Microchip Technology 1N5246B
- Part No.:
- 1N5246B
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N5246B.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 16V 500MW DO204AH
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,769
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Product details
Overview
1N5246B from Microsemi is a 500 mW, 16 V ±5% glass axial-lead Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, designed for precision voltage regulation in low-power analog circuits, reference supplies, and overvoltage protection. It delivers 7.8 mA test current, 600 Ω dynamic impedance at IZK, and operates across –65°C to +175°C.
For engineers reviewing the 1N5246B datasheet, 1N5246B pinout, 1N5246B application, or 1N5246B equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specs, thermal derating behavior, Zener voltage temperature coefficient (+0.083 %/°C), RoHS-compliant e3 variant availability, and direct alternatives with documented tolerance and impedance differences.
Technical Context
The 1N5246B operates as a two-terminal voltage reference device with cathode-banded polarity, requiring reverse bias for Zener conduction. Its breakdown knee is validated at 7.8 mA test current (IZT) and 0.25 mA knee current (IZK), ensuring stable regulation under light-load conditions.
Thermal performance is defined by 250 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance at 3/8″ lead length and 310 °C/W junction-to-ambient on FR4 with specified copper pad geometry. Forward voltage remains ≤1.5 V at 200 mA, confirming robust surge handling without forward conduction interference.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 16 V ±5% at 7.8 mA - defines regulated output level with tight tolerance for reference stability |
| Power Dissipation | 0.5 W at 25°C - sets maximum continuous power before thermal derating begins |
| Zener Impedance | 600 Ω at IZK = 0.25 mA - indicates regulation stiffness under very light load |
| Temp. Coefficient | +0.083 %/°C - quantifies voltage drift over temperature; enables compensation in precision references |
| Reverse Current | 0.1 μA max at VR = 12.8 V - ensures minimal leakage in high-impedance bias networks |
| Operating Temp. | –65°C to +175°C - supports aerospace, downhole, and industrial environments |
| Forward Voltage | ≤1.5 V at 200 mA - confirms low-loss forward conduction during transient clamping |
Pinout & Package
DO-35 (DO-204AH) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by color band; leads are tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plated per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Non-banded end | Connected to circuit ground or lower potential node during Zener operation |
| Cathode | Banded end | Connected to regulated voltage node; must be held positive relative to anode for breakdown |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered Zener | Complies with JEDEC 1N52xxB standard for 5% tolerance, enabling cross-manufacturer sourcing |
| Radiation-hardened construction | Inherently radiation tolerant per MicroNote 050 - suitable for space-grade and nuclear instrumentation |
| Low capacitance | Typical CJ < 2 pF (per Figure 2) - minimizes signal coupling in RF and high-speed timing circuits |
| ESD-insensitive | Passes MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 - eliminates need for external ESD protection in assembly |
| RoHS-compliant option | e3 suffix available - meets environmental compliance without performance trade-off |
Applications
| Low-Power Voltage Reference | Overvoltage Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 16 V bias for op-amp input stages or ADC reference dividers in battery-powered sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal passive voltage reference establishing fixed DC potential independent of supply variation. Use Value: Delivers ±5% accuracy and +0.083 %/°C TC over –65°C to +175°C, reducing calibration frequency in field-deployed units. |
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins from 24 V transients in industrial PLC input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping device diverting excess energy to ground when voltage exceeds 16 V threshold. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to 16.8 V (VZ + ΔVZ) with 0.1 μA leakage below clamp point, preserving signal integrity. |
| Temperature-Stable Bias Network | Legacy Power Supply Regulation |
Use Scenario: Generating temperature-compensated bias currents in precision current sources for metrology equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener element in compensated reference string where predictable TC enables active cancellation. Use Value: Known +0.083 %/°C coefficient allows pairing with negative-TC components to achieve <±10 ppm/°C net drift. |
Use Scenario: Regulating unregulated 24 V rail to 16 V for analog front-end circuitry in legacy telecom line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt regulator maintaining constant output despite 10–100 mA load variation. Use Value: Maintains regulation with 600 Ω dynamic impedance at 0.25 mA, supporting stable operation even during standby current draw. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4742A (ON Semiconductor) | 12 V nominal, ±5%, 1 W rating, DO-41 package - higher power but lower voltage | Requires redesign for 12 V systems; unsuitable where 16 V reference is mandatory | Select only if system voltage budget permits 12 V and board space accommodates larger DO-41 footprint |
| BZX55C16 (Vishay) | 16 V ±5%, 500 mW, DO-35 - identical voltage/tolerance/power, but 700 Ω ZZT vs. 600 Ω | Higher dynamic impedance may reduce regulation accuracy under varying load | Acceptable drop-in replacement where 100 Ω Zener impedance margin is acceptable; verify under worst-case ILOAD |
Compared with 1N5246B, the BZX55C16 offers matching voltage and package but trades 100 Ω higher dynamic impedance for broader vendor availability, while the 1N4742A shifts regulation to 12 V with doubled power - neither is pin-compatible nor voltage-equivalent, making 1N5246B irreplaceable in 16 V precision reference roles.
Availability
1N5246B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for low-power voltage reference, overvoltage clamp, and temperature-stable bias network applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for 1N5246B 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 1N52xxB series was engineered for mission-critical voltage regulation where wide temperature range, JEDEC standardization, and intrinsic radiation hardness are mandatory - not general-purpose use.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for 1N5246B?
The 1N5246B has a nominal Zener voltage of 16 V with a guaranteed tolerance of ±5%, as indicated by the "B" suffix per JEDEC standard. This tolerance is validated at 7.8 mA test current and applies across the full operating temperature range of –65°C to +175°C, making it suitable for applications demanding repeatable regulation without recalibration.
Does 1N5246B require heatsinking in standard PCB mounting?
No, the 1N5246B does not require external heatsinking when operated within its 0.5 W rating at ambient temperatures ≤25°C on FR4 with 4 mm² copper pads and 1 mm track width. Its thermal resistance is 310 °C/W junction-to-ambient under those conditions, and derating begins linearly above 25°C per Figure 1 in the official datasheet.
Is 1N5246B RoHS compliant?
Yes - the RoHS-compliant version of 1N5246B is designated as 1N5246Be3, with annealed matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. The "e3" suffix confirms lead-free finish while retaining identical electrical and thermal specifications as the standard part.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for 1N5246B?
The maximum reverse leakage current (IR) for 1N5246B is 0.1 μA when measured at 12.8 V (80% of nominal VZ). This ultra-low leakage supports high-impedance bias networks and precision reference dividers where current draw must remain below 100 nA.
Can 1N5246B be used in place of 1N5245B or 1N5247B?
No - 1N5245B (15 V) and 1N5247B (17 V) have different nominal Zener voltages and distinct temperature coefficients (+0.082 %/°C and +0.084 %/°C respectively). Substituting them for 1N5246B would shift regulation by ±1 V and alter thermal drift behavior, invalidating circuit calibration.
1N5246B 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):
- 16 V
- Tolerance:
- ±5%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 17 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 100 nA @ 12 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)
1N5246B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N5246B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N5246B 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 1N5246B reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N5246B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N5246B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N5246B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N5246B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N5246B?
1N5246B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N5246B 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 1N5246B?
For technical support, including 1N5246B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N5246B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N5246B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N5246B 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 1N5246B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N5246B?
All 1N5246B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N5246B, 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 1N5246B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N5246B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N5246B 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
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