Microchip Technology 1N5228A
- Part No.:
- 1N5228A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N5228A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 3.9V 500MW DO204AH
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,500
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Product details
Overview
1N5228A from Microsemi is a 3.9 V, ±10% tolerance, 500 mW glass axial-lead Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 20 mA test current and 23 Ω dynamic impedance at IZK = 0.25 mA, used for low-power voltage regulation in power supply reference and signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N5228A datasheet, 1N5228A pinout, 1N5228A application, or 1N5228A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal derating behavior, Zener voltage temperature coefficient, packaging details, and validated alternative parts for precision analog design and legacy board repair.
Technical Context
The 1N5228A operates as a two-terminal reverse-biased voltage reference with a nominal Zener voltage of 3.9 V at 20 mA, exhibiting a negative temperature coefficient of −0.060 %/°C over 25–125 °C. Its 23 Ω Zener impedance at 0.25 mA ensures stable regulation under light-load conditions.
Designed for through-hole mounting in DO-35 glass package, it supports operation from −65 °C to +175 °C, with 250 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance at 10 mm lead length and 0.5 W steady-state dissipation at TL < 50 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage (VZ) | 3.9 V @ 20 mA - defines precise regulation point for low-voltage reference circuits |
| Voltage Tolerance | ±10% (A suffix) - sets worst-case output range (3.51–4.29 V) for design margining |
| Zener Impedance (ZZT) | 23 Ω @ IZK = 0.25 mA - indicates low dynamic resistance for minimal load-induced voltage shift |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW at 25 °C - limits maximum continuous current to ~128 mA at 3.9 V without derating |
| Temp. Coefficient (αVZ) | −0.060 %/°C - predicts −2.34 mV/°C drift, critical for temperature-stable bias networks |
| Max Reverse Current (IR) | 50 μA @ VR = 1.0 V - confirms low leakage below knee voltage, enabling clean turn-on |
| Forward Voltage (VF) | 1.5 V max @ 200 mA - ensures predictable forward conduction during transient clamping or polarity protection |
Pinout & Package
DO-35 (DO-204AH) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by a single black 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 (unbanded end) | Reference ground node | Connected to circuit common; establishes reference potential for regulated output |
| Cathode (banded end) | Zener regulation terminal | Applied positive voltage relative to anode to enter reverse breakdown; delivers stable 3.9 V output |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered DO-35 construction | Ensures mechanical and thermal interchangeability across qualified suppliers and legacy designs |
| −65 °C to +175 °C operating range | Supports deployment in automotive engine compartments, industrial controls, and aerospace subsystems |
| Low 50 μA reverse leakage at 1.0 V | Minimizes quiescent current draw in battery-powered voltage monitor circuits |
| Radiation-hardened per MicroNote 050 | Enables use in space-grade analog references without additional shielding or qualification overhead |
| Nonsensitive to ESD (MIL-STD-750 Method 1020) | Eliminates need for on-board ESD protection in handling and assembly of high-reliability systems |
Applications
| Low-Voltage Power Supply Reference | Signal Level Shifting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 3.9 V reference for op-amp biasing and ADC voltage dividers in 5 V rail systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode acts as shunt voltage regulator, sinking excess current to maintain fixed node voltage. Use Value: Delivers ±10% accuracy and −0.060 %/°C drift, enabling 12-bit measurement stability over industrial temperature range. | Use Scenario: Translating TTL logic thresholds to match input requirements of mixed-voltage interface ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Functions as passive level translator by clamping signal peaks to 3.9 V while blocking sub-threshold noise. Use Value: Leverages 23 Ω ZZT and 50 μA IR to preserve edge integrity and minimize loading on driving gates. |
| Overvoltage Protection Clamp | Temperature-Stable Bias Network |
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins from transient surges exceeding 3.9 V in sensor interface modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Operates in reverse breakdown to divert surge current away from sensitive inputs. Use Value: With 0.5 W rating and 1.5 V forward drop, it absorbs short-duration transients without latch-up or parametric shift. | Use Scenario: Setting collector current in BJT amplifier stages where gain stability over temperature is critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies temperature-compensated bias voltage via series resistor to transistor base. Use Value: Negative αVZ counterbalances positive VBE drift, reducing overall gain variation by >40% vs. resistive bias alone. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4728A (ON Semiconductor) | Same 3.9 V nominal, ±10% tolerance, DO-41 package (larger body, higher thermal mass) | Higher 1.0 W power rating enables higher-current regulation but requires larger PCB footprint | Select when higher power margin or legacy DO-41 layout compatibility is required |
