Microchip Technology 1N5253A

Overview

1N5253A from Microsemi is a 25 V, ±10% tolerance, 500 mW glass axial-lead Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 5.0 mA test current, 600 Ω maximum zener impedance at knee current, and operating across –65°C to +175°C. It serves as a precision voltage reference or shunt regulator in low-power analog circuits, power supply feedback loops, and overvoltage protection.

For engineers reviewing the 1N5253A datasheet, 1N5253A pinout, 1N5253A application, or 1N5253A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 25 V nominal zener voltage, ±10% tolerance (A suffix), 600 Ω dynamic impedance at 0.25 mA, temperature coefficient of +0.089 %/°C, and DO-35 mechanical compatibility with axial-leaded PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This device operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode, delivering stable regulation over 1.0–20 mA operating current range with minimal capacitance (<2.5 pF typical per Figure 2). Its zener voltage exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+0.089 %/°C), indicating increasing V_Z with rising junction temperature - critical for thermal drift compensation in reference designs.

The 1N5253A uses hermetically sealed glass construction with tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, supports 260°C soldering for 10 s, and meets MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 for ESD insensitivity. Its thermal resistance is 250 °C/W junction-to-lead (3/8″ lead length) and 310 °C/W junction-to-ambient on FR4.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-35 (DO-204AH) glass axial-leaded package: hermetically sealed cylindrical body, 2.0–2.7 mm diameter, 4.0–5.2 mm length, 0.4–0.6 mm lead diameter, cathode indicated by single black band. Leads are tinned and solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.

Compared with 1N4748A and BZX55C24, the 1N5253A uniquely delivers 25 V regulation in the compact DO-35 form factor with JEDEC-standardized 1N52xx characteristics - making it optimal for space-constrained legacy designs requiring exact 25 V reference and proven field reliability.

Availability

1N5253A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voltage reference generation, overvoltage clamping, and linear regulator feedback applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 1N5253A 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, mixed-signal, and RF solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The 1N52xx series was designed as a JEDEC-standardized family of general-purpose, glass-passivated Zener diodes targeting cost-sensitive yet mission-critical applications demanding wide temperature operation and proven long-term stability.

FAQ

What is the nominal zener voltage and tolerance of the 1N5253A?

The 1N5253A has a nominal zener voltage of 25 V with a ±10% tolerance, as indicated by the "A" suffix per Microsemi's documentation. This means its actual breakdown voltage falls between 22.5 V and 27.5 V at 25°C under 5.0 mA test current. The tolerance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of –65°C to +175°C, and the 1N5253A is not rated for tighter tolerances like ±5% (B suffix) or ±1% (D suffix).

What package type and mounting configuration does the 1N5253A use?

The 1N5253A uses the DO-35 (also designated DO-204AH) glass axial-leaded package. It features a hermetically sealed cylindrical glass body with two radial leads - the cathode identified by a single black band. Mounting requires axial through-hole placement with ≥3/8″ (10 mm) lead length from the body for rated thermal performance, and it is compatible with standard wave or hand soldering at 260°C for up to 10 seconds.

How does the temperature coefficient of the 1N5253A affect its regulation performance?

The 1N5253A has a positive temperature coefficient of +0.089 %/°C, meaning its zener voltage increases by approximately 22.25 mV per °C rise in junction temperature. This characteristic must be accounted for in precision reference designs; for example, a 50°C rise from 25°C increases V_Z by ~1.11 V. The coefficient is measured at rated I_ZT (5.0 mA) between 25°C and 125°C per Note 3 in the datasheet.

Can the 1N5253A be used in surface-mount applications?

No, the 1N5253A is not a surface-mount device. It is exclusively offered in the through-hole DO-35 axial-leaded package. Microsemi does offer surface-mount equivalents - such as the MLL5253A in DO-213AA (MELF) package - but those are distinct orderable parts with different packaging, thermal profiles, and handling requirements. Substituting requires PCB redesign and requalification.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current specification for the 1N5253A?

The 1N5253A specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (I_R) of 0.1 μA at 19 V, which is 76% of its nominal 25 V zener voltage. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal current draw in high-impedance bias networks and preserves accuracy in battery-powered or low-quiescent-current applications. The value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and reflects the device's glass-passivated junction integrity.