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Microchip Technology 1N4579A
- Part No.:
- 1N4579A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N4579A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 6.4V 500MW DO204AH
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,949
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Product details
Overview
1N4579A 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 ultra-stable voltage reference performance in precision instrumentation and military-grade analog circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N4579A datasheet, 1N4579A pinout, 1N4579A application, or 1N4579A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 6.4 V nominal Zener voltage with ±5% tolerance, minimal TC drift over –55 °C to +100 °C, low 50 Ω Zener impedance at IZT = 2.0 mA, and hermetic DO-7 packaging qualified to MIL-PRF-19500/452.
Technical Context
The 1N4579A belongs to Microsemi's zero-temperature-coefficient Zener series, using internal metallurgical bonding to achieve 0.0005 %/°C TC across –55 °C to +100 °C. Its 6.4 V reference is stabilized via dual-Zener compensation architecture, not single-junction Zener action.
It operates at 2.0 mA Zener test current with 50 Ω dynamic impedance, and is specified for ≤30 mW dissipation in precision reference use. The DO-7 package supports axial through-hole mounting with tin-lead solderable leads per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 6.4 V nominal ±5%; stable reference point for analog calibration and feedback loops |
| Temperature Coefficient (TC) | 0.0005 %/°C over –55 °C to +100 °C; enables <±0.5 mV drift across full military temp range |
| Zener Test Current (IZT) | 2.0 mA; operating point where VZ and TC are guaranteed per JEDEC spec |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZT) | 50 Ω at IZT = 2.0 mA; ensures low AC noise coupling into reference node |
| Max Power Dissipation | 500 mW @ TL = 25 °C; but 30 mW max recommended for optimal TC stability |
| Operating Temperature | –65 °C to +175 °C; supports extended-range industrial and aerospace environments |
| Package | DO-7 (DO-204AA); hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with cathode band marking |
Pinout & Package
DO-7 (DO-204AA) glass axial-leaded package with two terminals: anode and cathode. Cathode identified by black band; device operated with banded end positive (reverse-biased). Leads are tin-lead plated, solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Reference ground return path | Connected to circuit common; must sink 2.0 mA Zener current with low-impedance path |
| Cathode | Stable 6.4 V output node | Banded terminal; supplies regulated voltage to op-amp inputs, ADC references, or feedback dividers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Zero-TC Zener architecture | Dual-junction compensation achieves 0.0005 %/°C TC - critical for metrology-grade references |
| Hermetic DO-7 glass package | Enables long-term stability and moisture resistance in harsh environments without conformal coating |
| MIL-PRF-19500/452 qualification option | Add "-1" suffix (e.g., 1N4579A-1) for JAN/JANTX/JANTXV screening - required for defense/aerospace BOMs |
| Nonsensitive to ESD | Qualified per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 - eliminates need for handling precautions during assembly |
| Tight tolerance variants | 1% or 2% VZ tolerance available via suffix (e.g., 1N4579A-1%) - reduces system calibration overhead |
Applications
| High-Accuracy Digital Multimeters | Aerospace Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Reference voltage source for 6½-digit DMM analog front-end and ADC biasing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 6.4 V precision reference for gain/offset calibration and ratiometric scaling. Use Value: 0.0005 %/°C TC ensures <±0.3 mV drift over –25 °C to +70 °C operating range, meeting Class A metrology specs. |
Use Scenario: Stable bias for piezoresistive pressure transducer signal conditioning in flight control systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage reference for instrumentation amplifier gain-setting and ADC reference input. Use Value: Hermetic DO-7 package and –65 °C to +175 °C rating support operation in unheated avionics bays and engine-mounted sensors. |
| Military Data Acquisition Systems | Calibration Equipment Reference Modules |
|
Use Scenario: Field-deployable DAQ units requiring traceable, temperature-stable references under vibration and thermal cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary Zener reference for programmable gain instrumentation amplifiers and SAR ADC references. Use Value: MIL-PRF-19500/452 qualified variant (1N4579A-1) provides screened lot traceability and burn-in validation for DoD compliance. |
