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Microchip Technology 1N5238A
- Part No.:
- 1N5238A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N5238A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 8.7V 500MW DO204AH
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,758
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Product details
Overview
1N5238A from Microsemi is a 8.7 V, ±10% tolerance, 500 mW glass axial-lead Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 20 mA test current and 8.0 Ω dynamic impedance at IZK = 0.25 mA, used for precision voltage regulation in low-power analog reference and power supply feedback circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N5238A datasheet, 1N5238A pinout, 1N5238A application, or 1N5238A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, temperature coefficient (+0.065 %/°C), cathode-band polarity marking, and RoHS-compliant plating options to support stable voltage reference design and legacy component replacement.
Technical Context
The 1N5238A operates as a two-terminal reverse-biased silicon junction device with sharp Zener breakdown at 8.7 V under 20 mA DC test current. Its 8.0 Ω dynamic impedance at 0.25 mA ensures stable regulation across varying load currents within its 0.5 W power envelope.
Designed for operation from –65 °C to +175 °C, it exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of +0.065 %/°C - indicating increasing Zener voltage with rising junction temperature - and maintains low capacitance (<2.5 pF typical per Figure 2) for minimal signal coupling in bias networks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 8.7 V @ 20 mA - defines regulated output voltage under standard test conditions |
| Zener Tolerance | ±10% (A suffix) - sets worst-case regulation band from 7.83 V to 9.57 V at 25 °C |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW at 25 °C - maximum steady-state power before thermal derating begins |
| Zener Impedance | 8.0 Ω @ IZK = 0.25 mA - indicates small-signal AC resistance near knee; critical for ripple rejection |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.065 %/°C - quantifies voltage drift over temperature; enables compensation in precision references |
| Reverse Current | 30 μA @ VR = 6.2 V - leakage level below breakdown; affects quiescent current in high-impedance bias networks |
| Forward Voltage | 1.5 V max @ 200 mA - limits forward conduction loss when used bidirectionally or in protection schemes |
Pinout & Package
DO-35 (DO-204AH) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with cathode identified 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 | Non-banded end | Connected to lower-potential node; forward conduction path when biased positively relative to cathode |
| Cathode | Banded end | Connected to higher-potential node during Zener operation; defines regulated voltage reference point |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered 1N52xx series | Ensures standardized parametric definitions and interchangeability across qualified suppliers |
| Hermetic glass DO-35 construction | Provides long-term stability and moisture resistance in harsh environments without conformal coating |
| Radiation-hardened per MicroNote 050 | Supports operation in space-grade or high-reliability systems where total ionizing dose exceeds 100 krad(Si) |
| Nonsensitive to ESD (MIL-STD-750 Method 1020) | Eliminates need for handling precautions or on-board ESD protection in assembly and field use |
| RoHS-compliant option (e3 suffix) | Enables compliance with environmental directives while maintaining identical electrical performance |
Applications
| Low-Voltage Reference Source | Power Supply Feedback Network |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating a stable 8.7 V reference for ADC biasing or op-amp level-shifting in industrial sensor interfaces. IC Role / Device Role: Provides fixed, temperature-compensated voltage node independent of supply rail variation. Use Value: Enables <1% full-scale error in 12-bit measurement systems using passive current-limiting resistor and no active buffering. | Use Scenario: Setting output voltage in linear regulator feedback loop (e.g., LM317-based adjustable supply). IC Role / Device Role: Serves as precision shunt element in voltage divider network controlling error amplifier input. Use Value: Delivers ±10% regulation accuracy over line/load/temperature with <8 Ω dynamic impedance minimizing feedback loop instability. |
| Overvoltage Clamp Protection | Signal-Level Translation |
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIO pins from transient overvoltage events up to ±15 V. IC Role / Device Role: Acts as bidirectional clamp limiting voltage swing between cathode and anode terminals. Use Value: Limits peak clamping voltage to ≤10.2 V (8.7 V + 1.5 V forward drop) with sub-μA leakage below 6.2 V. | Use Scenario: Shifting TTL logic levels to match 8.7 V analog subsystem thresholds in mixed-signal control boards. IC Role / Device Role: Establishes defined DC offset between digital and analog domains via Zener drop. Use Value: Achieves deterministic 8.7 V threshold with <0.1% drift over –40 °C to +85 °C due to known +0.065 %/°C TC. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4737A | Same 8.7 V nominal voltage but 1 W power rating; DO-41 package; 5.0 Ω ZZT @ 20 mA | Higher power dissipation supports >50 mA regulation current; larger footprint requires PCB layout change | Select when >500 mW continuous power or improved thermal margin is required |
