1N968B Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N968B is a 20 V, 500 mW Zener diode manufactured by onsemi in DO-35 package configuration. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design requirements and procurement. The 1N968B operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 200°C with ±5% voltage tolerance and is suitable for through-hole applications requiring voltage regulation and transient protection.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	20 V
Power - Max	500 mW
Tolerance	±5%
Impedance (Max)	25 Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	5 µA @ 15.2 V
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 200°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N968B is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Voltage - Zener (Nom): 20 V
Power - Max: 500 mW
Tolerance: ±5%
Impedance (Max): 25 Ohms
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: DO-35 (DO-204AH)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Operating Temperature range (minimum -65°C required)
Current - Reverse Leakage characteristics
Voltage - Forward specifications

Parts are grouped into two categories:

Parametric Equivalents meet all primary equivalence criteria with identical electrical specifications and package configuration.

Similar Parts share the core 20 V zener voltage and 500 mW power rating but differ in one or more secondary parameters such as package type, tolerance, impedance, or temperature range. These parts are suitable for applications where the specific variation does not conflict with circuit requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Zener (Nom)	Power - Max	Tolerance	Impedance (Max)	Package / Case	Operating Temperature	Product Status
1N968B	onsemi	20 V	500 mW	±5%	25 Ohms	DO-35	-65°C ~ 200°C	Obsolete
1N5250B	Microchip Technology	20 V	500 mW	±5%	25 Ohms	DO-35	-65°C ~ 175°C	Active
1N5250BTR	Fairchild Semiconductor	20 V	500 mW	±5%	25 Ohms	DO-35	-65°C ~ 200°C	Active
1N4707	Microsemi Corporation	20 V	500 mW	±5%	Not specified	DO-35	-65°C ~ 175°C	Active
1N5250A	Microsemi Corporation	20 V	500 mW	±10%	25 Ohms	DO-35	-65°C ~ 175°C	Active
1N5250B	Microsemi Corporation	20 V	500 mW	±5%	25 Ohms	DO-35	-65°C ~ 175°C	Active
1N5357B	Microsemi Corporation	20 V	5 W	±5%	3 Ohms	T-18	-65°C ~ 150°C	Active
1N5932BP-TP	Micro Commercial Co	20 V	1.5 W	±5%	14 Ohms	DO-41	-55°C ~ 175°C	Active
1N968A	Microchip Technology	20 V	500 mW	±10%	25 Ohms	DO-7	-65°C ~ 175°C	Active
1N968B	Microchip Technology	20 V	500 mW	±5%	25 Ohms	DO-7	-65°C ~ 175°C	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Parametric Equivalents (Direct Substitution):

1N5250B (Microchip Technology) and 1N5250BTR (Fairchild Semiconductor) are parametric equivalents meeting all primary specifications. Both are active products with 20 V nominal zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, ±5% tolerance, and DO-35 package. 1N5250BTR maintains the full -65°C to 200°C operating temperature range of the original 1N968B, while 1N5250B operates to 175°C. Both parts are available in high inventory quantities.

Similar Parts with Tolerance Variation:

1N5250A (Microsemi Corporation) provides ±10% tolerance in DO-35 package with identical 20 V and 500 mW specifications. This part is suitable for applications where ±10% voltage tolerance is acceptable. RoHS3 compliance status differs from the original part.

1N968A (Microchip Technology) offers ±10% tolerance in DO-7 package with matching 20 V and 500 mW ratings. This part is active and available but requires PCB layout accommodation for the different package footprint.

1N968B (Microchip Technology) is an active equivalent in DO-7 package with identical ±5% tolerance and electrical specifications. This part accommodates the same tolerance requirement as the original but requires different board-level mounting considerations.

Similar Parts with Power Rating Variation:

1N5357B (Microsemi Corporation) provides increased power dissipation capability at 5 W with 20 V zener voltage and ±5% tolerance. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher power handling in T-18 package configuration.

1N5932BP-TP (Micro Commercial Co) offers 1.5 W power rating in DO-41 package with 20 V zener voltage and ±5% tolerance. This part provides intermediate power capability and is RoHS3 compliant.

