Diodes Incorporated 1N4738A-T
- Part No.:
- 1N4738A-T
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N4738A-T.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 8.2V 1W DO41
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,754
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
1N4738A-T from Diodes Incorporated is a 1.0 W, 8.2 V ±5% Zener diode in DO-41 glass package, designed for voltage regulation and reference applications with 4.5 Ω zener impedance at 31 mA test current and -65°C to +175°C operating temperature range. It delivers stable clamping in power supply feedback loops and overvoltage protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N4738A-T datasheet, 1N4738A-T pinout, 1N4738A-T application, or 1N4738A-T equivalent, key selection criteria include nominal zener voltage (8.2 V), power dissipation (1.0 W), zener impedance (4.5 Ω), reverse leakage (10 µA @ 6.0 V), and thermal resistance (175 °C/W).
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon planar Zener diode with sharp breakdown knee, optimized for DC voltage regulation where precise, low-drift references are required. Its 8.2 V nominal zener voltage exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+0.03 to +0.07 %/°C), enabling predictable drift behavior in temperature-varying environments.
The DO-41 glass package provides hermetic sealing and UL 94V-0 flammability rating, supporting reliable operation under thermal stress. With 175 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 6.67 mW/°C derating above 50°C, thermal management requires lead length control per MIL-STD-202.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 8.2 V ±5% at 31 mA - defines regulated output voltage with tight tolerance for precision reference use |
| Power Dissipation (Pd) | 1.0 W at 25°C - sets maximum continuous power handling before thermal derating begins |
| Zener Impedance (ZZT) | 4.5 Ω at IZT = 31 mA - indicates low dynamic resistance for minimal regulation error under load variation |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | 10 µA max at VR = 6.0 V - ensures low standby current in high-impedance bias networks |
| Surge Current (IZS) | 550 mA for 8.3 ms - supports transient overvoltage clamping without failure |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.03 to +0.07 %/°C at IZT - enables predictable, monotonic voltage drift with temperature rise |
| Operating Temperature | -65°C to +175°C - allows deployment in automotive under-hood and industrial harsh-environment systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 glass axial-leaded case with cathode band marking; UL 94V-0 rated; Sn96.5Ag3.5 solderable terminations; weight ≈ 0.35 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / Zener cathode reference ground | Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential node when used in reverse-bias regulation |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal / voltage reference output | Provides stable 8.2 V reference relative to anode; marked with visible band on glass body |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1.0 W Power Rating | Enables robust voltage clamping in mid-power supply rails without external heat sinking |
| ±5% Zener Tolerance | Reduces binning requirements and simplifies design margining for 8.2 V reference accuracy |
| Low 4.5 Ω Zener Impedance | Minimizes output voltage deviation under varying load currents in feedback networks |
| DO-41 Glass Hermetic Package | Ensures long-term parameter stability and moisture resistance in humid or high-reliability environments |
| RoHS-Compliant Finish | Meets EU Directive 2002/95/EC with Sn96.5Ag3.5 terminations compatible with lead-free reflow |
Applications
| Switch-Mode Power Supply Feedback | Overvoltage Protection Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating output voltage in isolated flyback converters via optocoupler-coupled feedback loop. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode provides precise 8.2 V reference to TL431 shunt regulator input, setting primary-side feedback threshold. Use Value: Tight 8.2 V ±5% tolerance and low 4.5 Ω impedance ensure <±1% output regulation across line/load/temperature. | Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins from ESD or inductive kickback in motor drive circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as bidirectional transient voltage suppressor, clamping negative transients to ground and positive transients to 8.2 V rail. Use Value: 550 mA 8.3 ms surge rating absorbs repetitive 100 V/1 A spikes without degradation, extending system lifetime. |
| Industrial Sensor Reference | Linear Regulator Shunt |
Use Scenario: Providing stable excitation voltage for resistive bridge sensors in process control transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serves as low-noise, low-drift voltage reference for Wheatstone bridge biasing and ADC reference scaling. Use Value: +0.03 to +0.07 %/°C tempco enables <0.5% full-scale error over -40°C to +85°C ambient range. | Use Scenario: Improving regulation in low-dropout linear regulators by shunting excess current from pass transistor base. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Functions as programmable current sink to stabilize base-emitter voltage of series pass transistor. Use Value: 1.0 W power rating supports up to 120 mA shunt current at 8.2 V, enabling stable 5 V/3.3 V outputs under variable loads. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFLZ8.2-7 | Surface-mount SOD-123 package; 8.2 V ±5%; 500 mW rating; 10 Ω ZZT at 5 mA | Lower power, higher impedance, and SMT footprint - suited for space-constrained PCBs but not direct 1W replacement | Select for new designs prioritizing board density and automated assembly; verify thermal margin at target current |
| 1N4738A-A | Identical electrical specs and DO-41 package; differs only in ammo-pack packaging (vs. tape-and-reel) | No functional difference - identical performance and mounting; packaging affects reel-based SMT placement compatibility | Choose based on assembly method: -T for pick-and-place machines, -A for manual or wave-soldered through-hole production |
Compared with DFLZ8.2-7 and 1N4738A-A, the 1N4738A-T offers higher power headroom (1.0 W vs. 0.5 W), lower dynamic impedance (4.5 Ω vs. 10 Ω), and proven reliability in legacy through-hole designs - making it optimal for repair, industrial retrofits, and applications requiring sustained 31 mA regulation current.
Availability
1N4738A-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch-mode power supplies, overvoltage protection circuits, industrial sensor references, and linear regulator shunt applications requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1N4738A-T 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-reliability components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The 1N47xxA series belongs to Diodes' standard Zener diode product line, engineered for cost-effective, high-volume voltage regulation and reference functions in power management and protection circuits.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous Zener current for 1N4738A-T at 25°C?
The maximum continuous Zener current is calculated as Pd/VZ = 1.0 W / 8.2 V ≈ 122 mA. However, the recommended test current is 31 mA per datasheet, and operation above this level requires thermal derating per the 6.67 mW/°C curve and lead-length-controlled layout to avoid junction overheating.
Is 1N4738A-T suitable for surface-mount assembly?
No - the 1N4738A-T uses a DO-41 axial glass package with leads intended for through-hole mounting. It is not compatible with reflow or wave soldering processes designed for SMT components. For surface-mount equivalents, consider the DFLZ8.2-7 in SOD-123 package.
How does the temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over temperature?
With a +0.03 to +0.07 %/°C coefficient, the 1N4738A-T's zener voltage increases by approximately 2.5–5.8 mV/°C. Over a 100°C range (e.g., -25°C to +75°C), this results in a total shift of +0.25 V to +0.58 V - requiring system-level compensation if sub-1% absolute accuracy is needed across that span.
Why is 1N4738A-T marked "Not Recommended for New Design"?
This designation reflects Diodes Incorporated's strategic shift toward surface-mount alternatives like the DFLZ series, which offer better thermal performance, smaller footprint, and automated assembly compatibility. The 1N4738A-T remains fully qualified and supported for legacy designs, repairs, and applications where through-hole construction is mandated.
1N4738A-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 8.2 V
- Tolerance:
- ±5%
- Power - Max:
- 1 W
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 4.5 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 10 µA @ 6 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.2 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-41
1N4738A-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N4738A-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N4738A-T 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 1N4738A-T reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N4738A-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N4738A-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N4738A-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N4738A-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N4738A-T?
1N4738A-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N4738A-T 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 1N4738A-T?
For technical support, including 1N4738A-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N4738A-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N4738A-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N4738A-T 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 1N4738A-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N4738A-T?
All 1N4738A-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N4738A-T, 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 1N4738A-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N4738A-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N4738A-T Tags

