Microchip Technology 1N963B
- Part No.:
- 1N963B
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AA, DO-7, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N963B.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 500MW DO7
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:158
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Product details
Overview
1N963B from Microsemi is a silicon 500 mW axial-lead Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 12 V nominal Zener voltage with ±5% tolerance, 10.5 mA Zener test current (IZT), and 9.5 Ω dynamic impedance (ZZT) at IZT. It operates across –65°C to +175°C and regulates voltage in low-power reference and protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N963B datasheet, 1N963B pinout, 1N963B application, or 1N963B equivalent, key selection factors include its 12 V regulation point, 0.5 W power rating at TL < 50°C, 9.5 Ω Zener impedance, –65°C to +175°C operating range, and DO-35 glass-body packaging with cathode band polarity marking.
Technical Context
The 1N963B functions as a two-terminal voltage reference device, conducting in reverse breakdown to maintain stable 12 V across its terminals when reverse-biased above its knee voltage. Its Zener impedance of 9.5 Ω at 10.5 mA ensures predictable regulation under varying load currents within its 0.5 W thermal limit.
Designed for operation with the banded (cathode) end positive relative to the anode, it exhibits a +0.077 %/°C temperature coefficient and maximum 5 μA reverse leakage at 9.1 V, enabling use in temperature-stable biasing and overvoltage clamping where precision and reliability are required.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 12 V ±5% - defines primary regulation setpoint for voltage reference or clamp circuits |
| Zener Test Current (IZT) | 10.5 mA - current at which VZ is specified; sets standard operating point for regulation accuracy |
| Zener Impedance (ZZT) | 9.5 Ω @ IZT - determines output voltage variation under load changes; lower = tighter regulation |
| Max DC Zener Current (IZM) | 31 mA - maximum continuous reverse current before exceeding 400 mW dissipation at 75°C lead temp |
| Reverse Leakage Current | 5 μA @ 9.1 V - ensures minimal parasitic current in standby or high-impedance sensing nodes |
| Operating Temperature | –65°C to +175°C - supports deployment in aerospace, industrial, and automotive under-hood environments |
| Thermal Resistance | 250 °C/W junction-to-lead (3/8″ lead length) - informs heatsinking requirements for sustained power handling |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-35 (DO-204AH), hermetically sealed axial-lead 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 | Forward conduction terminal / Zener cathode reference ground | Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential node; reverse-bias polarity reference for regulation |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal / regulated output node | Banded end; connected to supply rail or node requiring stabilized 12 V; carries reverse current during regulation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered Zener series | Ensures industry-standard electrical behavior and interchangeability per 1N963B specification |
| ±5% Zener voltage tolerance (B suffix) | Provides predictable 12 V regulation without custom trimming in cost-sensitive designs |
| Low 9.5 Ω dynamic impedance | Minimizes output voltage deviation under load transients up to 31 mA DC current |
| –65°C to +175°C operating range | Enables use in extreme-environment applications without derating or external thermal management |
| Nonsensitive to ESD (MIL-STD-750 Method 1020) | Reduces need for handling precautions or board-level ESD protection in assembly and field use |
Applications
| Power Supply Reference | Overvoltage Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing feedback voltage in linear regulator circuits or setting reference thresholds in comparators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal passive voltage reference providing fixed 12 V reference point independent of input ripple. Use Value: Delivers ±5% regulation accuracy with 9.5 Ω impedance, ensuring stable comparator trip points and regulator output accuracy across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Protecting downstream ICs from transient voltage spikes on 12 V rails in automotive or industrial control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased shunt element that conducts excess current above 12 V to limit voltage excursion. Use Value: Clamps surges up to 160 mA peak (IZSM) while maintaining sub-5 μA leakage below 9.1 V, minimizing standby loss. |
| Temperature-Stable Biasing | Legacy Circuit Replacement |
Use Scenario: Establishing bias voltages for op-amp input stages or transistor amplifiers requiring low-drift references. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive voltage source with +0.077 %/°C tempco, used to offset thermal drift in analog signal paths. Use Value: Enables predictable 12 V bias shift of ~0.92 mV/°C, simplifying compensation in wide-temperature-range instrumentation. |
