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Microchip Technology 1N963A
- Part No.:
- 1N963A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AA, DO-7, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N963A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 500MW DO7
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,270
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Product details
Overview
1N963A from Microsemi is a silicon 500 mW axial-leaded Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 12 V nominal Zener voltage with ±10% tolerance, 10.5 mA Zener test current, and 700 Ω maximum Zener impedance at IZT. It operates across –65°C to +175°C and is used for precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection in low-power analog circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N963A datasheet, 1N963A pinout, 1N963A application, or 1N963A equivalent, key selection factors include its 12 V regulation point, ±10% tolerance (A suffix), 0.5 W power rating at 50°C lead temperature, DO-35 glass-body mechanical form, and cathode-band polarity marking - all critical for legacy industrial and aerospace power rail stabilization designs.
Technical Context
The 1N963A functions as a reverse-biased voltage-regulating diode with sharp breakdown knee, characterized by a 10.5 mA Zener test current (IZT) and 700 Ω dynamic impedance (ZZT) at that bias. Its temperature coefficient is +0.077 %/°C, indicating positive drift with rising junction temperature.
It exhibits 0.25 mA maximum reverse leakage (IR) at 9.1 V (0.75 × VZ), supports 31 mA maximum DC Zener current (IZM), and delivers stable regulation over a wide operating current range (0.25–31 mA) without requiring external bias circuitry.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 12 V - precise regulation point for 12 V rail clamping or reference generation |
| Zener Test Current | 10.5 mA - recommended bias current to achieve specified VZ and ZZT |
| Zener Impedance | 700 Ω max @ IZT - defines regulation stiffness under varying load current |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW @ TL ≤ 50°C - thermal limit at 3/8″ lead length; derates linearly above 50°C |
| Reverse Leakage | 0.25 mA max @ 9.1 V - ensures minimal quiescent current in standby mode |
| Temp. Coefficient | +0.077 %/°C - quantifies VZ drift per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature |
| Max. DC Zener Current | 31 mA - maximum continuous reverse current before exceeding 400 mW dissipation at 75°C lead temp |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-35 (DO-204AH), hermetically sealed axial-leaded glass body, 0.2 g weight, tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, cathode indicated by colored band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Non-banded end | Connected to lower-potential node; forward voltage ≤1.3 V @ 200 mA |
| Cathode | Banded end | Connected to higher-potential node during Zener operation; defines regulation polarity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered Zener series | Complies with industry-standard 1N957B–1N992B family specifications and test methods |
| ±10% Zener voltage tolerance | A-suffix denotes guaranteed 10.8–13.2 V range at 25°C, enabling cost-effective general-purpose regulation |
| High-temperature operation | Rated from –65°C to +175°C - suitable for under-hood automotive and downhole industrial environments |
| ESD robustness | Nonsensitive per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020 - no special handling required during assembly |
| Low capacitance | Typical CJ < 2 pF (per Figure 3) - preserves high-frequency signal integrity in RF bias networks |
Applications
| Industrial Power Monitoring | Aerospace Voltage Reference |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Monitoring 12 V supply rails in programmable logic controllers with analog-to-digital converter inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode provides stable 12 V reference for ADC scaling and overvoltage fault detection. Use Value: Enables accurate 12 V rail measurement within ±10% tolerance without active regulation circuitry. |
Use Scenario: Generating a stable bias voltage for op-amp comparators in satellite telemetry conditioning modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serves as passive voltage reference in radiation-hardened analog front-end stages. Use Value: Leverages inherent radiation hardness and –65°C to +175°C operation for mission-critical space applications. |
| Military Signal Clamping | Legacy Telecom Protection |
Use Scenario: Protecting RS-232 receiver inputs against transient overvoltage in field-deployable radios. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as bidirectional clamp (with series resistor) limiting input to ±12 V. Use Value: Uses sharp Zener knee and 700 Ω ZZT to suppress transients while minimizing loading on signal lines. |
Use Scenario: Regulating bias voltage for line-card LED indicators and relay drivers in PSTN central office equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides simple, reliable 12 V reference for discrete driver circuits. Use Value: Delivers long-term stability and JEDEC-standard compatibility in high-reliability telecom infrastructure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N963B | Same 12 V nominal voltage but ±5% tolerance (B suffix) and 11.5 mA IZT | Higher precision required where tighter regulation is needed; slightly lower ZZT (700 Ω same, but tighter VZ spec) | Select 1N963B when ±5% VZ tolerance is mandatory; otherwise 1N963A offers cost advantage for general-purpose use. |
| MM3Z12V | Surface-mount SOD-323 package, 12 V ±5%, 5 mA IZT, 90 Ω ZZT, 200 mW rating | Not drop-in compatible; requires PCB redesign; suited for high-density consumer electronics, not axial-leaded legacy systems | Choose MM3Z12V only for new SMT designs prioritizing board space; 1N963A remains optimal for through-hole repair or ruggedized hardware. |
Compared with 1N963B and MM3Z12V, the 1N963A balances cost, legacy compatibility, and moderate precision - ideal for maintenance of existing DO-35-based systems where ±10% tolerance suffices and axial mounting is required.
