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Microchip Technology 1N968A
- Part No.:
- 1N968A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AA, DO-7, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
1N968A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 20V 500MW DO7
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,020
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Product details
Overview
1N968A from Microsemi is a silicon 500 mW axial-lead Zener diode in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package, rated for 20 V nominal Zener voltage with ±10% tolerance, 6.2 mA Zener test current, and 750 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 1N968A datasheet, 1N968A pinout, 1N968A application, or 1N968A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20 V regulation point, ±10% tolerance (A suffix), 750 Ω dynamic impedance, thermal resistance of 250 °C/W (junction-to-lead), and DO-35 glass-body construction with cathode band polarity marking.
Technical Context
The 1N968A functions as a two-terminal reverse-biased voltage regulator, maintaining stable 20 V output across a wide operating current range (IZK = 0.25 mA to IZM = 18 mA) and temperature extremes. Its Zener knee is characterized by 750 Ω impedance at 6.2 mA test current and <5 μA reverse leakage at 15.2 V.
It features a positive temperature coefficient of +0.086 %/°C - typical for mid-voltage Zeners - enabling predictable drift compensation in bias networks. The device uses hermetically sealed glass DO-35 packaging with tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, rated for 260 °C soldering (10 s max).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 20 V ±10% - defines primary regulation setpoint under standard test conditions (IZT = 6.2 mA) |
| Zener Test Current | 6.2 mA - current at which VZ is specified; establishes stable operating point for reference designs |
| Zener Impedance | 750 Ω max @ IZT - indicates voltage regulation stiffness; lower values improve load regulation |
| Max Reverse Leakage | 5 μA @ 15.2 V - ensures minimal error current in high-impedance bias/reference paths |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW @ TL < 50°C (3/8″ lead length) - sets maximum continuous DC power handling capability |
| Operating Temperature | –65°C to +175°C - supports deployment in automotive engine bays, industrial controls, and aerospace subsystems |
| Thermal Resistance | 250 °C/W junction-to-lead - determines temperature rise per watt; critical for thermal design margining |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-35 (DO-204AH), hermetically sealed axial-lead glass body, 0.2 g weight, cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / Zener cathode reference | Connected to circuit ground or lower potential node; reverse bias applied across anode–cathode for regulation |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal | Banded end; connected to regulated voltage rail; must be held positive relative to anode during operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| JEDEC-registered 1N968A designation | Ensures standardized electrical behavior and interchangeability across qualified suppliers |
| ±10% Zener voltage tolerance (A suffix) | Provides cost-optimized regulation accuracy suitable for non-critical biasing and clamping |
| Nonsensitive to ESD (MIL-STD-750 Method 1020) | Eliminates need for external ESD protection in assembly and field operation |
| Minimal capacitance (typ. <2 pF) | Preserves high-frequency signal integrity in RF detector and fast-switching clamp applications |
| Inherent radiation hardness | Validated per Microsemi MicroNote 050 - enables use in space-qualified and nuclear instrumentation systems |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Automotive ECU Reference Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing excitation voltage for resistive bridge sensors in PLC modules operating from unregulated 24 V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode providing fixed 20 V reference to op-amp bias network and ADC reference divider. Use Value: Maintains <±0.5% reference stability over –40°C to +85°C ambient due to known +0.086 %/°C TC and low thermal resistance. |
Use Scenario: Clamping transient spikes on 12 V battery-supplied microcontroller reset lines in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor protecting reset pin against load-dump-induced overvoltage. Use Value: Withstands 175 mA surge current (IZSM) and exhibits <5 μA leakage at 15.2 V, minimizing false resets during normal operation. |
| Medical Instrumentation Bias Network | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Generating precise bias voltages for low-noise instrumentation amplifiers in portable ECG monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≤2 pF) Zener reference stabilizing gain-setting resistors and offset nulling circuits. Use Value: Minimal parasitic capacitance avoids phase shift in high-gain, multi-stage analog front-ends up to 1 MHz. |
