Microchip Technology 1N5242A/TR
- Part No.:
- 1N5242A/TR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N5242A/TR.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 500MW DO204AH
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,195
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Product details
Overview
1N5242A/TR from Microsemi is a 12 V, ±10% tolerance, 500 mW glass axial-lead Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 20 mA test current, 30 Ω dynamic impedance at IZT, and operating from –65°C to +175°C. It provides stable voltage regulation in low-power reference and protection circuits, such as power supply feedback loops and overvoltage clamping in industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the 1N5242A/TR datasheet, 1N5242A/TR pinout, 1N5242A/TR application, or 1N5242A/TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12 V nominal Zener voltage, ±10% tolerance (A suffix), 30 Ω Zener impedance at 20 mA, thermal resistance of 250 °C/W junction-to-lead, and RoHS-compliant "e3" variant availability with "TR" tape-and-reel packaging.
Technical Context
This discrete Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown to maintain a stable reference voltage across a wide current range (0.25 mA to 20 mA) and temperature span (–65°C to +175°C). Its DO-35 glass package ensures hermetic sealing and radiation hardness per MicroNote 050, with cathode polarity marked by a band.
Electrical behavior is defined by two key impedance points: ZZT = 30 Ω measured at IZT = 20 mA, and ZZK = 1.0 Ω measured at IZK = 0.25 mA. Temperature coefficient is +0.077 %/°C (measured from 25°C to 125°C at IZT), confirming positive drift above 6.8 V in this series.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 12 V ±10% - defines regulated output voltage under 20 mA test current; tolerance impacts reference accuracy in precision feedback paths. |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW at 25°C - maximum steady-state power before thermal derating; requires heatsinking or layout copper above 50°C ambient. |
| Zener Impedance | 30 Ω at IZT = 20 mA - determines AC ripple rejection and regulation stability under load transients. |
| Reverse Current | 10 μA max at VR = 9.1 V - specifies leakage below breakdown; critical for low-power standby circuits. |
| Operating Temperature | –65°C to +175°C - enables use in automotive engine compartments, downhole tools, and military avionics without derating. |
| Thermal Resistance | 250 °C/W junction-to-lead (3/8″ lead length) - informs thermal design margin when leads serve as heat paths. |
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. Weight: 0.2 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Non-banded end | Connected to lower-potential node; forward voltage ≤1.5 V at 200 mA ensures compatibility with standard logic-level drive. |
| Cathode | Banded end | Connected to higher-potential node during Zener operation; polarity must be observed to avoid forward conduction instead of regulation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered 1N52xx series | Ensures cross-manufacturer interchangeability and standardized test conditions per JEDEC JESD24. |
| ±10% voltage tolerance (A suffix) | Meets cost-sensitive industrial control applications where tighter tolerances are unnecessary. |
| Low 1.0 Ω impedance at 0.25 mA | Enables stable regulation even in ultra-low-current bias networks (e.g., micropower comparators). |
| Radiation-hardened per MicroNote 050 | Validated for space-qualified subsystems and nuclear instrumentation where TID > 100 krad required. |
| Nonsensitive to ESD (MIL-STD-750 Method 1020) | Eliminates need for on-board ESD protection in handling and assembly for high-reliability production lines. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Feedback | Automotive Sensor Voltage Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulates error amplifier reference in isolated flyback converters with <5 W output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode providing 12 V reference to TL431 or optocoupler input. Use Value: Maintains ±5% output regulation across line/load variations due to stable 12 V Zener voltage and 30 Ω dynamic impedance. | Use Scenario: Clamps transient spikes on 12 V CAN bus sensor lines exposed to load dump events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete overvoltage protector shunting surge energy to ground. Use Value: Withstands 175°C ambient and survives 100 V/10 ms transients without degradation, per MIL-PRF-19500 screening options. |
