Renesas RD36F

Overview

RD36F from Renesas Electronics is a 1 W planar-type silicon Zener diode with a nominal zener voltage of 36 V (B grade: 35.19–37.01 V), dynamic impedance of 20 Ω at 10 mA, and temperature coefficient of +27 mV/°C. It features DO-41 glass-sealed DHD (Double Heatsink Diode) packaging and is rated for surge reverse power up to 400 W (t = 10 μs). It is used in precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection circuits in industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the RD36F datasheet, RD36F pinout, RD36F application, or RD36F equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specifications, thermal behavior, JEDEC DO-41 terminal mapping, real-world clipping/limiting use cases, and two validated alternative Zener diodes with documented voltage and impedance differences.

Technical Context

The RD36F operates as a two-terminal voltage-regulating device relying on controlled reverse breakdown. Its planar junction structure ensures stable zener voltage tolerance and low dynamic impedance across its 10 mA test current. The DO-41 package provides mechanical robustness and thermal dissipation capability up to 1 W at 25°C ambient.

It exhibits a positive zener voltage temperature coefficient (+27 mV/°C typical), indicating increasing Vz with rising junction temperature - critical for thermal drift analysis in voltage reference designs. Its surge rating (400 W, 10 μs) supports transient suppression in DC rail protection applications without external clamping components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

RD36F uses the JEDEC DO-41 axial-leaded glass package (3.0 mm diameter × 5.0 mm length), with cathode indicated by a black band. Thermal resistance R_thJA varies with PCB copper area (e.g., 200°C/W at 5 mm² foil).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with RD36F, 1N4738A offers identical electrical behavior and direct physical compatibility, while BZX85C36 trades tighter voltage control for enhanced thermal headroom - guiding selection based on whether regulation precision or power derating dominates the design priority.

Availability

RD36F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, telecom surge protection, and analog reference circuits requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for RD36F 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

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a global semiconductor leader formed in 2010 via merger of NEC Electronics and Renesas Technology, specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power devices.

RD36F belongs to the RD2.0F–RD82F planar Zener diode family, engineered for standard industrial voltage regulation and transient suppression with E24 grading and DO-41 reliability.

FAQ

What is the exact zener voltage range for RD36F at 10 mA test current?

The RD36F has a guaranteed zener voltage range of 35.19 V to 37.01 V when tested at I_Z = 10 mA per the B grade specification in Renesas datasheet D13936EJ5V0DS. This 1.82 V span reflects the E24-series tolerance band centered on 36 V and is measured with 40 ms stabilization after power-on.

Does RD36F support bidirectional waveform clipping?

Yes, RD36F supports bidirectional clipping: its reverse breakdown occurs at 35.19–37.01 V, while its forward conduction begins at ~0.7 V. This enables symmetric AC signal limiting between –36.7 V and +36.7 V when used in anti-parallel configuration, as confirmed in the Applications section of the RD2.0F–RD82F datasheet.

What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for RD36F?

The absolute maximum junction temperature for RD36F is 175°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of Renesas datasheet D13936EJ5V0DS. Operation beyond this limit risks irreversible parametric shift or catastrophic failure, and thermal design must ensure T_j remains within this bound under worst-case power and ambient conditions.

How does the +27 mV/°C temperature coefficient affect RD36F in precision reference designs?

The +27 mV/°C typical zener voltage temperature coefficient means RD36F's V_Z increases by approximately 27 mV per 1°C rise in junction temperature. In precision references, this requires compensation - e.g., pairing with a negative-tempco component - or restricting ambient operating range to maintain total drift within ±0.1% over temperature.

Is RD36F compatible with lead-free reflow soldering processes?

RD36F uses a glass-encapsulated DO-41 package with axial leads that are compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak ≤ 260°C, 10 s max), as confirmed by Renesas packaging reliability data. No special prebaking or flux requirements apply, but thermal shock during rapid heating should be minimized to preserve glass-to-metal seal integrity.