1N5246B Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N5246B is a 16 V, 500 mW Zener diode in DO-35 axial through-hole packaging manufactured by SMC Diode Solutions. This component is classified as obsolete, indicating discontinued production and limited availability from original sources. The identification of equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure procurement of functionally compatible components for new production runs, repairs, and legacy system support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit	Significance for Substitution
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	16	V	Critical - must match exactly
Power - Max	500	mW	Critical - must match or exceed
Tolerance	±5%	%	Critical - determines voltage regulation accuracy
Impedance (Max)	17	Ohms	Important - affects dynamic response
Package / Case	DO-35, Axial	-	Critical - determines PCB compatibility
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-	Critical - determines assembly method
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.1 V @ 200 mA	V @ mA	Important - affects forward conduction characteristics
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA	nA	Important - affects reverse bias performance

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N5246B is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Zener voltage: 16 V nominal
Power dissipation: 500 mW maximum
Tolerance: ±5%
Package type: DO-35 axial through-hole
Impedance: 17 Ohms maximum

Compatible Electrical Characteristics:

Forward voltage: 1.1 V maximum at 200 mA
Reverse leakage current: 100 nA at specified reverse voltage

The substitute part 1N5246B TR PBFREE, manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, meets all mandatory matching parameters and maintains electrical equivalence across all specified characteristics. The primary distinction is product status: the original 1N5246B is obsolete, while the substitute is active production, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain continuity.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	1N5246B (SMC)	1N5246B TR PBFREE (Central Semiconductor)	Match Status
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	16 V	16 V	Exact Match
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	Exact Match
Tolerance	±5%	±5%	Exact Match
Impedance (Max)	17 Ohms	17 Ohms	Exact Match
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.1 V @ 200 mA	1.1 V @ 200 mA	Exact Match
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA @ 11.4 V	100 nA @ 12 V	Functionally Equivalent
Package / Case	DO-35, Axial	DO-35, Axial	Exact Match
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Exact Match
Operating Temperature	-	-65°C ~ 200°C	Substitute provides wider range
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute is current production
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	Substitute meets current compliance

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 1N5246B TR PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp)

The 1N5246B TR PBFREE is the direct functional equivalent for the obsolete 1N5246B. Selection of this substitute is based on the following engineering criteria:

Electrical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters match exactly, including zener voltage (16 V), power rating (500 mW), tolerance (±5%), and impedance (17 Ohms). Forward and reverse bias characteristics are identical.

Physical Compatibility: Both components utilize DO-35 axial through-hole packaging, ensuring direct PCB footprint compatibility without layout modifications.

Product Status and Availability: The substitute is in active production with confirmed inventory (10,382 pieces), eliminating supply chain risk associated with the obsolete original part.

Compliance Status: The substitute carries ROHS3 compliance certification and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for new designs and production.

Packaging Format: The substitute is supplied in cut tape (CT) format, suitable for automated assembly processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1N5246B TR PBFREE be used as a direct replacement for the 1N5246B in existing designs?

A: Yes. The substitute part maintains exact electrical equivalence across all critical parameters: 16 V zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, ±5% tolerance, and 17 Ohms impedance. The DO-35 axial through-hole package is identical, requiring no PCB modifications.

Q: What is the difference between the original 1N5246B and the 1N5246B TR PBFREE?

A: The primary differences are manufacturer (SMC Diode Solutions versus Central Semiconductor Corp), product status (obsolete versus active production), and compliance certifications. The substitute includes ROHS3 compliance and a specified operating temperature range (-65°C to 200°C), whereas the original does not specify a lower temperature limit. Electrical performance is equivalent.

Q: Are there any packaging or assembly considerations when switching to the substitute part?

A: No. Both parts use DO-35 axial through-hole packaging. The substitute is supplied in cut tape format, which is standard for automated assembly. No changes to PCB design, footprint, or assembly procedures are required.

Q: Does the substitute part meet current regulatory requirements?

A: Yes. The 1N5246B TR PBFREE is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards for electronic components.

Q: What is the reverse leakage current specification difference between the two parts?

A: The original 1N5246B specifies 100 nA reverse leakage at 11.4 V, while the substitute specifies 100 nA at 12 V. Both values are functionally equivalent for circuit design purposes, with the substitute measured at a slightly higher reverse voltage.

Q: Is the substitute part suitable for new production designs?

A: Yes. The active production status, ROHS3 compliance, and confirmed inventory make the 1N5246B TR PBFREE suitable for new designs requiring a 16 V, 500 mW zener diode in DO-35 packaging.

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