °C to +175 °C. This wide range is enabled by its hermetically sealed DO-7 glass package and internal metallurgical bonding. At +175 °C, its 6.4 V reference remains stable within specification limits, making it suitable for downhole, engine-control, and high-temp industrial use cases.
How does the 1N4579 differ from standard Zener diodes?
Unlike standard Zeners, the 1N4579 uses a temperature-compensated structure that cancels intrinsic TC effects, achieving only 0.0005 %/°C drift. Standard 6.4 V Zeners typically exhibit +0.05 %/°C to +0.1 %/°C TC. This makes the 1N4579 uniquely suited for applications where reference voltage must remain stable across extreme temperature swings without active compensation.
Is the 1N4579 available in tape-and-reel packaging?
Yes - the 1N4579 is available in EIA-296 standard tape-and-reel format by adding the "TR" suffix to the part number (e.g., 1N4579TR). This option supports automated SMT placement when used with axial-to-SMT adapter carriers or custom feeders, though the device itself remains a through-hole DO-7 component.
1N4579 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AA, DO-7, Axial
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 6.4 V
- Tolerance:
- ±5%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 50 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 2 µA @ 3 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-7
1N4579 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N4579 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N4579 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 1N4579 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N4579 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N4579 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N4579?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N4579 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N4579?
1N4579 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N4579 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 1N4579?
For technical support, including 1N4579 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N4579 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N4579 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N4579 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 1N4579 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N4579?
All 1N4579 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N4579, 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 1N4579 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N4579:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N4579 Tags

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