1SMA5938 Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1SMA5938 is a 36 V, 1.5 W surface mount zener diode manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation in the DO-214AC (SMA) package. This component is classified as an active product and is ROHS3 compliant. The device operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 150°C and maintains a ±5% tolerance on its nominal zener voltage.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part number becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when enhanced performance characteristics are needed for specific application requirements while maintaining electrical compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	36	V
Power - Max	1.5	W
Tolerance	±5	%
Impedance (Max)	38	Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	500	nA @ 27.4 V
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Package / Case	DO-214AC, SMA	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of zener diodes is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

Voltage - Zener (Nom): Must match at 36 V
Tolerance: Must match at ±5%
Power - Max: Must equal or exceed 1.5 W
Impedance (Max): Must match at 38 Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr: Must not exceed specified limits
Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or match the required range

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Mounting Type: Surface Mount (required)
Package / Case: DO-214AC / SMA (required)

Substitution Categories:

Upgrade Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications with enhanced availability or alternative packaging formats. These parts are direct functional replacements.

Parametric Equivalents meet all core electrical requirements but may include additional qualifications (such as automotive grade certifications) or enhanced performance characteristics.

Similar Parts share the same voltage and tolerance specifications but differ in power rating or other secondary parameters. These are suitable only when application requirements permit the parameter variation.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Zener (Nom)	Power - Max	Tolerance	Impedance (Max)	Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	Operating Temperature	Package / Case	Packaging Format	Product Status
1SMA5938	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	36 V	1.5 W	±5%	38 Ohms	500 nA @ 27.4 V	-55°C ~ 150°C	DO-214AC, SMA	—	Active
1SMA5938BT3G	onsemi	36 V	1.5 W	±5%	38 Ohms	500 nA @ 27.4 V	-65°C ~ 150°C	DO-214AC, SMA	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Active
SMAJ5938B-TP	Micro Commercial Co	36 V	1.5 W	±5%	38 Ohms	500 nA @ 27.4 V	-55°C ~ 150°C	DO-214AC, SMA	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active
3SMAJ5938B-TP	Micro Commercial Co	36 V	3 W	±5%	38 Ohms	1 µA @ 27.4 V	-55°C ~ 150°C	DO-214AC, SMA	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active
1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1	Panjit International Inc.	36 V	1.5 W	±5%	38 Ohms	1 µA @ 27.4 V	-55°C ~ 150°C	DO-214AC, SMA	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active
1SMA5938_R1_00001	Panjit International Inc.	36 V	1.5 W	±5%	38 Ohms	1 µA @ 27.4 V	-55°C ~ 150°C	DO-214AC, SMA	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Upgrade Equivalents):

The 1SMA5938BT3G (onsemi) and SMAJ5938B-TP (Micro Commercial Co) are direct functional equivalents to the 1SMA5938. Both maintain identical electrical specifications and package format. The 1SMA5938BT3G extends the lower operating temperature limit to -65°C, providing enhanced performance in cold environments. SMAJ5938B-TP is supplied in Tape & Reel format, suitable for high-volume automated assembly operations.

Parametric Equivalents (Automotive Grade):

The 1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1 and 1SMA5938_R1_00001 (both Panjit International Inc.) are parametric equivalents that meet all core electrical requirements. The 1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1 carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, making it suitable for automotive applications requiring enhanced reliability standards. Both parts are supplied in Tape & Reel format.

Similar Part (Enhanced Power Rating):

The 3SMAJ5938B-TP (Micro Commercial Co) is a similar part with doubled power dissipation capability (3 W versus 1.5 W). This part is suitable only for applications where the increased power rating is beneficial and does not create thermal management complications. The reverse leakage current specification differs at 1 µA @ 27.4 V.

Compliance and Certification:

All listed parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and EAR99 export classification. All parts are classified as active products with unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1SMA5938BT3G replace the 1SMA5938 in all applications?

A: Yes. The 1SMA5938BT3G maintains identical electrical specifications and package format. The extended lower operating temperature range (-65°C versus -55°C) provides additional capability without compromising compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between the SMAJ5938B-TP and the 1SMA5938?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with 36 V nominal zener voltage, 1.5 W power rating, and ±5% tolerance. The primary difference is packaging format: SMAJ5938B-TP is supplied in Tape & Reel format, while the 1SMA5938 packaging format is not specified. Both use the DO-214AC (SMA) package.

Q: Is the 3SMAJ5938B-TP a direct substitute for the 1SMA5938?

A: No. While the 3SMAJ5938B-TP maintains the same 36 V zener voltage and ±5% tolerance, it differs in power rating (3 W versus 1.5 W) and reverse leakage current specification (1 µA versus 500 nA). This part is suitable only when the application permits or requires the enhanced power dissipation capability.

Q: What is the significance of the automotive qualification on the 1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1?

A: The 1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1 carries AEC-Q101 qualification, indicating compliance with automotive industry reliability and testing standards. This qualification is required for applications in automotive systems but is not necessary for general industrial or consumer applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, ensuring compatibility with environmental and regulatory requirements across global markets.

Q: What packaging formats are available for the 1SMA5938 equivalent parts?

A: The 1SMA5938BT3G is available in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format. The SMAJ5938B-TP, 1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1, and 1SMA5938_R1_00001 are supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. All parts use the DO-214AC (SMA) package.

Q: Can the Panjit parts (1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1 and 1SMA5938_R1_00001) be used interchangeably?

A: Yes. Both Panjit parts maintain identical electrical specifications and package format. The 1SMA5938-AU_R1_000A1 includes automotive qualification, while the 1SMA5938_R1_00001 is the standard industrial grade equivalent.

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