Availability
1N963A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power monitoring, aerospace voltage reference, military signal clamping, and legacy telecom protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for 1N963A 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, radiation-hardened, and high-temperature analog and discrete components.
The 1N957B–1N992B Zener series was designed for legacy industrial, aerospace, and defense applications demanding JEDEC-standard compliance, wide temperature operation, and proven long-term reliability in axial-leaded form.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for 1N963A?
The 1N963A has a nominal Zener voltage of 12 V with ±10% tolerance, as indicated by the "A" suffix per Microsemi's documentation. This means the actual measured VZ at 10.5 mA and 25°C falls between 10.8 V and 13.2 V. The tolerance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of –65°C to +175°C.
What is the maximum power dissipation for 1N963A?
The 1N963A is rated for 500 mW steady-state power dissipation at a lead temperature (TL) of ≤50°C, measured 3/8″ (10 mm) from the package body. Above 50°C, power must be linearly derated to zero at 175°C. On FR4 PCBs with standard copper pads, the practical limit is 480 mW at 25°C ambient.
Does 1N963A have a cathode band marking?
Yes, the 1N963A uses a visible cathode band on the glass DO-35 body to indicate polarity. During Zener operation, the banded end must be held at a higher potential than the anode (non-banded end). This marking is consistent across the entire 1N957B–1N992B series and aligns with JEDEC standard diode polarity conventions.
Is 1N963A RoHS compliant?
The base 1N963A is not RoHS compliant by default. RoHS-compliant versions require the "e3" suffix (e.g., 1N963Ae3), indicating annealed matte-tin plating per Microsemi's specification. Standard 1N963A uses traditional tin-lead termination, which remains acceptable for exempted military, aerospace, and legacy industrial applications.
What is the Zener impedance of 1N963A and why does it matter?
The 1N963A has a maximum Zener impedance (ZZT) of 700 Ω at its 10.5 mA test current. This value reflects how much the output voltage changes per unit change in current - lower ZZT yields tighter regulation. At currents significantly below IZT, impedance rises, so 1N963A performs best when biased near its specified test point.
1N963A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AA, DO-7, Axial
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±10%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 11.5 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 5 µA @ 9.1 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.1 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-7
1N963A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N963A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N963A 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 1N963A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N963A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N963A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N963A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N963A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N963A?
1N963A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N963A 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 1N963A?
For technical support, including 1N963A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N963A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N963A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N963A 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 1N963A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N963A?
All 1N963A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N963A, 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 1N963A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N963A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N963A Tags
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MMBZ5240B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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BZT52C5V6T-7
Diodes Incorporated
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MMSZ5231B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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onsemi
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MMSZ5245BS-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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onsemi
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BZT52C15S-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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MM5Z5V1ST1G
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SMAJ4744A-TP
Micro Commercial Co
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BZT52C3V6LP-7
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SMAZ12-13-F
Diodes Incorporated
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