| Military Avionics Reference | Downhole Oilfield Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Supplies stable bias to analog front-end amplifiers in radar receiver modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference in high-temperature, high-vibration environments. Use Value: Radiation hardness and –65°C to +175°C operation ensure reliability in uncooled airborne electronics bays. | Use Scenario: Sets threshold voltage for pressure transducer signal conditioning in geothermal drill strings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Temperature-stable Zener reference in ASIC bias networks. Use Value: +0.077 %/°C tempco and minimal capacitance (<2 pF) preserve signal integrity at 1 kHz bandwidth in harsh downhole EM noise. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4742A | Same 12 V ±5%, but 1 W rating and DO-41 package; 20 Ω Zener impedance at 21 mA. | Higher power dissipation supports larger current sinks; less suitable for space-constrained axial layouts. | Select 1N4742A when >500 mW headroom or PCB-mount robustness is required. |
| MMBZ5242B | SOT-23 surface-mount, 12 V ±5%, 200 mW; 30 Ω impedance at 20 mA; -55°C to +150°C rating. | Enables automated assembly and board density improvement; reduced thermal mass limits surge handling. | Choose MMBZ5242B for compact consumer electronics where reflow compatibility and size outweigh high-temp needs. |
Compared with 1N5242A/TR, 1N4742A offers higher power and lower impedance but larger DO-41 footprint, while MMBZ5242B trades thermal ruggedness and extended temperature range for SMT manufacturability and board space savings.
Availability
1N5242A/TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply feedback, automotive sensor voltage clamp, and military avionics reference requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and radiation environments.
Supply support for 1N5242A/TR 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 high-temperature analog and mixed-signal components.
The 1N52xx series was designed for demanding industrial, aerospace, and defense applications requiring guaranteed Zener voltage, low leakage, and operation beyond commercial temperature limits.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for 1N5242A/TR?
The "A" suffix in 1N5242A/TR denotes a nominal Zener voltage of 12 V with a tolerance of ±10%, verified per JEDEC JESD24 at 20 mA test current and 25°C ambient. This tolerance applies across the full operating temperature range and is guaranteed for all units in the lot, not just typical values.
Does 1N5242A/TR require external heat sinking?
No, 1N5242A/TR does not require external heat sinking under standard conditions. Its 250 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance allows full 500 mW dissipation at 25°C ambient with 3/8″ (10 mm) lead length. Derating begins linearly above 50°C lead temperature, per Figure 1 in the Microsemi datasheet for 1N5242A/TR.
Is 1N5242A/TR RoHS compliant?
Yes, 1N5242A/TR is RoHS compliant when ordered with the "e3" suffix (e.g., 1N5242Ae3/TR). The base part uses tin-lead plating, but the e3 variant substitutes annealed matte-tin per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 and meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for 1N5242A/TR?
The maximum reverse leakage current for 1N5242A/TR is 10 μA at VR = 9.1 V (75% of nominal Zener voltage), measured per JEDEC test conditions after 20 seconds stabilization. This value is guaranteed for all units and directly impacts quiescent current in battery-powered bias networks.
Can 1N5242A/TR be used in place of 1N4742A?
No, 1N5242A/TR is not a direct replacement for 1N4742A due to differences in power rating (500 mW vs. 1 W), package (DO-35 vs. DO-41), and Zener impedance (30 Ω vs. 20 Ω). While both regulate at 12 V, substituting 1N5242A/TR in a 1N4742A design risks thermal overload and degraded regulation under high-current conditions.
1N5242A/TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±10%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 30 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 1 µA @ 8.7 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.5 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AH (DO-35)
1N5242A/TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N5242A/TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N5242A/TR 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 1N5242A/TR reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N5242A/TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N5242A/TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N5242A/TR?
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4.How is shipping managed for 1N5242A/TR?
1N5242A/TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N5242A/TR 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 1N5242A/TR?
For technical support, including 1N5242A/TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N5242A/TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N5242A/TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N5242A/TR 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 1N5242A/TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N5242A/TR?
All 1N5242A/TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N5242A/TR, 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 1N5242A/TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N5242A/TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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