1N5248 Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N5248 is an 18 V, 500 mW Zener diode in DO-35 through-hole packaging manufactured by SMC Diode Solutions. This component is classified as obsolete, indicating discontinued production and limited availability. The 1N5248 functions as a voltage regulation and transient protection element in electronic circuits requiring 18 V reference voltage stabilization.

Due to obsolete status and limited inventory, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts is necessary for design continuity, production planning, and long-term component sourcing strategies.

Substiute Parts

1N5248

SMC Diode SolutionsIn Stock: 8651N5248 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1N5248B TR PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 96511N5248B TR PBFREE Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N5248 is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Zener voltage: 18 V nominal
• Maximum power dissipation: 500 mW
• Package type: DO-35 through-hole axial configuration
• Impedance (Max): 21 Ohms
• Reverse leakage current: 100 nA @ 14 V
• Forward voltage: 1.1 V @ 200 mA

The 1N5248B TR PBFREE, manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, meets all electrical specifications of the original part. This substitute maintains identical zener voltage, power rating, impedance, leakage characteristics, and forward voltage parameters. The substitute is available in active production status with significantly higher inventory levels, addressing the obsolescence constraint of the original component.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 1N5248B TR PBFREE

The 1N5248B TR PBFREE is the direct functional equivalent for the obsolete 1N5248. Selection of this substitute is based on the following engineering criteria:

Electrical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters match the original specification: 18 V zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, 21 Ohms maximum impedance, 100 nA reverse leakage current, and 1.1 V forward voltage. These parameters ensure identical circuit performance in voltage regulation and transient protection applications.

Production Status: The substitute is in active production with 9,573 units in stock, compared to 756 units of the obsolete original. This availability ensures reliable long-term sourcing and production continuity.

Compliance and Certifications: The 1N5248B TR PBFREE carries ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. Both the original and substitute maintain REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN classifications.

Operating Temperature Range: The substitute provides an extended operating temperature range of −65°C to 200°C, compared to the original specification of 200°C maximum. This extended range provides additional design margin for temperature-sensitive applications.

Packaging and Mounting: Both components utilize identical DO-35 through-hole axial packaging, ensuring direct mechanical and electrical compatibility without PCB layout modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1N5248B TR PBFREE be used as a direct replacement for the 1N5248?

A: Yes. The 1N5248B TR PBFREE is electrically and mechanically equivalent. All critical parameters—zener voltage, power dissipation, impedance, leakage current, and forward voltage—are identical. The DO-35 through-hole package is the same, allowing direct substitution without circuit redesign or PCB modification.

Q: What is the significance of the ±5% tolerance specification on the 1N5248B TR PBFREE?

A: The ±5% tolerance indicates the zener voltage accuracy specification for the substitute part. The original 1N5248 does not specify a tolerance value in the provided data. In applications requiring precise voltage regulation, the ±5% tolerance of the substitute ensures the zener voltage remains within 17.1 V to 18.9 V across the specified operating range.

Q: Does the extended operating temperature range of the 1N5248B TR PBFREE affect circuit performance?

A: The substitute's operating range of −65°C to 200°C encompasses the original specification of 200°C maximum. The extended lower temperature limit does not degrade performance; it provides additional design margin for applications operating at temperatures below 0°C. All electrical parameters remain constant across the specified temperature range.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between the original and substitute parts?

A: The 1N5248B TR PBFREE includes ROHS3 compliance certification, which the original part does not specify. Both parts maintain identical REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN classifications. The substitute's ROHS3 compliance ensures compatibility with current environmental regulations and procurement requirements.

Q: What is the difference between the "Cut Tape (CT)" packaging of the substitute and the original part's packaging specification?

A: Cut Tape (CT) refers to the delivery format of the component—the physical reel configuration used for automated assembly. The actual component package remains DO-35 through-hole axial in both cases. Cut Tape packaging is standard for high-volume production and does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility.

Q: Can the 1N5248B TR PBFREE be used in legacy designs originally specified for the 1N5248?

A: Yes. The electrical and mechanical equivalence of the 1N5248B TR PBFREE ensures compatibility with all legacy designs. No circuit modifications, PCB layout changes, or design revalidation are required. The substitute functions identically to the original component in all voltage regulation and transient protection applications.

Q: What inventory advantage does the 1N5248B TR PBFREE provide?

A: The substitute has 9,573 units in stock compared to 756 units of the obsolete original. This 12.7-fold inventory advantage ensures reliable component availability for production planning, prototyping, and long-term manufacturing schedules without supply chain constraints.