1N5234 Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N5234 is a through-hole zener diode rated at 6.2 V nominal with 500 mW power dissipation in a DO-35 axial package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent parts for ongoing design and procurement requirements. The substitute part 1N5234B TR PBFREE maintains identical electrical specifications while offering active product status and enhanced compliance certifications.

Substiute Parts

1N5234

SMC Diode SolutionsIn Stock: 59551N5234 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1N5234B TR PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 89011N5234B TR PBFREE Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N5234 with the 1N5234B TR PBFREE is based on electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. Both components share identical zener voltage (6.2 V), maximum power rating (500 mW), impedance specification (7 Ohms maximum), reverse leakage current (5 µA @ 4 V), and forward voltage characteristics (1.1 V @ 200 mA). Both utilize the same through-hole mounting technology and DO-35 axial package configuration.

The primary differentiators are product status and compliance certifications. The 1N5234B TR PBFREE is active production, carries RoHS3 compliance, and includes lead-free (PBFREE) designation. The 1N5234 is obsolete with no specified RoHS status. Both components maintain REACH Unaffected status and identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 1N5234B TR PBFREE is the direct functional equivalent for the obsolete 1N5234. Selection of the substitute part is supported by the following factors:

Electrical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters—zener voltage, power rating, impedance, leakage current, and forward voltage—are identical between the main part and substitute.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both components utilize identical through-hole mounting and DO-35 axial packaging, ensuring direct board-level substitution without layout modification.

Product Status: The 1N5234B TR PBFREE maintains active production status, eliminating supply chain risk associated with the obsolete 1N5234.

Compliance Enhancement: The substitute part carries RoHS3 compliance and lead-free designation, meeting modern environmental and regulatory requirements. Both parts maintain REACH Unaffected status.

Operating Temperature Range: The substitute provides an extended lower operating temperature limit (−65°C versus unspecified for the main part), expanding application scope without compromising upper temperature performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1N5234B TR PBFREE be used as a direct replacement for the 1N5234?

A: Yes. Both components share identical zener voltage (6.2 V), power rating (500 mW), impedance (7 Ohms), reverse leakage current (5 µA @ 4 V), and forward voltage (1.1 V @ 200 mA). Mounting type and package configuration are identical, enabling direct substitution without circuit modification.

Q: What is the significance of the ±5% tolerance specification on the substitute part?

A: The 1N5234B TR PBFREE specifies ±5% zener voltage tolerance, whereas the 1N5234 does not provide a tolerance value. This specification on the substitute part defines the acceptable voltage variation range around the 6.2 V nominal value. Circuit designs must accommodate this tolerance range.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the main part and substitute?

A: No. Both the 1N5234 and 1N5234B TR PBFREE use the DO-35 axial through-hole package. Physical dimensions, lead configuration, and board mounting requirements are identical.

Q: Why is the 1N5234 classified as obsolete?

A: The 1N5234 is listed as obsolete by the manufacturer. The 1N5234B TR PBFREE is the active production equivalent, ensuring continued availability and supply chain stability.

Q: Does the lead-free (PBFREE) designation affect electrical performance?

A: No. The PBFREE designation indicates the absence of lead in the component composition and solder connections. This is a material and manufacturing specification that does not alter electrical characteristics or performance parameters.

Q: What is the difference in operating temperature range between the two parts?

A: The 1N5234 specifies a maximum operating temperature of 200°C without a defined minimum. The 1N5234B TR PBFREE specifies −65°C to 200°C, providing a defined lower temperature limit. Both parts support the same upper temperature limit.

Q: Are both parts REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both the 1N5234 and 1N5234B TR PBFREE carry REACH Unaffected status, indicating compliance with REACH regulations.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for these components?

A: Both components have a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 1, classified as Unlimited. This indicates minimal moisture sensitivity and no special storage or handling requirements.