Microchip Technology 1N5273A
- Part No.:
- 1N5273A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N5273A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 120V 500MW DO204AH
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,004
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Product details
Overview
1N5273A from Microsemi is a 500 mW glass axial-lead Zener diode with nominal Zener voltage of 120 V, ±10% tolerance (A suffix), 1.0 mA test current, and 4000 Ω maximum Zener impedance at 0.25 mA. It operates from −65 °C to +175 °C and is used for precision voltage regulation in low-power industrial power supplies and reference circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N5273A datasheet, 1N5273A pinout, 1N5273A application, or 1N5273A equivalent, key selection factors include its 120 V regulation level, DO-35 package thermal resistance (310 °C/W on FR4), temperature coefficient (+0.110 %/°C), and suitability for high-voltage biasing and overvoltage protection where stable reverse breakdown is required.
Technical Context
The 1N5273A functions as a two-terminal voltage reference device operating in reverse-biased Zener breakdown mode. Its regulation is defined at IZT = 1.0 mA with VZ = 120 V, and it maintains stable performance across −65 °C to +175 °C with αVZ = +0.110 %/°C.
It exhibits 900 Ω maximum dynamic impedance (ZZT) at IZK = 0.25 mA and 4000 Ω maximum knee impedance (ZZK) at same current, confirming sharp breakdown characteristics. The device is rated for 0.5 W dissipation at 25 °C with linear derating above that temperature per Figure 1.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 120 V @ IZT = 1.0 mA - defines primary regulation point for voltage reference design |
| Zener Tolerance | ±10% (A suffix) - sets worst-case output voltage spread in production circuits |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW at 25 °C - limits maximum continuous reverse power without heatsinking |
| Operating Temperature | −65 °C to +175 °C - enables use in aerospace, downhole, and high-temp industrial environments |
| Zener Impedance | 900 Ω max @ IZK = 0.25 mA - indicates low dynamic resistance near knee, supporting stable regulation at low currents |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.110 %/°C - quantifies voltage drift with ambient temperature change; critical for precision references |
| Forward Voltage | ≤1.5 V @ 200 mA - ensures predictable forward conduction if accidentally biased in forward direction |
Pinout & Package
DO-35 (DO-204AH) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by 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; reverse-biased operation requires this terminal to be at lower voltage than cathode |
| Cathode | Banded end | Connected to higher-potential node during Zener regulation; polarity marking essential for correct PCB orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered Zener | Complies with JEDEC 1N52xx standard, ensuring interoperability and qualification consistency across suppliers |
| Radiation-hardened construction | Inherently radiation hard per MicroNote 050 - suitable for space-grade and nuclear instrumentation applications |
| ESD robustness | Nonsensitive to ESD per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 - eliminates need for external ESD protection in handling and assembly |
| Low capacitance | Typical CJ < 2 pF (per Figure 2) - minimizes signal coupling and noise injection in high-frequency bias networks |
Applications
| High-Voltage Bias Reference | Overvoltage Protection Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 120 V reference for analog front-end biasing in industrial sensor signal conditioning modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal passive voltage reference establishing fixed DC potential for op-amp input stages and ADC reference dividers. Use Value: Enables accurate 12-bit+ measurement accuracy despite supply ripple, using only 1.0 mA test current and minimal board area. | Use Scenario: Clamping transient surges on 100–130 V DC bus lines in telecom power distribution units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt regulator absorbing excess energy during line transients to protect downstream MOSFET gate drivers and controllers. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤130 V with 900 Ω dynamic impedance, preventing latch-up in 100 V-rated ICs without active crowbar circuitry. |
| Temperature-Stable Reference Source | Low-Power Precision Regulator |
Use Scenario: Generating calibrated 120 V reference in portable calibration equipment requiring traceable voltage standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary Zener element in compensated reference string, paired with thermistors or complementary diodes to offset +0.110 %/°C drift. Use Value: Delivers <±0.5% total error over −40 °C to +85 °C when combined with simple compensation, meeting ANSI C12.20 Class 0.2 metering requirements. | Use Scenario: Regulating auxiliary 120 V rail for isolated gate driver bias in medium-voltage IGBT inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone shunt regulator supplying clean, low-noise bias to SiC gate drivers with minimal external components. Use Value: Achieves <10 mV ripple at 1.0 mA load using only one capacitor, eliminating need for LDO or switching regulator in space-constrained HV control boards. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N5273B | Same 120 V nominal voltage but ±5% tolerance (B suffix) instead of ±10%; otherwise identical electrical and thermal specs | Higher precision required in metrology or calibration systems where tighter VZ spread reduces system-level calibration burden | Select 1N5273B when ±5% initial tolerance justifies cost premium over A-suffix version |
