onsemi 1N5908RL4
- Part No.:
- 1N5908RL4
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-201AD, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N5908RL4.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5VWM 8.5VC AXIAL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,750
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Product details
Overview
1N5908RL4 from ON Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in axial-leaded Surmetic™ plastic package, designed for parallel clamping protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 5.0 V working peak reverse voltage (VRWM), 8.5 V maximum clamping voltage at 120 A peak pulse current (IPP), <5 µA leakage above 10 V, <1 ns response time, and operates from –65 °C to +175 °C - ideal for power supply input surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1N5908RL4 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include VRWM matching system DC bus voltage, clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC absolute maximum ratings, thermal derating above 75 °C lead temperature, and axial-lead layout constraints for low-inductance placement near I/O connectors or AC/DC inputs.
Technical Context
The 1N5908RL4 functions as a unidirectional avalanche-clamping TVS diode, activated only during positive transients on the cathode side. Its operation relies on controlled Zener breakdown at VBR ≥6.0 V (tested at 1 mA), with fast carrier injection enabling sub-nanosecond turn-on and minimal overshoot when mounted with short leads.
It is rated for non-repetitive 1500 W pulses (1 ms, 8.3 ms half-sine), steady-state dissipation of 5.0 W at TL ≤75 °C (derated 50 mW/°C above), and exhibits 20 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance - requiring direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or chassis for sustained surge duty cycles.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VRWM | 5.0 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping; must exceed system operating voltage to avoid leakage-induced heating |
| VC @ IPP = 120 A | 8.5 V - clamped voltage during worst-case surge; defines upper bound of stress on downstream components |
| Peak Pulse Power | 1500 W @ 1 ms - energy-handling capacity for lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 |
| Response Time | <1 ns - enables suppression before transient propagates into ICs; dependent on PCB layout inductance |
| Leakage Current | <5 µA @ VRWM - ensures negligible standby power loss and no false triggering in low-power systems |
| Operating Temp | –65 °C to +175 °C - supports industrial and automotive under-hood applications without derating |
| Package | Case 41A axial lead - RoHS-compliant thermoset plastic; polarity band indicates cathode; lead solderable at 230 °C for 10 s |
Pinout & Package
1N5908RL4 uses an axial-leaded Case 41A package with cathode indicated by a colored band. Leads are tinned copper, corrosion-resistant, and solderable per JEDEC J-STD-020. No mounting orientation restriction applies.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or low-voltage rail; carries full surge return current during clamping |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., +5 V rail); avalanche conduction begins when voltage exceeds VRWM |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Unidirectional Clamping | Protects only positive-going transients on cathode-connected lines; avoids unintended conduction during negative excursions |
| Low Clamping Ratio | VC/VRWM = 8.5/5.0 = 1.7 - tight voltage margin enables use with 5 V logic and microcontrollers having 6 V absolute max ratings |
| High Surge Robustness | Withstands 200 A forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) - suitable for AC mains input stages and motor drive feedback paths |
| Thermal Stability | RJL = 20 °C/W - allows direct heat sinking via PCB copper pour or chassis contact to sustain repeated surges |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Input | Medical Equipment ESD Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Installed across AC/DC rectifier output or DC bus input to absorb line surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode providing overvoltage clamping during lightning-induced transients. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤8.5 V during 120 A surges, protecting downstream regulators and controllers rated for 6–10 V absolute maximum. | Use Scenario: Placed at patient interface connectors (e.g., ECG electrode ports) to divert ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response transient suppressor shunting human-body-model (HBM) discharges before reaching analog front-end ICs. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response prevents >5 V overshoot on 5 V rails, preserving signal integrity and avoiding latch-up in precision amplifiers. |
| Communications Interface Protection | Process Control Signal Line Guarding |
Use Scenario: Mounted on RS-232/RS-485 transceiver I/O pins to suppress induced surges from nearby relay switching or cable coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected clamping device limiting line voltage to safe levels during fast transients. Use Value: 8.5 V clamping ensures transceivers with ±15 V common-mode range remain within safe operating area during 1 kV/µs edge transients. | Use Scenario: Applied to 4–20 mA current loop sensor inputs in PLC analog modules to prevent damage from field wiring faults or lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy transient suppressor absorbing multi-kV surges while maintaining loop accuracy during normal operation. Use Value: <5 µA leakage at 5 V ensures no measurable error in 4–20 mA loop calibration; 1500 W rating handles long-duration surges in outdoor installations. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ5.0A | Surface-mount SMB package; 600 W peak power; 9.2 V clamping at 65 A; same VRWM | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; lower surge rating limits use in high-energy AC input stages | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is ≤600 W (e.g., secondary-side DC rails) |
