Microchip Technology 1N827A

Overview

1N827A from Microsemi is a temperature-compensated Zener reference diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) glass axial-leaded package, delivering 6.2 V nominal zener voltage at 7.5 mA with ±5% tolerance, 10 Ω zener impedance, and ultra-low 0.001%/°C temperature coefficient. It operates from –65°C to +175°C and serves as a precision voltage reference in high-stability analog instrumentation circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 1N827A datasheet, 1N827A pinout, 1N827A application, or 1N827A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.001%/°C tempco, 10 Ω dynamic impedance at 7.5 mA, hermetic DO-35 packaging, MIL-PRF-19500/159 qualification eligibility, and suitability for aerospace-grade voltage referencing where long-term drift and thermal stability are critical.

Technical Context

This device belongs to Microsemi's JEDEC-registered 1N821–1N829A series of zero-TC Zener references, engineered to minimize voltage drift across –55°C to +100°C via optimized doping and junction design. Its 0.001%/°C effective temperature coefficient and 9 mV ∆VZ over that range reflect tight process control for low-drift operation.

It is specified at 7.5 mA test current, where power dissipation remains below 50 mW-well within its 500 mW absolute maximum rating-and achieves optimal thermal stability. The DO-35 glass package ensures hermetic sealing, ESD immunity per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020, and <100 pF capacitance for minimal signal coupling in precision bias networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Hermetically sealed DO-35 (DO-204AH) glass axial-leaded package with tin-lead plated leads compliant with MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Cathode identified by band; operated with banded end positive relative to unbanded end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N827A, 1N827-1 adds mechanical ruggedness without altering electrical behavior, while 1N829A improves thermal stability at the expense of higher unit cost and potentially longer lead times-making 1N827A the optimal balance of performance, qualification path, and supply chain readiness for most high-reliability analog systems.

Availability

1N827A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-reliability analog instrumentation, aerospace sensor conditioning, and calibration equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 1N827A 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 radiation-hardened components for defense, aerospace, and industrial markets.

The 1N821–1N829A series was developed to deliver JEDEC-standardized, temperature-compensated Zener references meeting MIL-PRF-19500 requirements-targeting precision voltage referencing in mission-critical systems where parametric drift must be minimized without active compensation.

FAQ

What is the nominal zener voltage and tolerance of the 1N827A?

The 1N827A has a nominal zener voltage of 6.2 V with a tolerance range of 5.9 V to 6.5 V (±5%) at 7.5 mA test current. This specification is verified per JEDEC registration and applies to the standard non-military version. Tighter tolerances (e.g., ±1%, ±2%) are available via suffixes like "-1%" but require explicit ordering notation and are not inherent to the base 1N827A designation.

Does the 1N827A meet military specifications?

The base 1N827A does not carry military qualification; however, it is eligible for MIL-PRF-19500/159 certification when ordered with the "-1" suffix (i.e., 1N827A-1), which denotes internal metallurgical bonding and conformance to screening requirements. The 1N827A itself is JEDEC-registered and designed to support that qualification path, but qualification is only conferred upon receipt of the properly suffixed, tested, and certified part.

What is the recommended operating current for optimal stability of the 1N827A?

The 1N827A achieves its specified 0.001%/°C temperature coefficient and minimal voltage drift at a test current of 7.5 mA. Operating significantly above or below this value increases zener impedance effects and degrades tempco performance-as shown in Figure 2 of the Microsemi datasheet. For best results, maintain I_Z = 7.5 mA ±10% using a stable current source or appropriately sized series resistor.

Is the 1N827A compatible with automated PCB assembly processes?

Yes-the 1N827A in DO-35 package is compatible with standard wave and selective soldering processes, with a maximum solder temperature of 260°C for 10 seconds per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Its tin-lead plated leads ensure reliable wetting, and the glass body withstands thermal shock. Tape-and-reel packaging (suffix "TR") is available for pick-and-place compatibility, though axial-lead orientation requires appropriate feeder setup.

How does the 1N827A compare to the 1N4735A in terms of temperature stability?

The 1N827A offers significantly better temperature stability than the 1N4735A: 0.001%/°C vs. ~0.07%/°C typical. This 70× lower tempco translates to ~9 mV total drift over –55°C to +100°C for the 1N827A, versus ~70 mV for the 1N4735A. The 1N827A achieves this via proprietary temperature-compensated junction design, whereas the 1N4735A is a standard Zener with no compensation-making the 1N827A suitable for metrology-grade applications where the 1N4735A would require external trimming.