Use Scenario: Protecting RS-232 transceiver inputs from induced surges on long-wire telecom interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp limiting input voltage to 20 V before TVS secondary stage engages. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and 750 Ω Zener impedance ensure clamping within 50 ns of overvoltage onset. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N968B | Same 20 V nominal rating but ±5% tolerance (B suffix) and 6.2 mA IZT; otherwise identical package, impedance, and thermal specs | Used where tighter regulation accuracy is required without changing layout or thermal design | Select 1N968B when ±5% VZ tolerance is needed; no PCB changes required |
| MMBZ5242B (Diodes Inc.) | SMD SOT-23 package, 20 V ±5%, 20 mA IZT, 22 Ω ZZT, 350 mW PD; not drop-in compatible | Targeted for space-constrained PCBs requiring surface-mount assembly and higher current drive | Choose MMBZ5242B only if re-layout for SMT is acceptable and lower impedance is prioritized over legacy through-hole compatibility |
Compared with 1N968A, the 1N968B offers improved voltage accuracy at identical form factor and thermal performance, while MMBZ5242B trades axial-leaded robustness and high-temp capability for compact size and lower dynamic impedance - making it unsuitable for high-reliability or high-temperature deployments where 1N968A excels.
Availability
1N968A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor conditioning, automotive ECU protection, and medical instrumentation biasing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for 1N968A 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 1N957B–1N992B series was designed specifically for ruggedized, high-temperature voltage regulation and clamping in mission-critical systems where DO-35 mechanical reliability and JEDEC-standardized parametrics are essential.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for 1N968A?
The 1N968A has a nominal Zener voltage of 20 V with ±10% tolerance, as indicated by the "A" suffix per Microsemi's documentation. This means the actual measured VZ at 6.2 mA test current falls between 18.0 V and 22.0 V at 25°C. The tolerance is wider than the B-suffix variant (±5%), making 1N968A appropriate for cost-sensitive applications where tight regulation is not required.
Can 1N968A be used in high-temperature environments?
Yes, the 1N968A is rated for operation from –65°C to +175°C, with thermal resistance of 250 °C/W junction-to-lead. Its glass DO-35 package and internal metallurgical structure enable reliable performance in engine compartments, downhole tools, and industrial ovens. Derating curves in the datasheet confirm usable power dissipation up to 175°C ambient when mounted per JEDEC guidelines.
What is the maximum surge current rating for 1N968A?
The 1N968A supports a maximum surge current (IZSM) of 175 mA for a 1/120 second square-wave or half-sine pulse, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This rating applies under defined test conditions and enables transient suppression in automotive load-dump and inductive switching scenarios without permanent degradation.
Does 1N968A have RoHS-compliant variants?
Yes - RoHS-compliant versions of 1N968A are available with the "e3" suffix (e.g., 1N968Ae3), featuring annealed matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. These retain identical electrical and thermal specifications while meeting lead-free soldering and environmental compliance requirements for modern electronics manufacturing.
How does the temperature coefficient affect 1N968A's regulation accuracy?
The 1N968A has a Zener voltage temperature coefficient of +0.086 %/°C, meaning its regulated voltage increases by approximately 17.2 mV per °C rise above 25°C. For example, at 125°C junction temperature, VZ rises ~8.6 V - a critical consideration in high-temp designs. This predictable drift allows for intentional compensation in precision references using complementary TC components.
1N968A 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):
- 20 V
- Tolerance:
- ±10%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 25 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 5 µA @ 15.2 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
1N968A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1N968A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1N968A 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 1N968A reliable?
The price and inventory of 1N968A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1N968A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1N968A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1N968A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1N968A?
1N968A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1N968A 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 1N968A?
For technical support, including 1N968A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1N968A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1N968A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1N968A 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 1N968A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1N968A?
All 1N968A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1N968A, 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 1N968A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1N968A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1N968A Tags
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