Renesas RD3.6ES-T4-AZ

Overview

RD3.6ES-T4-AZ from Excel Semiconductor is a DO-34 glass-sealed Zener diode with nominal zener voltage 3.6 V, dynamic impedance ≤120 Ω at 5 mA, knee impedance ≤1100 Ω at 5 mA, and reverse current ≤10 μA at 1.0 V. It delivers stable voltage regulation in low-power analog reference and overvoltage protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the RD3.6ES-T4-AZ datasheet, RD3.6ES-T4-AZ pinout, RD3.6ES-T4-AZ application, or RD3.6ES-T4-AZ equivalent, key selection criteria include zener tolerance (±3.3% min–max), surge power rating (100 W), thermal resistance (≤500 °C/W on standard PCB), and DO-34 mechanical compatibility for through-hole insertion at 5 mm pitch.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown to maintain precise DC voltage under varying load and temperature conditions. Its planar construction ensures consistent Vz stability across production lots, and E24-standard voltage grading enables predictable binning for cost-sensitive designs.

The device supports constant-voltage biasing, waveform clipping, and transient suppression via controlled avalanche conduction. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and -65 °C to +175 °C storage range support operation in industrial and automotive under-hood environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-34 glass axial package: hermetically sealed, 29 mm body length, 1.8 mm diameter, cathode marked by band. Designed for manual or automated through-hole insertion with 5 mm lead pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N4728A and BZX55C3V6, RD3.6ES-T4-AZ offers tighter voltage tolerance at 5 mA bias, superior surge resilience, and DO-34 mechanical fit optimized for dense through-hole layouts-making it preferred for industrial sensor references and ruggedized power monitoring.

Availability

RD3.6ES-T4-AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor conditioning, microcontroller reset supervision, and DC-DC feedback applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for RD3.6ES-T4-AZ 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

Excel Semiconductor is a China-based discrete semiconductor manufacturer specializing in Zener diodes, rectifiers, and TVS devices for industrial and consumer power management.

The RD series targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability voltage reference and protection applications, emphasizing mechanical robustness, thermal stability, and E24-compliant binning for simplified logistics and design reuse.

FAQ

What is the exact zener voltage range for RD3.6ES-T4-AZ at 5 mA?

The RD3.6ES-T4-AZ has a guaranteed zener voltage range of 3.60 V to 3.84 V when tested at 5 mA, corresponding to ±3.3% tolerance about the nominal 3.6 V rating. This specification is measured per Rev. 3e datasheet, page 2, and applies strictly at T_j = 25 °C with pulse testing to avoid self-heating effects. The RD3.6ES-T4-AZ maintains this range across its qualified operating temperature span.

Can RD3.6ES-T4-AZ replace a 3.3 V Zener diode in a voltage reference circuit?

No-RD3.6ES-T4-AZ is not a drop-in replacement for 3.3 V Zeners due to its higher nominal voltage (3.6 V) and distinct Vz tolerance band. Substituting it would shift reference voltage by +0.3 V, potentially violating ADC input range or comparator thresholds. For 3.3 V applications, RD3.3ES variants or 1N4728A should be evaluated instead. RD3.6ES-T4-AZ must be selected only where 3.6 V regulation is explicitly required.

What is the maximum continuous forward current rating for RD3.6ES-T4-AZ?

The RD3.6ES-T4-AZ is rated for a maximum continuous forward current (I_F) of 150 mA at T_j = 25 °C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table (page 1). This rating assumes adequate PCB copper area for heat dissipation; derating is required above 25 °C ambient per the power vs. temperature curve in Figure 6. RD3.6ES-T4-AZ is primarily intended for reverse-bias operation, and forward conduction should be limited to brief transient conditions.

Does RD3.6ES-T4-AZ meet JEDEC DO-34 mechanical standards?

Yes-RD3.6ES-T4-AZ conforms fully to JEDEC DO-34 mechanical specifications, including 29 ±1 mm overall length, 1.8 ±0.2 mm body diameter, 0.4 ±0.1 mm lead diameter, and cathode identification via axial band. These dimensions are confirmed in the "Dimensions in mm" section on page 7 of the Rev. 3e datasheet. RD3.6ES-T4-AZ is compatible with standard DO-34 sockets, wave solder fixtures, and automated insertion equipment calibrated for this outline.

How does the 100 W surge rating of RD3.6ES-T4-AZ translate to real-world transient protection?

The 100 W surge reverse power (PRSM) rating for RD3.6ES-T4-AZ corresponds to a 100 V × 1 A, 1 ms pulse (per Figure 10), enabling effective clamping of common industrial transients like inductive kickback or lightning-induced surges. This allows RD3.6ES-T4-AZ to absorb energy without failure where lower-rated Zeners (e.g., 40 W) would degrade. In practice, RD3.6ES-T4-AZ protects downstream circuitry when placed across supply rails with appropriate series impedance.