| 1N5908G | Axial-leaded variant in bulk packaging; identical electrical specs and Case 41A mechanicals; same VRWM, VC, and thermal ratings | No functional difference; differs only in packaging format (bulk vs. tape-and-reel) | Choose for manual assembly or low-volume prototyping where reel feeding is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ5.0A and 1N5908G, the 1N5908RL4 delivers higher surge robustness (1500 W vs. 600 W) in axial-leaded form, making it preferred for primary-side protection where lead inductance is manageable and energy levels exceed 1 kV·A. The 1N5908G offers identical performance in alternate packaging, while SMBJ5.0A trades surge capacity for compactness.
Availability
1N5908RL4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, medical equipment interfaces, communications hardware, and process control systems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1N5908RL4 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
ON Semiconductor (now part of onsemi) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The 1N5908RL4 belongs to the Mosorb™ family of high-power TVS diodes, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective transient suppression in harsh environments where reliability under repetitive surge stress is critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1N5908RL4 at its rated peak pulse current?
The 1N5908RL4 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 8.5 V when subjected to a 120 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured per the standard 1 ms exponential waveform. This value defines the highest voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events and must be compared against the absolute maximum ratings of downstream ICs to ensure safe operation.
Is the 1N5908RL4 bidirectional or unidirectional?
The 1N5908RL4 is strictly unidirectional, as confirmed by ON Semiconductor's datasheet (Rev. 3, 2002) and JEDEC registration. It conducts only when the cathode is driven positive relative to the anode. Bidirectional variants are not offered in this series; alternative families like 1.5KExxCA must be used for symmetrical clamping.
What is the thermal resistance and steady-state power rating of the 1N5908RL4?
The 1N5908RL4 has a junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RJL) of 20 °C/W and a steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 5.0 W at TL ≤ 75 °C, derated by 50 mW/°C above that temperature. Effective heat sinking through the leads into PCB copper or metal chassis is essential to maintain reliability during repeated surge events.
Can the 1N5908RL4 be used in place of a Zener diode for voltage regulation?
No - the 1N5908RL4 is optimized for transient suppression, not DC voltage regulation. While it exhibits Zener-like breakdown behavior, its parameters (e.g., wide VBR tolerance, high dynamic impedance during clamping, and lack of tight DC regulation specs) make it unsuitable for precision reference or linear regulator applications. Use dedicated Zener diodes such as the 1N4733A for regulation tasks.
What does the "RL4" suffix indicate in the 1N5908RL4 part number?
The "RL4" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging: 1500 units per reel, optimized for automated SMT placement equipment. It shares identical electrical, thermal, and mechanical specifications with the bulk-packaged 1N5908 and the G-suffix variant (1N5908G), differing only in packaging format and reel logistics.
1N5908RL4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package/Case:
- DO-201AD, Axial
- Series:
- Mosorb™
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 6V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 8.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- -
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- Axial
1N5908RL4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N5908RL4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N5908RL4 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 1N5908RL4 reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N5908RL4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N5908RL4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N5908RL4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N5908RL4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N5908RL4?
1N5908RL4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N5908RL4 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 1N5908RL4?
For technical support, including 1N5908RL4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N5908RL4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N5908RL4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N5908RL4 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 1N5908RL4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N5908RL4?
All 1N5908RL4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N5908RL4, 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 1N5908RL4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N5908RL4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N5908RL4 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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