Use Scenario: Direct replacement for obsolete 12 V Zeners in legacy military, telecom, and avionics equipment undergoing component refresh. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in mechanical and electrical substitute for legacy 1N963B units in DO-35 footprint assemblies. Use Value: Maintains identical pinout, thermal profile, and JEDEC registration, eliminating PCB redesign or requalification effort. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4742A | 12 V ±5%, 25 mA IZM, 22 Ω ZZT @ 21 mA, DO-41 package (larger, higher thermal mass) | Higher power rating (1 W) but larger footprint; less suitable for space-constrained DO-35 layouts | Select when higher surge capability or board-level thermal margin is prioritized over size |
| BZX55C12 | 12 V ±5%, 35 mA IZM, 17 Ω ZZT @ 5 mA, DO-35 package, RoHS-compliant standard version | Lower test current (5 mA) and higher impedance reduce regulation precision at low currents vs. 1N963B | Choose for RoHS-only builds where tighter 1N963B impedance performance is not critical |
Compared with 1N4742A and BZX55C12, the 1N963B offers superior low-current regulation stability (9.5 Ω @ 10.5 mA) in the compact DO-35 form factor, making it optimal for legacy-replacement and high-precision 12 V reference roles where thermal constraints and footprint are limiting.
Availability
1N963B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voltage reference design, overvoltage protection, and analog biasing applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and DO-35 package compatibility.
Supply support for 1N963B 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 aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The 1N963B belongs to Microsemi's legacy JEDEC-registered 1N957B–1N992B Zener series, engineered for ruggedized voltage regulation in mission-critical systems demanding wide temperature operation and proven long-term stability.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance of the 1N963B?
The 1N963B has a nominal Zener voltage of 12 V with a ±5% tolerance, as indicated by the "B" suffix per JEDEC standard. This means its actual breakdown voltage falls between 11.4 V and 12.6 V at 10.5 mA test current and 25°C ambient, verified per Microsemi's published electrical characteristics table.
What is the maximum continuous reverse current for the 1N963B?
The maximum DC Zener current (IZM) for the 1N963B is 31 mA. This value corresponds to a power dissipation of 400 mW at a 75°C lead temperature, derived from its 12 V Zener voltage and thermal resistance of 250 °C/W junction-to-lead, as specified in the Microsemi datasheet.
Does the 1N963B have RoHS-compliant variants?
Yes - RoHS-compliant versions of the 1N963B are available by adding the "e3" suffix (e.g., 1N963Be3), indicating annealed matte-tin plating per Microsemi's packaging specifications. These retain identical electrical performance and DO-35 mechanical form factor as the standard part.
What is the temperature coefficient of the 1N963B?
The 1N963B has a temperature coefficient of +0.077 %/°C, meaning its Zener voltage increases by approximately 0.00924 V per °C rise in junction temperature. This positive coefficient is typical for 12 V Zeners and enables predictable drift compensation in analog reference designs.
Can the 1N963B be used in surface-mount designs?
No - the 1N963B is an axial-lead DO-35 device and is not surface-mount compatible. For SMT equivalents, Microsemi offers the MLL963B in DO-213AA (MELF) package; however, the 1N963B itself requires through-hole mounting with 3/8″ lead length for rated thermal performance.
1N963B 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:
- ±5%
- 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
1N963B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N963B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N963B 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 1N963B reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N963B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N963B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N963B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N963B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N963B?
1N963B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N963B 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 1N963B?
For technical support, including 1N963B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N963B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N963B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N963B 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 1N963B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N963B?
All 1N963B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N963B, 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 1N963B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N963B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N963B Tags

-
MMBZ5240B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BZT52C5V6T-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMSZ5231B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BZT52C15-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BZX84C3V3LT1G
onsemi

-
MMSZ5245BS-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMSZ4682T1G
onsemi

-
BZT52C15S-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MM5Z5V1ST1G
onsemi

-
SMAJ4744A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
BZT52C3V6LP-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
SMAZ12-13-F
Diodes Incorporated
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