1N5238 Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N5238 is a through-hole zener diode rated at 8.7 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 support and procurement. The 1N5238 operates across a temperature range up to 200°C and is suitable for voltage regulation and protection applications requiring stable zener characteristics at the specified voltage level.

Substiute Parts

1N5238

SMC Diode SolutionsIn Stock: 8861N5238 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1N5238B TR PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 100191N5238B TR PBFREE Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N5238 is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. The primary substitution criteria are:

Electrical Parameters:

• Zener voltage: 8.7 V nominal
• Power rating: 500 mW maximum
• Impedance: 8 Ohms maximum
• Reverse leakage current: 3 µA @ 6.5 V
• Forward voltage: 1.1 V @ 200 mA maximum

Mechanical Parameters:

• Package type: DO-35 axial through-hole configuration
• Mounting: Through-hole compatible with standard PCB layouts

The 1N5238B TR PBFREE from Central Semiconductor Corp meets all specified electrical parameters and maintains identical package configuration. This part is classified as active with current production status, making it suitable for direct substitution in applications requiring the 1N5238 electrical and mechanical characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 1N5238B TR PBFREE is a direct electrical and mechanical equivalent to the obsolete 1N5238. Selection of this substitute part is based on the following engineering factors:

Product Status: The 1N5238 is obsolete with no active production. The 1N5238B TR PBFREE maintains active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

Electrical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters match the original specification: 8.7 V zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, 8 Ohms impedance, and identical leakage and forward voltage characteristics.

Compliance: The 1N5238B TR PBFREE is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting modern regulatory requirements. The original 1N5238 compliance status is not fully specified.

Tolerance Specification: The substitute part includes a ±5% zener voltage tolerance specification, providing tighter control than the unspecified tolerance of the original part.

Package Compatibility: Both parts use identical DO-35 axial through-hole packaging, ensuring direct PCB layout compatibility without design modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1N5238B TR PBFREE be used as a direct replacement for the 1N5238?

A: Yes. The 1N5238B TR PBFREE is electrically and mechanically equivalent. All electrical parameters including zener voltage, power rating, impedance, and leakage current are identical. The package configuration is the same DO-35 axial through-hole type.

Q: What is the difference between the 1N5238 and 1N5238B TR PBFREE?

A: The primary differences are product status and compliance. The 1N5238 is obsolete; the 1N5238B TR PBFREE is active production. The substitute includes ROHS3 compliance certification and a specified ±5% zener voltage tolerance. Electrical performance is equivalent.

Q: Are there any packaging differences between these parts?

A: No. Both parts use the DO-35 axial through-hole package. No PCB layout or mechanical modifications are required for substitution.

Q: Does the ±5% tolerance specification on the 1N5238B TR PBFREE affect circuit performance?

A: The ±5% tolerance on the substitute part represents a tighter specification than the unspecified tolerance of the original 1N5238. This provides improved voltage regulation consistency and does not negatively impact circuit performance.

Q: Is the 1N5238B TR PBFREE suitable for high-temperature applications?

A: Yes. The substitute part operates across the same maximum temperature of 200°C as the original 1N5238, maintaining full electrical performance within this range.

Q: What does PBFREE designation indicate?

A: PBFREE indicates lead-free construction, consistent with ROHS3 compliance requirements. This eliminates lead content while maintaining electrical equivalence to the original part.