1N5234B Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N5234B is a 6.2 V zener diode rated at 500 mW in a DO-35 through-hole package, manufactured by SMC Diode Solutions. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement. The 1N5234B operates across a temperature range up to 200°C and is specified with ±5% voltage tolerance. Substitute parts must maintain electrical equivalence across zener voltage, power dissipation, and forward voltage characteristics while accommodating available packaging and compliance options.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	6.2	V
Tolerance	±5%	—
Power - Max	500	mW
Impedance (Max)	7	Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	5	µA @ 3.8 V
Voltage - Forward (Max) @ If	1.1	V @ 200 mA
Operating Temperature	200	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	DO-35, DO-204AH, Axial	—
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N5234B is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Zener voltage (Vz): 6.2 V nominal
Power rating: 500 mW maximum
Voltage tolerance: ±5% or tighter
Forward voltage (Vf): 1.1 V maximum at 200 mA
Package type: DO-35 through-hole configuration
Mounting: Axial through-hole

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Impedance (Zzt): Maximum 7 Ohms (substitute parts with higher impedance remain functionally equivalent if other parameters align)
Reverse leakage current: Specified at measurement voltage (3.8 V to 4 V range)
Operating temperature range: Minimum 200°C upper limit required for direct substitution

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Substitutes (Identical Electrical Specifications): Parts that match all primary equivalence criteria with identical or superior compliance status.

Compatible Substitutes (Equivalent Electrical Performance with Parameter Variations): Parts that maintain functional equivalence in zener voltage, power rating, and forward voltage but may differ in impedance, leakage current, or temperature range. These parts are suitable for applications where the 1N5234B specifications are met or exceeded.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vz (V)	Tolerance	Power (mW)	Zzt (Ohms)	Vf (Max) @ If	Temp Range (°C)	Product Status	RoHS Status	Packaging
1N5234B	SMC Diode Solutions	6.2	±5%	500	7	1.1 V @ 200 mA	–65 to 200	Obsolete	REACH Unaffected	DO-35
1N5234B TR PBFREE	Central Semiconductor Corp	6.2	±5%	500	7	1.1 V @ 200 mA	–65 to 200	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Cut Tape (CT)
1N5234B BK PBFREE	Central Semiconductor Corp	6.2	±5%	500	7	1.1 V @ 200 mA	–65 to 200	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Bulk
1N5731B	Microchip Technology	6.2	±5%	500	10	900 mV @ 10 mA	–65 to 175	Active	RoHS non-compliant	Bulk
1N5731C	Microchip Technology	6.2	±1%	500	10	900 mV @ 10 mA	–65 to 175	Active	RoHS non-compliant	Bulk
1N5731D	Microchip Technology	6.2	±1%	500	10	900 mV @ 10 mA	–65 to 175	Active	RoHS non-compliant	Bulk
1N5995B	Microchip Technology	6.2	±5%	500	10	1.1 V @ 200 mA	–65 to 175	Active	RoHS non-compliant	Bulk
1N823	Microchip Technology	6.2	±5%	500	15	Not specified	–65 to 175	Active	RoHS non-compliant	Bulk

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1: Direct Substitutes (Recommended for Obsolete Part Replacement)

The 1N5234B TR PBFREE and 1N5234B BK PBFREE, both manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, are direct electrical equivalents with identical zener voltage (6.2 V), power rating (500 mW), tolerance (±5%), impedance (7 Ohms), and forward voltage characteristics. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence of the original SMC Diode Solutions part. The TR PBFREE variant is supplied in cut tape packaging, while the BK PBFREE variant is supplied in bulk. Selection between these two depends on procurement quantity and assembly requirements.

Tier 2: Compatible Substitutes (Functionally Equivalent with Parameter Variations)

The 1N5731B, 1N5731C, 1N5731D, 1N5995B, and 1N823 are functionally equivalent zener diodes with 6.2 V nominal voltage and 500 mW power rating. These parts maintain electrical compatibility with the 1N5234B across primary application parameters. Differences exist in impedance (10 to 15 Ohms versus 7 Ohms), forward voltage measurement conditions, and maximum operating temperature (175°C versus 200°C). All Tier 2 substitutes are active products from Microchip Technology with RoHS non-compliant status.

Compliance Considerations:

The 1N5234B TR PBFREE and 1N5234B BK PBFREE are ROHS3 compliant, making them suitable for applications requiring RoHS certification. Tier 2 substitutes (1N5731 series, 1N5995B, 1N823) are RoHS non-compliant and are appropriate only for applications without RoHS requirements or legacy system support.

Temperature Range Considerations:

The original 1N5234B operates to 200°C. The 1N5234B TR PBFREE and 1N5234B BK PBFREE maintain this upper temperature limit. Tier 2 substitutes are rated to 175°C maximum, which may be limiting in high-temperature applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use 1N5234B TR PBFREE as a direct replacement for the obsolete 1N5234B?

A: Yes. The 1N5234B TR PBFREE is electrically identical to the original 1N5234B, with matching zener voltage (6.2 V), power rating (500 mW), tolerance (±5%), impedance (7 Ohms), and forward voltage (1.1 V @ 200 mA). It is an active product with ROHS3 compliance. The only difference is packaging format (cut tape versus original packaging).

Q: What is the difference between 1N5234B TR PBFREE and 1N5234B BK PBFREE?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The TR PBFREE variant is supplied in cut tape packaging for automated assembly, while the BK PBFREE variant is supplied in bulk packaging. Selection depends on procurement volume and assembly process requirements.

Q: Can I substitute 1N5731B for 1N5234B in my design?

A: The 1N5731B is functionally equivalent in zener voltage (6.2 V) and power rating (500 mW). However, it differs in impedance (10 Ohms versus 7 Ohms), forward voltage measurement conditions (900 mV @ 10 mA versus 1.1 V @ 200 mA), and maximum operating temperature (175°C versus 200°C). Use 1N5731B only if your application does not require operation above 175°C and can tolerate higher impedance.

Q: Why do some substitute parts have ±1% tolerance instead of ±5%?

A: The 1N5731C and 1N5731D offer tighter voltage tolerance (±1%) compared to the original 1N5234B (±5%). Tighter tolerance provides more precise zener voltage regulation but is not required for direct substitution. These parts are suitable for applications requiring higher voltage accuracy.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: No. The 1N5234B TR PBFREE and 1N5234B BK PBFREE are ROHS3 compliant. The 1N5731 series (B, C, D), 1N5995B, and 1N823 are RoHS non-compliant. Select ROHS3-compliant parts for applications requiring RoHS certification.

Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for each substitute?

A: The original 1N5234B and its direct substitutes (1N5234B TR PBFREE, 1N5234B BK PBFREE) operate to 200°C. All Tier 2 substitutes (1N5731 series, 1N5995B, 1N823) are rated to 175°C maximum. For applications requiring 200°C operation, use only the direct substitutes.

Q: Can I use 1N823 as a substitute for 1N5234B?

A: The 1N823 is functionally equivalent in zener voltage (6.2 V) and power rating (500 mW). However, it has higher impedance (15 Ohms versus 7 Ohms), operates only to 175°C (versus 200°C), and forward voltage is not specified. Use 1N823 only if your application does not require the specified forward voltage characteristic and can tolerate higher impedance and lower temperature rating.

Q: What packaging options are available for substitutes?

A: The 1N5234B TR PBFREE is supplied in cut tape (CT) packaging for automated assembly. The 1N5234B BK PBFREE, 1N5731 series, 1N5995B, and 1N823 are supplied in bulk packaging. All parts use DO-35 through-hole package configuration.

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