-
MMBZ5240B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BZT52C5V6T-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMSZ5231B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BZT52C15-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BZX84C3V3LT1G
onsemi

-
MMSZ5245BS-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMSZ4682T1G
onsemi

-
BZT52C15S-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MM5Z5V1ST1G
onsemi

-
SMAJ4744A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
BZT52C3V6LP-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
SMAZ12-13-F
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
LDO regulator guide covering low dropout voltage, power dissipation, thermal design, PSRR, output noise, capacitor stability, adjustable LDO circuits, LDO vs buck converter and datasheet selection chec…
Conditional Access Module guide covering CAM meaning, CI/CI+ interface, smart card authorization, DVB security workflow, TV and set-top box compatibility, internal electronics, ESD protection, connecto…
Guide to electronic component obsolescence covering EOL risk, PCN/PDN notices, last-time buy planning, replacement options, form-fit-function validation, counterfeit risk and BOM lifecycle management.
18650 battery guide covering lithium-ion cell basics, 3.6V/3.7V voltage, 4.2V charging, mAh and Wh capacity, protected cells, chargers, BMS, series-parallel packs, holders, welding and sourcing checks.…
Hall effect sensor guide covering working principle, linear and digital sensors, Arduino circuits, current sensing, speed detection, automotive applications, A3144 examples, signal filtering and datash…
Product Change Notification guide for electronic components, covering PCN meaning, PCN vs PDN/EOL, common change types, risk levels, form-fit-function review, engineering validation, BOM control, LTB/L…
A practical guide to blend door actuators, covering HVAC function, symptoms, location, AC and heater issues, reset and calibration, replacement cost, electrical diagnosis, compatibility checks, and rep…