| BZX55-C8V2 | 8.2 V nominal, ±5% tolerance (C suffix); DO-35 package; 15 Ω ZZT @ 5 mA; different tempco (+0.06 %/°C) | Lower voltage and tighter tolerance suit precision references; higher impedance impacts ripple rejection | Select when 8.2 V target and ±5% tolerance are acceptable and lower dynamic impedance not critical |
Compared with 1N4737A and BZX55-C8V2, the 1N5238A offers optimal balance of legacy DO-35 form factor, 500 mW thermal envelope, and predictable +0.065 %/°C drift for cost-sensitive industrial references where exact 8.7 V is mandated.
Availability
1N5238A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for low-power voltage reference, analog signal conditioning, and power supply feedback applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for 1N5238A 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 precision analog components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The 1N52xx series was designed specifically for general-purpose, low-power Zener regulation in legacy and high-reliability systems where DO-35 mechanical robustness, JEDEC standardization, and wide operating temperature range (–65 °C to +175 °C) are essential.
FAQ
What is the nominal Zener voltage and tolerance of the 1N5238A?
The 1N5238A has a nominal Zener voltage of 8.7 V with a ±10% tolerance (denoted by the "A" suffix), resulting in a guaranteed regulation range of 7.83 V to 9.57 V at 25 °C and 20 mA test current. This tolerance is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 1 of the Microsemi datasheet for the 1N5221–1N5281B series.
What package type and marking does the 1N5238A use?
The 1N5238A uses the DO-35 (DO-204AH) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by a single black band on the banded end. The part number "1N5238A" is laser-marked or printed directly on the glass body, per Microsemi's mechanical specifications.
What is the Zener impedance of the 1N5238A and why does it matter?
The 1N5238A has a maximum Zener impedance of 8.0 Ω at IZK = 0.25 mA, measured per JEDEC methodology. This low dynamic impedance ensures minimal output voltage variation under changing load current, making the 1N5238A suitable for applications requiring stable reference voltage despite ripple or transient current demands.
Does the 1N5238A have a positive or negative temperature coefficient?
The 1N5238A has a positive temperature coefficient of +0.065 %/°C, meaning its Zener voltage increases with rising junction temperature. This value is specified in Note 3 of the datasheet and applies to devices from 1N5243A/B through 1N5281A/B, including the 1N5238A as part of the same family characterization group.
Is the 1N5238A RoHS compliant?
Yes - the 1N5238A is available in RoHS-compliant form with the "e3" suffix (e.g., 1N5238Ae3), featuring annealed matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Standard versions use tin-lead plating; both share identical electrical and thermal specifications.
1N5238A 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):
- 8.7 V
- Tolerance:
- ±10%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 8 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 3 µA @ 6.5 V
- 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)
1N5238A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N5238A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N5238A 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 1N5238A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N5238A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N5238A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N5238A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N5238A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N5238A?
1N5238A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N5238A 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 1N5238A?
For technical support, including 1N5238A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N5238A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N5238A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N5238A 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 1N5238A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N5238A?
All 1N5238A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N5238A, 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 1N5238A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N5238A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N5238A 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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BZT52C15-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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BZX84C3V3LT1G
onsemi
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MMSZ5245BS-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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MMSZ4682T1G
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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BZT52C3V6LP-7
Diodes Incorporated
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SMAZ12-13-F
Diodes Incorporated
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