Microchip Technology 1N5657A

Overview

1N5657A from Microchip (formerly Microsemi) is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in a hermetically sealed DO-13 metal package, designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, avionics, and industrial systems. It features a 90 V rated standoff voltage (VWM), 100 V minimum breakdown voltage (V(BR)), 144 A peak pulse current (IPP), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and clamps transients to ≤144 V at rated current - enabling robust secondary lightning and ESD protection per IEC61000-4-2/4-4/4-5.

For engineers reviewing the 1N5657A datasheet, 1N5657A pinout, 1N5657A application, or 1N5657A equivalent, this device serves as a military-grade, through-hole TVS solution where fast response (<100 ps), radiation hardness, and stable operation from –55°C to +175°C are critical for mission-critical power rail and signal line protection.

Technical Context

The 1N5657A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, entering controlled breakdown above its 90 V standoff voltage to clamp transient overvoltages while maintaining low leakage (<5 µA at VWM). Its DO-13 hermetic metal-glass package ensures reliability under thermal cycling, humidity, and radiation exposure - validated per MIL-PRF-19500/500 for JANTXV qualification.

It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power with <100 ps response time and exhibits a +0.106 %/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage, supporting stable clamping across wide ambient ranges. Thermal resistance is 50°C/W junction-to-lead (at 10 mm lead length), enabling effective heat dissipation in high-reliability through-hole layouts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-13 (DO-202AA), hermetically sealed metal-glass case with tin-lead plated leads. Cathode is connected to the metal case and marked with a diode symbol on the body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMCJ90A and 1N5657, the 1N5657A uniquely combines hermetic DO-13 packaging, JANTXV qualification, radiation hardness, and full 1500 W surge capability - making it the only option for certified airborne and high-reliability embedded systems requiring zero field failure under extreme stress.

Availability

1N5657A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, industrial motor drive control, avionics sensor interfaces, and military vehicle electronics requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles and stringent environmental compliance.

Supply support for 1N5657A 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

Microchip Technology acquired Microsemi in 2018 and now manufactures high-reliability analog and discrete components, including radiation-hardened and military-qualified semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The 1N5657A belongs to Microchip's legacy TVS diode family originally developed by Microsemi, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in safety-critical systems where hermeticity, temperature resilience, and MIL-spec qualification are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the standoff voltage (VWM) of the 1N5657A and how does it relate to system design?

The 1N5657A has a rated standoff voltage (VWM) of 90 V, meaning it remains nonconductive below this reverse voltage. This value is selected to exceed the maximum continuous operating voltage of the protected circuit - for example, a 72 V DC aircraft bus - ensuring reliable blocking during normal operation while allowing rapid avalanche conduction during transients. Designers must verify that system peak voltage never exceeds VWM to avoid premature wear or leakage increase.

Is the 1N5657A suitable for ESD protection per IEC61000-4-2?

Yes, the 1N5657A is explicitly validated for ESD protection per IEC61000-4-2 due to its sub-100 ps response time and low clamping voltage (144 V at 144 A). Its ability to limit voltage rise before sensitive CMOS inputs reach destructive thresholds makes it appropriate for protecting avionics data lines, sensor interfaces, and control logic - especially where hermetic packaging adds reliability in harsh electromagnetic environments.

Does the 1N5657A have military qualification, and what does "JANTXV" signify?

The base 1N5657A is the commercial "A"-suffix variant; adding the JANTXV prefix yields JANTXV1N5657A - a fully MIL-PRF-19500/500 qualified part with enhanced screening, lot traceability, and extended temperature validation. JANTXV denotes the highest level of military qualification, including burn-in, temperature cycling, and radiation hardness assurance - required for flight-critical avionics and defense electronics programs.

How does the DO-13 package of the 1N5657A differ from plastic TVS diodes like the 1N6267 series?

The 1N5657A uses a hermetically sealed DO-13 metal-glass package, offering superior thermal conductivity (50°C/W junction-to-lead), radiation hardness, and long-term stability in humid or vacuum conditions. In contrast, plastic axial-leaded equivalents like the 1N6267 series use epoxy encapsulation, which limits thermal performance, outgasses under vacuum, and lacks inherent radiation tolerance - making the 1N5657A the preferred choice for aerospace and high-reliability deployments.

What is the maximum clamping voltage (VC) of the 1N5657A and why is it critical for circuit protection?

The 1N5657A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 144 V at its rated peak pulse current of 144 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value represents the highest voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a surge event - directly determining whether downstream components (e.g., regulators, microcontrollers, transceivers) remain within their absolute maximum ratings. A lower VC reduces risk of overvoltage damage, making this spec essential for selecting appropriate protection margins.