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1N5231C-TAP Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The 1N5231C-TAP is a 5.1 V zener diode rated at 500 mW with ±2% tolerance, manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This through-hole component in DO-35 (DO-204AH) package is designed for voltage regulation and protection applications. The part is Active in product status and carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification with ROHS3 compliance.
Substitute parts are necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when design flexibility permits tolerance or performance trade-offs within specified electrical parameters.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage - Zener (Nom) | 5.1 | V |
| Tolerance | ±2% | - |
| Power - Max | 500 | mW |
| Impedance (Max) | 17 | Ohms |
| Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr | 5 | µA @ 2 V |
| Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If | 1.1 | V @ 200 mA |
| Operating Temperature | 175 | °C |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole | - |
| Package / Case | DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial | - |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the 1N5231C-TAP is determined by the following critical electrical parameters:
Primary Substitution Criteria:
- Voltage - Zener (Nom): 5.1 V (exact match required)
- Power - Max: 500 mW or greater
- Mounting Type: Through Hole
- Package / Case: DO-35 (DO-204AH) or equivalent axial configuration
Secondary Substitution Criteria:
- Tolerance: ±2% preferred; ±5% acceptable with design review
- Impedance (Max): 17 Ohms or lower
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr: 5 µA @ 2 V or lower
- Voltage - Forward (Vf): 1.1 V @ 200 mA or lower
- Operating Temperature: Minimum 175°C
Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:
Category A - Direct Electrical Equivalents (±2% Tolerance): Parts matching all primary criteria with ±2% tolerance specification. These include 1N5231C (Fairchild Semiconductor), 1N5231CTR (Fairchild Semiconductor), BZX79-B5V1,113 (NXP Semiconductors), BZX79-B5V1,133 (Nexperia USA Inc.), and BZX79-B5V1,143 (NXP Semiconductors).
Category B - Functional Equivalents (±5% Tolerance): Parts meeting primary electrical criteria with relaxed tolerance specification of ±5%. These include 1N5231B (Microchip Technology), 1N5231BTR (onsemi), 1N751A (Microchip Technology), and 1N751A TR PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp).
Parts in Category B exhibit variations in forward voltage, reverse leakage current, or impedance that may affect circuit performance in precision applications but remain functionally equivalent for general voltage regulation.
Parameter Comparison
| Manufacturer Part Number | Manufacturer | Vz (V) | Tolerance | Power (mW) | Zzt (Ohms) | Ir @ Vr (µA) | Vf @ If (V) | Temp Range (°C) | Packaging | RoHS Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1N5231C-TAP | Vishay | 5.1 | ±2% | 500 | 17 | 5 @ 2V | 1.1 @ 200mA | -65 to 175 | Tape & Box | ROHS3 |
| 1N5231C | Fairchild | 5.1 | ±2% | 500 | 17 | 5 @ 2V | 1.1 @ 200mA | -65 to 200 | Bulk | Not specified |
| 1N5231CTR | Fairchild | 5.1 | ±2% | 500 | 17 | 5 @ 2V | 1.1 @ 200mA | -65 to 200 | Bulk | Not specified |
| 1N5231B | Microchip | 5.1 | ±5% | 500 | 17 | 5 @ 2V | 1.5 @ 200mA | -65 to 175 | Bulk | Non-compliant |
| 1N5231BTR | onsemi | 5.1 | ±5% | 500 | 17 | 5 @ 2V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 200 | Cut Tape | ROHS3 |
| 1N751A | Microchip | 5.1 | ±5% | 500 | 17 | 5 @ 2V | 1.1 @ 200mA | -65 to 175 | Bulk | ROHS3 |
| 1N751A TR PBFREE | Central Semiconductor | 5.1 | ±5% | 500 | 17 | 1 @ 1V | 1.5 @ 200mA | -65 to 200 | Cut Tape | ROHS3 |
| BZX79-B5V1,113 | NXP | 5.1 | ±2% | 400 | 60 | 2 @ 2V | 0.9 @ 10mA | -65 to 200 | - | Not specified |
| BZX79-B5V1,133 | Nexperia USA | 5.1 | ±2% | 400 | 60 | 2 @ 2V | 0.9 @ 10mA | -65 to 200 | Cut Tape | ROHS3 |
| BZX79-B5V1,143 | NXP | 5.1 | ±2% | 400 | 60 | 2 @ 2V | 0.9 @ 10mA | -65 to 200 | Bulk | Not specified |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
For Direct Replacement (Identical Electrical Performance):
Select 1N5231C (Fairchild Semiconductor) or 1N5231CTR (Fairchild Semiconductor) when ±2% tolerance and 500 mW power rating are required. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications to the 1N5231C-TAP with extended operating temperature range to 200°C. The 1N5231CTR variant in bulk packaging offers higher inventory availability (25,780 pcs) compared to standard 1N5231C (23,040 pcs).