1N4707 (Microsemi Corporation) maintains 500 mW power rating and ±5% tolerance in DO-35 package with 20 V zener voltage. This part is active and available.

Compliance Considerations:

The original 1N968B is classified as obsolete. All identified substitute parts are active products. RoHS compliance status varies across manufacturers. Parts designated as RoHS3 compliant include 1N5250A and 1N5932BP-TP. All parts maintain REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 1N5250B directly replace 1N968B in existing designs?

A: Yes. 1N5250B (Microchip Technology) is a parametric equivalent with identical 20 V zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, ±5% tolerance, 25 Ohms impedance, and DO-35 package. The operating temperature range extends to 175°C versus the original 200°C maximum, which is acceptable for most applications. Electrical performance and board-level compatibility are equivalent.

Q: What is the difference between 1N5250B from Microchip Technology and 1N5250B from Microsemi Corporation?

A: Both parts share identical part numbers but are manufactured by different suppliers. Both provide 20 V zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, ±5% tolerance, and DO-35 package. Operating temperature ranges to 175°C for both. Reverse leakage current is specified at 100 nA @ 15 V for both parts. Selection between manufacturers depends on supply chain availability and procurement requirements.

Q: Why would 1N5357B be considered as a substitute despite higher power rating?

A: 1N5357B provides the same 20 V zener voltage and ±5% tolerance as the original 1N968B but with increased power dissipation capability (5 W versus 500 mW). This part is suitable for applications where circuit redesign permits higher power handling or where thermal management requirements exceed the original specification. The T-18 package differs from DO-35, requiring PCB layout modification.

Q: Is 1N968A suitable as a replacement for 1N968B?

A: 1N968A is suitable with tolerance consideration. Both parts provide 20 V zener voltage and 500 mW power rating in through-hole configuration. 1N968A specifies ±10% tolerance versus ±5% for 1N968B. The DO-7 package differs from the original DO-35, requiring different board-level mounting. 1N968A is active and available from Microchip Technology.

Q: What package differences exist among substitute parts?

A: The original 1N968B uses DO-35 (DO-204AH) package. Substitute parts are available in three package configurations: DO-35 (1N5250B, 1N5250BTR, 1N4707, 1N5250A), DO-7 (1N968A, 1N968B from Microchip), and T-18 (1N5357B). DO-41 package is used for 1N5932BP-TP. Package selection affects PCB footprint, lead spacing, and thermal characteristics. Verify board-level compatibility before selection.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: RoHS compliance varies. 1N5250A and 1N5932BP-TP are RoHS3 compliant. Remaining substitute parts are designated as RoHS non-compliant. Compliance requirements depend on end-use application and regional regulations. Verify RoHS status against procurement specifications.

Q: What is the significance of reverse leakage current differences among substitutes?

A: Reverse leakage current affects circuit performance in high-impedance applications. The original 1N968B specifies 5 µA @ 15.2 V. Substitute parts show variation: 100 nA @ 15 V (1N5250B variants), 10 nA @ 15.2 V (1N4707), and 500 nA @ 14.4 V (1N5357B). Lower leakage current improves performance in precision voltage regulation circuits. Selection depends on circuit sensitivity to leakage effects.

Q: Can 1N5932BP-TP be used in applications requiring 500 mW power dissipation?

A: Yes. 1N5932BP-TP provides 1.5 W power rating, which exceeds the 500 mW requirement of the original 1N968B. This part is suitable for applications where the original power specification is met with margin. The DO-41 package differs from DO-35, requiring PCB layout modification. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 175°C, which covers most industrial applications but does not extend to -65°C minimum.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to substitute selection?

A: Inventory availability varies significantly. 1N5250BTR (Fairchild Semiconductor) shows highest availability at 20,200 pieces. 1N5357B (Microsemi Corporation) provides 5,100 pieces. Most other substitutes range from 700 to 1,400 pieces. Procurement lead times and supply chain stability should be evaluated based on production volume requirements.

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