Use Scenario: Benchtop calibrators generating 6.4 V reference outputs for sensor simulator verification. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Master reference element in closed-loop voltage synthesis circuits with trimming resistors. Use Value: 50 Ω ZZT and low noise enable sub-10 ppm line regulation - essential for NIST-traceable calibration uncertainty budgets. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4574A | Same 6.4 V / 0.0005 %/°C spec, but rated for 1.0 mA IZT and 100 Ω ZZT | Lower power operation; higher impedance limits use in low-noise, high-speed reference buffers | Select 1N4574A when system bias current is constrained to ≤1.0 mA and layout allows higher ZZT tolerance |
| 1N4584A | Same 6.4 V / 0.0005 %/°C spec, but rated for 4.0 mA IZT and 25 Ω ZZT | Higher drive capability; lower impedance improves PSRR and transient response in active reference circuits | Select 1N4584A when reference must drive >2 mA load or interface directly with low-impedance op-amp inputs |
Compared with 1N4574A and 1N4584A, the 1N4579A uniquely balances 2.0 mA bias current, 50 Ω impedance, and ultra-low TC - making it optimal for mid-power, high-stability analog subsystems where both noise and power efficiency matter.
Availability
1N4579A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-reliability instrumentation, aerospace sensor interfaces, and military data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for 1N4579A 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 1N4579A belongs to Microsemi's legacy 1N45xxA temperature-compensated Zener series, engineered specifically for metrology-grade voltage references where long-term drift and thermal hysteresis must be minimized in mission-critical analog signal chains.
FAQ
What is the Zener test current specification for the 1N4579A?
The 1N4579A is specified at a Zener test current (IZT) of 2.0 mA. This current level is used to measure the nominal 6.4 V Zener voltage and the 0.0005 %/°C temperature coefficient. Operating the 1N4579A significantly above or below this current may increase voltage drift or degrade TC performance. For best stability, maintain IZT within ±10% of 2.0 mA in the final design.
Does the 1N4579A have military-grade qualification options?
Yes - the 1N4579A can be ordered with MIL-PRF-19500/452 qualification by adding the "-1" suffix (e.g., 1N4579A-1), enabling JAN, JANTX, or JANTXV screening levels. These versions undergo additional environmental stress testing, lot traceability, and extended burn-in. The base 1N4579A is commercial-grade; only the -1 variant meets full military procurement requirements.
What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the 1N4579A?
The 1N4579A has a maximum DC power dissipation of 500 mW at lead temperature (TL) = 25 °C. However, the datasheet explicitly recommends limiting dissipation to ≤30 mW during precision reference operation to preserve its ultra-low 0.0005 %/°C temperature coefficient. Exceeding 30 mW increases self-heating and degrades TC performance.
How is polarity marked on the 1N4579A DO-7 package?
The 1N4579A uses standard DO-7 polarity marking: a black cathode band is applied near one lead end. The banded terminal is the cathode and must be held positive relative to the anode to operate the device in reverse breakdown. Incorrect polarity will block conduction and prevent voltage regulation - always verify band orientation before soldering.
Can the 1N4579A be used in surface-mount designs?
No - the 1N4579A is exclusively offered in the axial-leaded DO-7 (DO-204AA) through-hole package. Microsemi does offer surface-mount equivalents (e.g., JANTX1N4569AUR-1 in DO-213AA), but those are distinct part numbers with different markings, qualifications, and thermal profiles. The 1N4579A itself has no SMT variant and requires axial PCB mounting.
1N4579A 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):
- 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-204AH (DO-35)
1N4579A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N4579A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N4579A 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 1N4579A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N4579A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N4579A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N4579A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N4579A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N4579A?
1N4579A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N4579A 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 1N4579A?
For technical support, including 1N4579A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N4579A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N4579A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N4579A 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 1N4579A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N4579A?
All 1N4579A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N4579A, 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 1N4579A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N4579A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N4579A Tags
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