For Automotive and Compliance-Critical Applications:
The 1N5231C-TAP carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification. When this certification is mandatory, verify that substitute parts meet equivalent automotive standards. The 1N5231BTR (onsemi) provides ROHS3 compliance and extended temperature range (-65°C to 200°C) with ±5% tolerance. The 1N751A TR PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp) offers ROHS3 compliance and lead-free construction with the highest inventory availability (31,387 pcs).
For Power-Constrained Applications:
The BZX79-B5V1 series (NXP Semiconductors and Nexperia USA Inc.) operates at 400 mW maximum power, which is 100 mW below the 1N5231C-TAP specification. These parts are suitable only for applications where power dissipation does not exceed 400 mW. The BZX79-B5V1,133 (Nexperia USA Inc.) provides ROHS3 compliance in cut tape packaging.
For Tolerance-Flexible Applications:
The 1N5231B (Microchip Technology) and 1N751A series accept ±5% tolerance specification. These parts are suitable for general-purpose voltage regulation where tighter tolerance is not required. The 1N751A (Microchip Technology) maintains identical forward voltage (1.1 V @ 200 mA) to the primary part with ROHS3 compliance.
Packaging Considerations:
The 1N5231C-TAP is supplied in Tape & Box format. Substitute parts are available in Bulk, Cut Tape (CT), and alternative packaging configurations. Verify packaging compatibility with assembly equipment and procurement workflows before selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the 1N5231B substitute for the 1N5231C-TAP in all applications?
A: The 1N5231B operates at ±5% tolerance compared to ±2% for the 1N5231C-TAP. This relaxed tolerance is acceptable for general voltage regulation but may not meet requirements for precision circuits. The forward voltage specification also differs (1.5 V @ 200 mA versus 1.1 V @ 200 mA). Verify circuit tolerance requirements before substitution.
Q: What is the difference between the BZX79-B5V1 series and the 1N5231C-TAP?
A: The BZX79-B5V1 series is rated at 400 mW maximum power compared to 500 mW for the 1N5231C-TAP. Additionally, the BZX79-B5V1 exhibits higher impedance (60 Ohms versus 17 Ohms) and lower reverse leakage current (2 µA @ 2 V versus 5 µA @ 2 V). These parts are suitable only for applications where power dissipation does not exceed 400 mW.
Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?
A: No. The 1N5231B (Microchip Technology) is listed as RoHS non-compliant. The 1N5231C and 1N5231CTR (Fairchild Semiconductor) do not specify RoHS status. The 1N5231BTR (onsemi), 1N751A (Microchip Technology), 1N751A TR PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp), and BZX79-B5V1,133 (Nexperia USA Inc.) are ROHS3 compliant. Verify compliance requirements for your application before selection.
Q: What is the operating temperature range for each substitute?
A: The 1N5231C-TAP operates to 175°C maximum. The 1N5231C and 1N5231CTR (Fairchild) extend to 200°C. The 1N5231B (Microchip) operates to 175°C. The 1N5231BTR (onsemi) and BZX79-B5V1 series extend to 200°C. The 1N751A (Microchip) operates to 175°C, while 1N751A TR PBFREE (Central Semiconductor) extends to 200°C. Select based on thermal requirements of your application.
Q: Can I use the 1N751A as a direct replacement?
A: The 1N751A is functionally equivalent with identical zener voltage (5.1 V), power rating (500 mW), and forward voltage (1.1 V @ 200 mA). However, it carries ±5% tolerance compared to ±2% for the 1N5231C-TAP. The 1N751A is suitable for applications where tolerance specification permits this relaxation. Both parts use the same DO-35 package and through-hole mounting.
Q: What packaging options are available for substitutes?
A: The 1N5231C-TAP is supplied in Tape & Box format. Substitute parts are available in Bulk (1N5231C, 1N5231B, 1N751A, BZX79-B5V1,143), Cut Tape (1N5231CTR, 1N5231BTR, 1N751A TR PBFREE, BZX79-B5V1,133), and unspecified packaging (BZX79-B5V1,113). Verify packaging compatibility with your assembly process and procurement system.
Q: Which substitute has the highest inventory availability?
A: The 1N751A TR PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp) offers the highest inventory availability at 31,387 pcs. The BZX79-B5V1,143 (NXP Semiconductors) provides 185,977 pcs in bulk packaging. The BZX79-B5V1,113 (NXP Semiconductors) offers 141,054 pcs. Verify current inventory status with your supplier before finalizing procurement decisions.
Q: Are there any automotive qualification differences between substitutes?
A: The 1N5231C-TAP carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification. Substitute parts do not explicitly list automotive qualification in the provided specifications. If AEC-Q101 certification is required for your application, contact the manufacturer to verify qualification status before substitution.
Q: What is the significance of the impedance (Zzt) parameter?
A: Impedance (Zzt) affects the zener diode's dynamic response and voltage regulation stability. The 1N5231C-TAP specifies 17 Ohms maximum impedance. The BZX79-B5V1 series specifies 60 Ohms, which is higher. Lower impedance provides better voltage regulation under load changes. Select based on circuit requirements for transient response and regulation accuracy.
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