1N4683-TP Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N4683-TP is a 3 V, 500 mW Zener diode manufactured by Micro Commercial Co in a DO-35 axial through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design requirements and production continuity. The 1N4683-TP maintains ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), making it suitable for standard industrial and commercial applications requiring voltage regulation or transient suppression at 3 V nominal.

Substiute Parts

1N4683-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 6581N4683-TP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1N4683 TR PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 8371N4683 TR PBFREE Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N5987A

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 20361N5987A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

1N5987B

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 11331N5987B Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

1N5987C

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 9091N5987C Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

1N5987D

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 8801N5987D Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N4683-TP is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Voltage - Zener (Nom): 3 V (exact match required)
• Power - Max: 500 mW (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Package / Case: DO-35 Axial (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Tolerance: ±5% or tighter (±5%, ±2%, ±1% acceptable)
• Operating Temperature: Minimum -65°C to maximum 175°C or higher
• Current - Reverse Leakage: Lower or equal values acceptable
• Voltage - Forward (Vf): Lower or equal values acceptable

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents (identical tolerance and specifications) and similar alternatives (tighter tolerance or enhanced performance characteristics). All substitute parts listed maintain the same 3 V nominal zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, and DO-35 through-hole package configuration.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Recommended for Immediate Replacement):

The 1N4683 TR PBFREE manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp is the primary direct equivalent. This part maintains identical electrical specifications (3 V nominal, ±5% tolerance, 500 mW power rating) and identical reverse leakage characteristics (800 nA @ 1 V). The part is currently in active production status with 759 units in stock. It carries ROHS3 compliance matching the original specification. The extended operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 200°C) provides superior thermal performance compared to the original 200°C maximum. Packaging is supplied in Tape & Reel format, suitable for automated assembly processes.

Active Alternatives (Microchip Technology 1N5987 Series):

The 1N5987 series from Microchip Technology offers three tolerance grades (±10%, ±5%, ±1%) while maintaining the 3 V nominal voltage and 500 mW power rating. All variants are in active production with substantial inventory availability (870 to 1950 units). These parts feature improved reverse leakage characteristics (50 µA @ 1 V for B, C, D variants; 100 µA @ 500 mV for A variant) and lower forward voltage drop (1.1 V @ 200 mA versus 1.5 V @ 100 mA). Operating temperature range is -65°C ~ 175°C. Selection among 1N5987A, 1N5987B, 1N5987C, and 1N5987D depends on tolerance requirements: use 1N5987A for ±10% tolerance applications, 1N5987B for ±5% tolerance, 1N5987C for ±2% tolerance, or 1N5987D for ±1% tolerance. Note that all 1N5987 variants are RoHS non-compliant; applications requiring RoHS compliance must use the 1N4683 TR PBFREE.

Compliance Considerations:

Applications requiring ROHS3 compliance must select either the original 1N4683-TP or the 1N4683 TR PBFREE. The 1N5987 series does not meet RoHS requirements and is unsuitable for regulated or restricted substance applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1N5987 series directly replace the 1N4683-TP in all applications?

A: The 1N5987 series maintains the same 3 V nominal voltage, 500 mW power rating, and DO-35 through-hole package, making them electrically compatible for most applications. However, the 1N5987 series is RoHS non-compliant, whereas the 1N4683-TP is ROHS3 compliant. Applications subject to RoHS regulations must use the 1N4683 TR PBFREE instead. Additionally, the 1N5987 series exhibits different reverse leakage characteristics and lower forward voltage drop, which may affect circuit performance in precision voltage regulation applications.

Q: What is the difference between the 1N4683 TR PBFREE and the 1N5987 variants?

A: The 1N4683 TR PBFREE is a direct equivalent to the 1N4683-TP with identical electrical specifications and ROHS3 compliance. The 1N5987 series offers tighter tolerance options (±1%, ±2%, ±5%, ±10%) and improved reverse leakage performance but sacrifices RoHS compliance. The 1N4683 TR PBFREE is the preferred choice for direct replacement when RoHS compliance is required.

Q: Does packaging format affect substitution compatibility?

A: Packaging format does not affect electrical compatibility. The 1N4683-TP is supplied in bulk form, while the 1N4683 TR PBFREE is supplied in Tape & Reel format. Both are through-hole DO-35 packages suitable for manual or automated assembly. The 1N5987 series is supplied in bulk packaging. Selection between bulk and Tape & Reel depends on assembly process requirements, not electrical performance.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for applications requiring the tightest tolerance?

A: The 1N5987D offers ±1% tolerance, the tightest specification available among the substitute parts listed. This part is suitable for precision voltage regulation applications where zener voltage accuracy is critical. The 1N5987D is in active production with 870 units in stock. Note that RoHS compliance is not available with this tolerance grade.

Q: Are there temperature range differences between substitute parts?

A: The 1N4683 TR PBFREE operates from -65°C to 200°C, matching the original 1N4683-TP maximum temperature. The 1N5987 series operates from -65°C to 175°C, providing a 25°C lower maximum junction temperature. For applications operating near or above 175°C, the 1N4683 TR PBFREE is the appropriate selection.

Q: What is the significance of reverse leakage current differences?

A: The original 1N4683-TP specifies 800 nA reverse leakage at 1 V. The 1N5987B, 1N5987C, and 1N5987D variants specify 50 µA at 1 V, representing significantly higher leakage. The 1N5987A specifies 100 µA at 500 mV. Higher reverse leakage may affect circuit performance in high-impedance applications or precision voltage reference circuits. The 1N4683 TR PBFREE maintains the original 800 nA specification and is preferred for applications sensitive to leakage current.