Microchip Technology 1N4742CPE3/TR12
- Part No.:
- 1N4742CPE3/TR12
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N4742CPE3/TR12.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 1W DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,890
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Product details
Overview
1N4742CPE3/TR12 from Microsemi is a 12 V, ±2% tolerance, 1 W silicon Zener diode in DO-41 plastic package, rated for 21 mA test current (IZT), 76 Ω dynamic impedance (ZZT), and 9.1 V minimum regulation voltage (VR) at 5 μA reverse current. It delivers stable voltage reference and overvoltage protection in power supply feedback loops and analog circuit biasing.
For engineers reviewing the 1N4742CPE3/TR12 datasheet, 1N4742CPE3/TR12 pinout, 1N4742CPE3/TR12 application, or 1N4742CPE3/TR12 equivalent, key selection criteria include its tight 2% Zener voltage tolerance, 12 V nominal regulation, DO-41 axial-leaded package compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly, and RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
Technical Context
This Zener operates in reverse breakdown to maintain a stable 12 V reference across a wide current range (0.25 mA to 380 mA), with low dynamic impedance (76 Ω at 21 mA) ensuring minimal voltage variation under load transients. Its temperature coefficient is +4.5 mV/°C near 12 V, enabling predictable drift compensation in precision references.
The device is rated for -65°C to +150°C operation, features 45°C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance at 10 mm lead length, and meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity-requiring no dry pack prior to soldering.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (Vz) | 12 V ±2% at 21 mA - ensures precise regulation within ±0.24 V for feedback and reference circuits |
| Power Dissipation | 1.0 W at 25°C - supports continuous operation in compact linear regulator designs without forced cooling |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZT) | 76 Ω at IZT = 21 mA - limits output voltage shift to <1.6 V under ±20 mA load change |
| Reverse Current (IR) | 5 μA max at VR = 9.1 V - guarantees low leakage in high-impedance bias networks |
| Thermal Resistance | 45°C/W junction-to-lead - enables reliable thermal management with standard 3/8" lead length mounting |
| Operating Temp | -65°C to +150°C - suitable for automotive under-hood and industrial control environments |
| Forward Voltage | 1.2 V max at 200 mA - allows use as clamping diode in bidirectional transient suppression |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) plastic axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by colored band; leads are tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plated, solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Non-banded end | Connected to lower-potential node; forward conduction path when biased positive relative to cathode |
| Cathode | Banded end | Connected to higher-potential node during Zener operation; defines regulation polarity and breakdown direction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±2% Zener Tolerance (C suffix) | Reduces voltage calibration effort in precision voltage references and ADC reference dividers |
| RoHS Compliant "e3" Suffix | Meets global environmental compliance requirements without performance trade-offs |
| Level 1 Moisture Sensitivity | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and bake-out steps before reflow or wave soldering |
| Nonsensitive to ESD | Withstands handling per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 - reduces risk of field failure in assembly lines |
| Plastic P-Suffix Construction | Provides lower thermal resistance than glass-body (G-suffix) equivalents for improved power handling |
Applications
| Switch-Mode Power Supply Feedback | Industrial Sensor Biasing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulates output voltage in isolated flyback converters using optocoupler-coupled feedback loop. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener reference sets error amplifier threshold; provides stable 12 V reference for TL431 or similar shunt regulators. Use Value: Tight ±2% tolerance minimizes output voltage deviation across production batches and temperature ranges. | Use Scenario: Supplies stable bias voltage to bridge-based pressure sensors in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener establishes fixed reference point for Wheatstone bridge excitation and signal conditioning amplifiers. Use Value: Low dynamic impedance (76 Ω) maintains reference stability despite sensor-induced current fluctuations. |
| Overvoltage Clamp for MCU I/O | Linear Regulator Pre-Regulation |
Use Scenario: Protects 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller GPIO pins from transient surges on external interface lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as shunt clamp between I/O line and ground; conducts above 12 V to limit voltage excursion. Use Value: 1 W power rating absorbs short-duration transients without degradation, extending system reliability. | Use Scenario: Stabilizes unregulated DC input to low-dropout (LDO) regulators in battery-powered instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides coarse pre-regulation stage before LDO, reducing thermal stress on downstream regulator. Use Value: 12 V Zener voltage accommodates typical 15–24 V input rails while maintaining margin for LDO dropout. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4742A | Same 12 V nominal, but ±5% tolerance (A suffix) vs. ±2% for 1N4742CPE3/TR12 | Less precise regulation; acceptable where cost sensitivity outweighs accuracy needs | Select when tighter tolerance is unnecessary and legacy A-suffix stock is available |