| MMBZ5273B | Surface-mount MELF (DO-213AA) package; same 120 V, ±5%, but lower thermal resistance (junction-to-ambient ~220 °C/W on FR4) | Preferred for automated SMT assembly and compact PCB layouts where axial leads are incompatible with reflow or density targets | Choose MMBZ5273B for new designs prioritizing manufacturability and board space over through-hole serviceability |
Compared with 1N5273A, the 1N5273B offers tighter voltage tolerance for improved system accuracy without changing layout or thermal design, while the MMBZ5273B enables SMT integration and slightly better thermal performance but requires footprint redesign and reflow process validation.
Availability
1N5273A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-voltage bias references, overvoltage clamping circuits, and low-power precision regulators requiring stable component supply across aerospace, industrial instrumentation, and telecom infrastructure programs.
Supply support for 1N5273A 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-voltage analog components for defense, aerospace, and industrial markets.
The 1N52xx series was designed specifically for ruggedized voltage regulation in mission-critical systems where extended temperature range, ESD immunity, and long-term stability under thermal cycling are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the nominal Zener voltage and tolerance of the 1N5273A?
The 1N5273A has a nominal Zener voltage of 120 V with a ±10% tolerance, as indicated by the "A" suffix per Microsemi's documentation. This means the actual measured VZ at IZT = 1.0 mA falls between 108 V and 132 V across production lots, making it suitable for applications where moderate regulation accuracy is acceptable.
What package type does the 1N5273A use, and how is polarity marked?
The 1N5273A uses the DO-35 (DO-204AH) hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded package. Polarity is marked by a visible cathode band on the glass body; the banded end is the cathode and must be connected to the higher-potential node during Zener regulation operation.
What is the maximum power dissipation and thermal resistance of the 1N5273A?
The 1N5273A is rated for 500 mW power dissipation at 25 °C ambient, with thermal resistance of 310 °C/W junction-to-ambient when mounted on an FR4 PCB with specified copper pad geometry. Derating is linear above 25 °C per Figure 1 in the datasheet, reaching zero dissipation at approximately 175 °C.
Does the 1N5273A require external ESD protection during handling or assembly?
No, the 1N5273A is nonsensitive to ESD per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020, as confirmed in Microsemi's official documentation. Its construction inherently withstands typical handling electrostatic discharges, eliminating the need for additional ESD safeguards during PCB assembly or field service.
How does the temperature coefficient affect the 1N5273A's regulation accuracy over temperature?
The 1N5273A has a temperature coefficient of +0.110 %/°C, meaning its Zener voltage increases by approximately 0.132 V per 1 °C rise in junction temperature. Over a −40 °C to +85 °C ambient range, this contributes up to ±13.8 V drift, so system-level compensation or tight ambient control is needed for high-accuracy applications using the 1N5273A.
1N5273A 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):
- 120 V
- Tolerance:
- ±10%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 900 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 100 nA @ 91 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)
1N5273A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N5273A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N5273A 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 1N5273A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N5273A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N5273A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N5273A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N5273A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N5273A?
1N5273A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N5273A 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 1N5273A?
For technical support, including 1N5273A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N5273A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N5273A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N5273A 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 1N5273A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N5273A?
All 1N5273A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N5273A, 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 1N5273A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N5273A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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