onsemi 1N6002B_T50A

Overview

1N6002B_T50A from Fairchild Semiconductor is a 12 V ±5% Zener diode in DO-35 glass package, rated for 500 mW power dissipation at TL ≤ 75°C with 4.0 mW/°C derating, 22 Ω zener impedance at 5 mA test current, and 0.1 mA leakage current at 9.1 V reverse voltage. It provides precise voltage regulation in low-power reference and protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 1N6002B_T50A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 12 V nominal zener voltage, DO-35 axial leaded package, thermal derating behavior, low leakage performance, and compatibility with through-hole PCB layouts requiring stable low-current regulation.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown to maintain a stable reference voltage across its terminals under controlled current conditions. Its 22 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA ensures minimal voltage variation with load changes, while the 0.1 mA leakage at 9.1 V supports reliable blocking in standby states.

The device is designed for operation within -65°C to +200°C junction and storage temperature range, with thermal performance governed by lead length (3/8″) and ambient-to-lead thermal resistance. Power handling is strictly limited by the 500 mW absolute maximum rating and linear derating above 75°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-35 glass axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by color band; two-terminal device with no internal connections beyond anode and cathode.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N6002B_T50A, the 1N4742A offers higher power headroom in a larger package, while the BZX55-C12 trades marginally higher impedance for significantly lower leakage-making each suitable for distinct thermal, size, or ultra-low-power design priorities.

Availability

1N6002B_T50A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voltage reference, overvoltage protection, microcontroller reset generation, and auxiliary rail stabilization requiring stable component supply in industrial automation, test equipment, and power conversion designs.

Supply support for 1N6002B_T50A 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy Zener diode portfolio remains widely deployed.

The 1N5985B–1N6025B series was engineered for general-purpose precision voltage regulation in cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications where DO-35 packaging, tight tolerance, and thermal robustness are essential.

FAQ

What is the nominal Zener voltage of the 1N6002B_T50A?

The 1N6002B_T50A has a nominal Zener voltage of 12.0 V, with a guaranteed range of 11.4 V (minimum) to 12.6 V (maximum) at a test current of 5 mA. This ±5% tolerance is specified per the Fairchild 1N5985B–1N6025B datasheet Rev. C2, and applies directly to the 1N6002B_T50A variant. The 1N6002B_T50A maintains this voltage regulation characteristic under stable thermal conditions and within its defined power limits.

Does the 1N6002B_T50A have a cathode marking, and how is it identified?

Yes, the 1N6002B_T50A uses a color band on the DO-35 glass body to denote the cathode terminal, consistent with industry-standard Zener diode marking conventions. The band is located near one end of the cylindrical package and corresponds to the cathode pin in the device's two-terminal configuration. This marking is confirmed in the "General Requirements" section of the Fairchild datasheet, which specifies a 1.0 mm wide cathode band for all devices in the 1N5985B–1N6025B family, including the 1N6002B_T50A.

What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the 1N6002B_T50A?

The 1N6002B_T50A is rated for 500 mW maximum power dissipation at a lead temperature (T_L) of ≤ 75°C with 3/8″ lead length. Above 75°C, it must be derated linearly at 4.0 mW/°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the Fairchild datasheet. This rating governs safe continuous operation and must be applied with appropriate thermal design-especially in enclosed or high-ambient environments-to prevent exceeding the 200°C maximum junction temperature.

Can the 1N6002B_T50A be used in surface-mount assemblies?

No, the 1N6002B_T50A is packaged in a DO-35 glass axial-leaded case and is intended exclusively for through-hole mounting. It lacks solder pads, land patterns, or thermal pad structures required for reflow-compatible surface-mount processes. Attempting SMT placement would compromise mechanical reliability, thermal performance, and electrical integrity. For SMT alternatives, engineers should evaluate SOD-123 or SOD-323 packaged Zeners with equivalent electrical specs-not the 1N6002B_T50A itself.

What is the Zener impedance of the 1N6002B_T50A, and why does it matter?

The 1N6002B_T50A exhibits a Zener impedance (Z_Z) of 22 Ω measured at 5 mA test current, as documented in the Electrical Characteristics table. This value quantifies how much the output voltage varies with small changes in current-lower Z_Z means tighter regulation. In practice, this 22 Ω impedance ensures minimal voltage drift in precision analog circuits like sensor excitation or reference buffers, directly impacting measurement accuracy and system stability when the 1N6002B_T50A is used as a shunt regulator.