| BZX85C12 | 12 V ±5%, 1.3 W rating, DO-41 package, but higher ZZT (~100 Ω) and different thermal profile | Higher power margin but looser regulation and less stable knee characteristics | Prefer for higher surge robustness where ±5% tolerance is acceptable |
Compared with 1N4742A and BZX85C12, the 1N4742CPE3/TR12 offers superior voltage accuracy (±2%) and lower dynamic impedance (76 Ω), making it optimal for precision reference and feedback applications where regulation stability directly impacts system performance.
Availability
1N4742CPE3/TR12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch-mode power supplies, industrial sensor interfaces, and overvoltage protection circuits requiring stable component supply and full RoHS compliance.
Supply support for 1N4742CPE3/TR12 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 timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The 1N47xx series was designed specifically for general-purpose voltage regulation and reference applications, emphasizing ruggedness, wide temperature operation, and JEDEC-standard compatibility in axial-leaded packages.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance of the 1N4742CPE3/TR12?
The 1N4742CPE3/TR12 has a Zener voltage tolerance of ±2%, denoted by the "C" suffix in the part number. This means its nominal 12 V regulation falls within 11.76 V to 12.24 V at 21 mA test current and 25°C lead temperature, supporting precision applications where tighter voltage control is required compared to standard ±5% (A-suffix) variants.
What does the "e3" suffix indicate on the 1N4742CPE3/TR12?
The "e3" suffix on the 1N4742CPE3/TR12 indicates RoHS-compliant matte-tin terminal plating, conforming to EU Directive 2011/65/EU. This replaces traditional tin-lead plating while maintaining solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 and eliminating hazardous substances without altering electrical or thermal performance.
Is the 1N4742CPE3/TR12 suitable for surface-mount assembly?
No, the 1N4742CPE3/TR12 uses a DO-41 axial-leaded package and is intended for through-hole mounting. For surface-mount equivalents, Microsemi offers the SMAJ4742A and MLL4742A in SMA and SOD-123 packages respectively-neither shares the same footprint or thermal profile as the 1N4742CPE3/TR12.
What is the maximum steady-state current the 1N4742CPE3/TR12 can regulate continuously?
The 1N4742CPE3/TR12 supports a maximum regulator current (IZM) of 380 mA at TA = 50°C, derived from its 1.0 W power rating and 12 V Zener voltage. At higher ambient temperatures, derating applies: for example, at 75°C ambient on FR4 board, usable IZM drops to ~250 mA to stay within thermal limits.
How is polarity identified on the 1N4742CPE3/TR12?
Polarity on the 1N4742CPE3/TR12 is marked by a single color band (typically black or dark gray) on the cathode end of the DO-41 body. During Zener operation, the banded (cathode) end must be held at a higher potential than the anode (non-banded) end; reverse connection will forward-bias the diode and prevent regulation.
1N4742CPE3/TR12 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±2%
- Power - Max:
- 1 W
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 9 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 5 µA @ 9.1 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.2 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
1N4742CPE3/TR12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N4742CPE3/TR12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N4742CPE3/TR12 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 1N4742CPE3/TR12 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N4742CPE3/TR12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N4742CPE3/TR12 is usually 5 days.
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1N4742CPE3/TR12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N4742CPE3/TR12 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 1N4742CPE3/TR12?
For technical support, including 1N4742CPE3/TR12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N4742CPE3/TR12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N4742CPE3/TR12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N4742CPE3/TR12 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 1N4742CPE3/TR12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N4742CPE3/TR12?
All 1N4742CPE3/TR12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N4742CPE3/TR12, 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 1N4742CPE3/TR12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N4742CPE3/TR12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N4742CPE3/TR12 Tags

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MMBZ5240B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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BZT52C5V6T-7
Diodes Incorporated

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MMSZ5231B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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BZX84C3V3LT1G
onsemi

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MMSZ5245BS-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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BZT52C15S-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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MM5Z5V1ST1G
onsemi

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SMAJ4744A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

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Diodes Incorporated

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SMAZ12-13-F
Diodes Incorporated
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