Microchip Technology 1N5361E3/TR12

Overview

1N5361E3/TR12 from Microsemi is a 5 W axial-leaded silicon Zener diode with a nominal regulation voltage of 27 V, ±5% tolerance (B-suffix equivalent), 50 mA test current, 5 Ω maximum dynamic impedance at I_ZT, and 120 mA maximum Zener current (I_ZM) when adequately heat-sunk. It operates from −65 °C to +150 °C and is used for precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection in industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the 1N5361E3/TR12 datasheet, 1N5361E3/TR12 pinout, 1N5361E3/TR12 application, or 1N5361E3/TR12 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage stability under varying load currents, thermal resistance (25 °C/W junction-to-lead), surge current rating (176 A), and RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750.

Technical Context

This device functions as a two-terminal voltage regulator operating in reverse breakdown, maintaining stable output voltage across a wide current range (10–120 mA). Its low dynamic impedance (5 Ω) ensures minimal voltage variation (ΔV_Z = 0.60 V) between 10% and 50% of I_ZM, critical for reference stability in feedback loops.

The 1N5361E3/TR12 uses a void-free thermosetting epoxy T-18 package with cathode band marking, rated for 260 °C soldering (10 s), and meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity-no dry pack required. Polarity must be observed: cathode (banded end) is positive relative to anode during regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: T-18 axial-leaded plastic case (void-free thermosetting epoxy, UL94V-0 rated), 0.7 g weight, cathode indicated by colored band. Leads are annealed matte-tin plated (RoHS compliant), 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 1N5361B and MMSZ5258ET1G, the 1N5361E3/TR12 uniquely combines RoHS compliance, 5 W power handling, 176 A surge capability, and axial-leaded through-hole mounting-making it irreplaceable for industrial-grade overvoltage protection and high-stability reference designs requiring mechanical robustness and thermal margin.

Availability

1N5361E3/TR12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, motor control systems, and programmable logic controller (PLC) input conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 1N5361E3/TR12 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 timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The 1N53xx series was designed specifically for ruggedized voltage regulation in harsh-environment power systems-emphasizing surge resilience, wide temperature operation, and JEDEC-standardized interchangeability.

FAQ

What is the Zener voltage tolerance of the 1N5361E3/TR12?

The 1N5361E3/TR12 has a nominal Zener voltage of 27 V with ±5% tolerance, consistent with the "B" suffix designation in the 1N53xxB family. This tolerance is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 1 of the Microsemi datasheet, where 1N5361B (identical electrical spec) is listed with V_Z = 27 V and tolerance column marked "B". The e3 suffix denotes RoHS compliance only and does not affect voltage tolerance.

Can the 1N5361E3/TR12 be used without a heatsink?

The 1N5361E3/TR12 can dissipate up to 1.47 W continuously at 25 °C ambient when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB with 4 mm² copper pads and 1 mm track width, per its thermal resistance specification (85 °C/W junction-to-ambient). For full 5 W operation, a heatsink or 3/8″ lead length is required to achieve the 25 °C/W junction-to-lead rating. Operating at 5 W without thermal management will exceed maximum junction temperature.

What does the "TR12" suffix mean in 1N5361E3/TR12?

The "TR12" suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging per EIA-296 standard, with 12,000 units per reel. This is explicitly stated in the "Mechanical and Packaging" section of the datasheet: "TAPE & REEL option: Standard per EIA-296 (add 'TR' suffix to part number)". The "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, and "12" specifies reel quantity-not a variant or revision code.

Is the 1N5361E3/TR12 suitable for automotive applications?

The 1N5361E3/TR12 is rated for operation from −65 °C to +150 °C and withstands high surge stresses, but it is not AEC-Q200 qualified. While its temperature range covers automotive under-hood environments, Microsemi does not list it in AEC-Q200 stress-tested product families. For automotive-critical systems, use only parts explicitly certified to AEC-Q200, such as Microchip's Automotive Zener portfolio.

How is polarity marked on the 1N5361E3/TR12?

The 1N5361E3/TR12 uses a cathode band to indicate polarity: the banded end is the cathode and must be held at a higher potential than the anode during Zener operation. This is clearly specified in the "Mechanical and Packaging" section: "POLARITY: Cathode indicated by band. Diode to be operated with the banded end positive with respect to the opposite end." Reversing polarity subjects it to forward conduction (V_F ≤ 1.2 V @ 1 A), not regulation.