Microchip Technology 1N962A

Overview

1N962A from Microsemi is a silicon 500 mW axial-leaded Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 11 V nominal Zener voltage with ±10% tolerance, 11.5 mA Zener test current, and 9.5 Ω dynamic impedance at I_ZT. It operates across –65°C to +175°C and regulates voltage in low-power reference and protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 1N962A datasheet, 1N962A pinout, 1N962A application, or 1N962A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 11 V regulation point, ±10% tolerance (A suffix), 700 Ω maximum Zener impedance at I_ZK, 32 mA maximum DC Zener current, and DO-35 glass-body mechanical compatibility with axial-leaded PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 1N962A functions as a voltage-reference device by operating in reverse breakdown, where its Zener voltage remains stable over a defined current range (IZK = 0.25 mA to IZM = 32 mA). Its temperature coefficient of +0.076%/°C indicates positive drift with rising junction temperature.

It exhibits 5 μA maximum reverse leakage at 8.4 V (0.75 × V_Z) and 1.1 V maximum forward voltage at 200 mA - consistent with standard silicon PN-junction behavior. Thermal resistance is 250 °C/W junction-to-lead at 3/8″ lead length.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-35 (DO-204AH), hermetically sealed glass axial-leaded case with cathode band marking. Tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, weight 0.2 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N962B and 1N4740A, the 1N962A provides the lowest-cost solution for 11 V clamping where ±10% tolerance is acceptable, retains full DO-35 board compatibility, and avoids over-specification in thermally constrained designs.

Availability

1N962A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for overvoltage clamp, DC voltage reference, and power supply feedback applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and JEDEC-standardized Zener performance.

Supply support for 1N962A 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 and mixed-signal components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The 1N957B–1N992B series was designed specifically for ruggedized, wide-temperature-range Zener regulation in mission-critical systems where hermetic packaging and radiation hardness are essential.

FAQ

What is the nominal Zener voltage and tolerance of the 1N962A?

The 1N962A has a nominal Zener voltage of 11 V with a ±10% tolerance, as indicated by the "A" suffix per Microsemi's documentation. This means the actual measured V_Z falls between 9.9 V and 12.1 V at I_ZT = 11.5 mA and T_A = 25°C. The 1N962A is part of the JEDEC-registered 1N957B–1N992B family and shares the DO-35 package and thermal characteristics across the series.

What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the 1N962A?

The 1N962A is rated for 500 mW steady-state power dissipation at lead temperature (T_L) < 50°C with 3/8″ lead length from the body. At ambient temperature (T_A) < 25°C on FR4 board, it delivers 480 mW. Derating begins linearly above 50°C per Figure 1 in the datasheet. The 1N962A must not exceed 400 mW at 75°C lead temperature to remain within safe operating limits.

Does the 1N962A have a RoHS-compliant version?

Yes - the RoHS-compliant variant of the 1N962A is designated as 1N962Ae3, where the "e3" suffix indicates annealed matte-tin plating compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The 1N962Ae3 retains identical electrical specifications, DO-35 packaging, and thermal performance as the standard 1N962A, with no impact on solderability or reliability.

What is the Zener impedance of the 1N962A and why does it matter?

The 1N962A has a Zener impedance (Z_ZT) of 9.5 Ω measured at I_ZT = 11.5 mA. This value reflects how much the output voltage changes per unit change in current - lower Z_ZT yields better regulation stability under varying load conditions. For the 1N962A, this enables tight control in reference circuits where current may fluctuate between 1–32 mA.

Can the 1N962A be used as a direct replacement for the 1N962B?

No - the 1N962A and 1N962B are not direct replacements due to differing voltage tolerances: 1N962A is ±10%, while 1N962B is ±5%. Though identical in package, pinout, and most electrical parameters, substituting one for the other may violate system accuracy requirements. Always verify tolerance compliance in the target application before interchanging the 1N962A and 1N962B.