| BZX55-C3V9 (Vishay) | 3.9 V, ±5% tolerance (C suffix), DO-35 package, 500 mW rating, 20 Ω ZZT | Tighter tolerance improves reference accuracy but increases cost; identical thermal profile | Select when ±5% regulation tightness is needed without changing board layout or thermal design |
Compared with 1N5228A, the 1N4728A offers higher power headroom in a larger package, while the BZX55-C3V9 provides tighter voltage control in the same DO-35 form factor-enabling trade-offs between accuracy, thermal performance, and board space.
Availability
1N5228A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for low-power voltage reference, signal conditioning, and overvoltage clamp applications requiring stable component supply across industrial control, instrumentation, and legacy electronics repair programs.
Supply support for 1N5228A 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 aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The 1N52xxA series belongs to Microsemi's legacy Zener diode product line, engineered for precision voltage regulation in mission-critical analog circuits where long-term stability, wide temperature operation, and JEDEC-standard interchangeability are essential.
FAQ
What is the nominal Zener voltage and tolerance of the 1N5228A?
The 1N5228A has a nominal Zener voltage of 3.9 V with a ±10% tolerance, meaning its actual regulation voltage falls between 3.51 V and 4.29 V at 20 mA test current. This tolerance is confirmed by the "A" suffix per Microsemi's datasheet and applies across the full operating temperature range of −65 °C to +175 °C.
What is the Zener impedance of the 1N5228A and why does it matter?
The 1N5228A exhibits 23 Ω dynamic impedance (ZZT) at IZK = 0.25 mA, measured using 60 Hz AC superimposed on DC bias. This low value ensures minimal output voltage variation under changing load currents, making the 1N5228A suitable for stable reference generation in low-noise analog circuits and precision bias networks.
Does the 1N5228A have a positive or negative temperature coefficient?
The 1N5228A has a negative temperature coefficient of −0.060 %/°C, meaning its Zener voltage decreases by approximately 2.34 mV per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature. This characteristic is specified for devices with A or B suffixes tested from 25 °C to 125 °C and is useful for compensating positive thermal drift in associated circuitry.
What package type and marking does the 1N5228A use?
The 1N5228A uses the DO-35 (DO-204AH) glass axial-leaded package with cathode identified by a single black band on the banded end. The device is marked with its full part number "1N5228A", and lead finish is either tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
Can the 1N5228A be used in high-reliability or radiation-exposed environments?
Yes-the 1N5228A is inherently radiation-hardened per MicroNote 050 and qualified to MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels (e.g., JAN, JANTX) when ordered with appropriate prefixes. Its glass-body DO-35 construction and ESD immunity per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 make it suitable for aerospace, defense, and nuclear instrumentation applications where parametric stability under ionizing radiation is required.
1N5228A 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):
- 3.9 V
- Tolerance:
- ±10%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 23 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 10 µA @ 950 mV
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.5 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AH (DO-35)
1N5228A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N5228A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N5228A 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 1N5228A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N5228A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N5228A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N5228A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N5228A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N5228A?
1N5228A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N5228A 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 1N5228A?
For technical support, including 1N5228A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N5228A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N5228A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N5228A 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 1N5228A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N5228A?
All 1N5228A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N5228A, 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 1N5228A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N5228A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N5228A Tags

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MMBZ5240B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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SMAJ4744A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

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Diodes Incorporated

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