Microchip Technology 1N824

Overview

1N824 from Microsemi Scottsdale Division is a double-anode, temperature-compensated Zener reference diode with nominal 6.2 V zener voltage (5.9–6.5 V range), ±0.005%/°C effective temperature coefficient, and 7.5 mA test current. It operates within –65°C to +175°C and delivers minimal voltage drift in precision analog references for aerospace instrumentation and military power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the 1N824 datasheet, 1N824 pinout, 1N824 application, or 1N824 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-anode configuration, DO-35 hermetic glass package, low 15 Ω zener impedance at 7.5 mA, tight thermal stability, and MIL-PRF-19500 qualification path via suffix options.

Technical Context

The 1N824 is a double-anode Zener diode - electrically symmetrical under both bias polarities - enabling bidirectional voltage reference or clamping in high-reliability circuits. Its temperature compensation achieves ±0.005%/°C TC by balancing PN junction and avalanche effects across the 6.2 V nominal range.

Designed for operation at 7.5 mA (50 mW typical dissipation), it exhibits 15 Ω dynamic impedance and ≤2.0 µA reverse leakage at 3 V. The DO-35 glass package supports soldering up to 260°C for 10 s and maintains hermetic sealing for extended life in harsh environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Hermetically sealed DO-35 (DO-204AH) glass axial-leaded package with tin-lead plated leads. Cathode band marking omitted per JEDEC specification for double-anode variants (1N822 and 1N824).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N823 and 1N825A, the 1N824 uniquely combines double-anode symmetry with 6.2 V center-nominal voltage and ±0.005%/°C TC - making it optimal for rework-tolerant, high-precision, bidirectional reference designs where polarity flexibility and thermal accuracy are jointly required.

Availability

1N824 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace instrumentation, military power supply calibration, and downhole oilfield sensors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 1N824 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 Scottsdale Division (now part of Microchip Technology) specializes in high-reliability analog and mixed-signal components for defense, aerospace, and industrial markets.

The 1N821–1N829A series was engineered to deliver ultra-stable voltage references under extreme thermal and radiation stress, targeting MIL-PRF-19500/159 qualified systems and mission-critical analog signal chains.

FAQ

What does "double anode" mean for the 1N824?

The 1N824 features two electrically identical anode terminals, allowing it to operate as a Zener reference under either polarity - i.e., either terminal can serve as the cathode when reverse-biased. This eliminates orientation sensitivity during PCB assembly and supports bidirectional clamping or reference use. Unlike standard Zeners, the 1N824 has no marked cathode band, consistent with JEDEC specification for double-anode variants.

What is the guaranteed zener voltage range for 1N824 at 7.5 mA?

The 1N824 guarantees a zener voltage between 5.9 V and 6.5 V when tested at 7.5 mA and 25°C, per Microsemi's REV C datasheet. This 6.2 V nominal range reflects its designation as a temperature-compensated reference optimized for minimal drift. Tighter tolerances (e.g., ±1%) are available via custom ordering suffixes but are not standard for base 1N824.

Can 1N824 be used in place of 1N823 in existing designs?

The 1N824 is not a drop-in replacement for 1N823 due to its double-anode construction and lack of cathode marking. While both share identical electrical specs (6.2 V range, ±0.005%/°C TC, 15 Ω Z_ZT), the 1N824 requires revised layout to accommodate symmetrical termination and eliminates polarity-dependent placement. Use only after verifying routing flexibility and thermal derating in the target application.

Does 1N824 meet MIL-PRF-19500/159 requirements?

The base 1N824 does not carry MIL-PRF-19500/159 qualification. However, Microsemi offers qualified versions via prefix/suffix combinations: adding "-1" enables internal metallurgical bonding, and prefixes like JANTX or JANTXV with "-1" (e.g., JANTX1N824-1) meet MIL-PRF-19500/159 Class B requirements. These require separate ordering and qualification documentation.

What is the maximum power dissipation rating for 1N824?

The 1N824 is rated for 500 mW DC power dissipation at lead temperature (T_L) = 25°C. However, for optimal voltage-temperature stability, Microsemi specifies operation at 7.5 mA - resulting in ~46.5 mW typical dissipation (6.2 V × 7.5 mA). Derating is required above 25°C ambient; full 500 mW is only sustainable with active heatsinking or low-thermal-resistance mounting.