Microchip Technology 1N964A
- Part No.:
- 1N964A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AA, DO-7, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N964A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 13V 500MW DO7
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,432
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Product details
Overview
1N964A from Microsemi is a silicon 500 mW axial-leaded Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 13 V nominal Zener voltage at 13.0 mA test current, with ±10% tolerance (A suffix), 700 Ω dynamic impedance at IZT, and maximum 5 μA reverse leakage at 9.9 V. It operates from –65°C to +175°C and is used for precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection in low-power analog circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 1N964A datasheet, 1N964A pinout, 1N964A application, or 1N964A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 13 V regulation point, ±10% tolerance, 700 Ω Zener impedance, thermal resistance of 250 °C/W (junction-to-lead), and DO-35 mechanical compatibility with through-hole PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The 1N964A functions as a passive voltage-regulating device operating in reverse breakdown, where Zener conduction maintains stable voltage across its terminals under varying load current within its 0.5 W power limit. Its 13 V nominal Zener voltage exhibits a +0.079 %/°C temperature coefficient, indicating predictable positive drift with rising junction temperature.
It is designed for operation with cathode band oriented toward the higher-potential node, requiring no external biasing circuitry. The DO-35 glass package provides hermetic sealing, ESD insensitivity per MIL-STD-750 Method 1020, and minimal junction capacitance - critical for noise-sensitive reference applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 13 V at 13.0 mA test current - defines primary regulation point for reference design |
| Zener Tolerance | ±10% (A suffix) - sets worst-case voltage window of 11.7 V to 14.3 V at 25°C |
| Zener Impedance | 700 Ω at IZT - determines output voltage variation under load current changes |
| Max Reverse Leakage | 5 μA at 9.9 V - ensures low standby power loss below breakdown threshold |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW at TL < 50°C (3/8″ lead length) - limits continuous thermal stress in linear regulator roles |
| Temp Coefficient | +0.079 %/°C - enables predictable voltage drift compensation in wide-temperature designs |
| Operating Temp Range | –65°C to +175°C - supports aerospace, industrial, and downhole electronics use |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-35 (DO-204AH), hermetically sealed axial-leaded glass body, cathode indicated by colored band; terminals are tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plated, solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Lower-potential terminal during Zener operation | Connected to circuit ground or lower-voltage rail; forward voltage ≤1.3 V at 200 mA |
| Cathode | Higher-potential terminal during Zener operation | Banded end; connected to regulated voltage node; reverse-biased for regulation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered Zener series | Ensures standardized electrical behavior and interchangeability across qualified suppliers |
| ±10% voltage tolerance (A suffix) | Provides cost-optimized regulation accuracy for non-critical reference applications |
| Hermetic DO-35 glass package | Guarantees long-term stability and moisture resistance without conformal coating |
| Nonsensitive to ESD (MIL-STD-750 Method 1020) | Eliminates need for handling precautions or on-board ESD protection circuitry |
| Minimal junction capacitance | Reduces high-frequency coupling and noise injection in precision analog signal paths |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Legacy Power Supply Overvoltage Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing reference voltage for 4–20 mA transmitter ICs in harsh factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive voltage reference providing stable bias for op-amp and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Maintains 13 V reference across –40°C to +85°C ambient with <±1.2% total drift, enabling <0.1% sensor linearity error. | Use Scenario: Clamping unregulated DC rails in vintage telecom power modules to prevent downstream IC damage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt overvoltage protector diverting surge current when input exceeds 13 V. Use Value: Absorbs up to 150 mA surge current (IZSM) without degradation, protecting 78Lxx regulators and logic ICs. |
| Avionics Backup Voltage Reference | Test Equipment Calibration Trim |
Use Scenario: Providing secondary reference in flight control system monitoring circuits where redundancy is required. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby Zener reference activated only during primary regulator fault conditions. Use Value: Operates reliably from –65°C to +125°C with radiation-hardened construction per MicroNote 050. | Use Scenario: Fine-tuning output voltage of programmable bench power supplies via analog feedback loop. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt element adjusting error amplifier setpoint in closed-loop regulation. Use Value: Enables 0.5% calibration resolution using 13 V ±10% tolerance, with stable impedance minimizing loop gain variation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N964B | Same 13 V nominal voltage but ±5% tolerance (B suffix) and identical 700 Ω ZZT | Used where tighter regulation accuracy is required without changing layout or thermal design | Select 1N964B when ±5% VZ tolerance is needed; same DO-35 footprint and thermal profile |
| MMBZ5242B | Surface-mount SOT-23 package, 12 V nominal, ±5%, 225 Ω Zener impedance, 200 mW rating | For space-constrained PCBs where reworkability and automated assembly are priorities | Choose MMBZ5242B only if board redesign for SMT is acceptable; not pin-compatible with 1N964A |
Compared with 1N964B and MMBZ5242B, the 1N964A offers lowest-cost through-hole Zener regulation at 13 V with industry-standard DO-35 mounting, while trading tolerance for cost and retaining full high-temp and hermetic reliability - making it optimal for legacy industrial and avionics repairs.
Availability
1N964A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor conditioning, legacy telecom power clamping, and avionics backup reference applications requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 1N964A 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 1N964A belongs to Microsemi's legacy JEDEC-registered 1N957B–1N992B Zener series, engineered for ruggedized voltage regulation in mission-critical systems where long-term parametric stability and extreme temperature operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance of the 1N964A?
The 1N964A has a nominal Zener voltage of 13 V with a ±10% tolerance, as indicated by the "A" suffix per Microsemi's documentation. This means the actual measured Zener voltage at 13.0 mA test current falls between 11.7 V and 14.3 V at 25°C. The 1N964A is not rated for tighter tolerances - for ±5%, the 1N964B variant must be selected.
What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the 1N964A?
The 1N964A is rated for 500 mW steady-state power dissipation when lead temperature (TL) is maintained below 50°C at a 3/8″ (10 mm) distance from the package body. Derating is required above that temperature, reaching zero dissipation at 175°C junction temperature. On FR4 PCB with specified copper pads, its usable power drops to 480 mW at 25°C ambient.
Does the 1N964A have a RoHS-compliant version?
Yes - the RoHS-compliant version of the 1N964A is designated as 1N964Ae3, where the "e3" suffix indicates annealed matte-tin plating compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The electrical and thermal specifications remain identical to the standard 1N964A; only the terminal finish differs.
What is the Zener impedance of the 1N964A and why does it matter?
The 1N964A has a maximum Zener impedance (ZZT) of 700 Ω measured at its 13.0 mA test current. This value quantifies how much the output voltage varies with changes in Zener current - lower impedance yields better regulation. At 1 mA operating current, impedance rises significantly, so the 1N964A performs best near its specified IZT for stable reference applications.
Can the 1N964A be used in high-temperature environments like downhole drilling tools?
Yes - the 1N964A is rated for continuous operation from –65°C to +175°C, and its hermetic DO-35 glass package ensures long-term reliability under thermal cycling and high-humidity conditions. Microsemi documents its inherent radiation hardness per MicroNote 050, confirming suitability for downhole, aerospace, and other extreme-environment applications where the 1N964A delivers proven field performance.
1N964A 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):
- 13 V
- Tolerance:
- ±10%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 13 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 5 µA @ 9.9 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
1N964A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N964A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N964A 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 1N964A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N964A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N964A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N964A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N964A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N964A?
1N964A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N964A 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 1N964A?
For technical support, including 1N964A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N964A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N964A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N964A 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 1N964A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N964A?
All 1N964A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N964A, 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 1N964A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N964A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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