1N4578A

Single Zener Diodes Overview

The Microchip Technology 1N4578A is a temperature-compensated Zener reference diode with a nominal voltage of 6.4 V. It operates at a test current (IZT) of 2.0 mA and features a maximum voltage temperature coefficient of 0.001 %/°C (0.06 mV/°C). The device has a maximum reverse leakage current of 2 µA at 3 V and a dynamic impedance of 50 Ω. It is housed in a hermetically sealed glass DO-7 (DO-204AA) axial-leaded package, dissipates up to 500 mW, and functions within an operating temperature range of -55°C to +100°C.

Single Zener Diodes Feature Summary

• Provides minimal voltage change over a broad operating temperature range for instrumentation applications
• Features internal metallurgical bonding for enhanced reliability
• Offers tight reference voltage tolerances around the nominal 6.4 V value

Single Zener Diodes Applications

• Instrumentation circuits requiring stable voltage references
• Precision analog circuit designs sensitive to temperature drift
• Military qualification systems utilizing JAN, JANTX, or JANTXV prefixes

Single Zener Diodes Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix requirements when ordering, as tighter voltage tolerances are designated by adding hyphenated percentage suffixes to the part number. Confirm that the selected variant matches the required temperature coefficient and operating current specifications for your design. Ensure compliance with MIL-PRF-19500/452 standards if military-grade components are necessary for the application.

Single Zener Diodes Selection Notes

Select this component when a stable 6.4 V reference is needed with low temperature drift. The 1N4578A is optimized for operation at 2.0 mA test current. Consider the DO-7 package for through-hole mounting. For radiation-hardened versions, use the RH prefix instead of 1N. Verify that the power dissipation remains below 30 mW for optimum voltage-temperature stability.

Single Zener Diodes Part Context

This device belongs to the 1N4565 thru 1N4584A-1 series of Zero-TC Reference Diodes manufactured by Microsemi (now Microchip Technology). The series provides various temperature coefficients ranging from 0.01%/°C to 0.0005%/°C. These glass axial-leaded diodes are JEDEC registered and available in military qualifications with appropriate prefixes.

Single Zener Diodes Replacement Considerations

Public confirmed substitute part numbers include 1N4578A-1e3/TR and CDLL4578A/TR.

Single Zener Diodes FAQ

How is the polarity indicated on the 1N4578A?

The reference diode must be operated with the banded end positive with respect to the opposite end.

What is the recommended operating current for optimal stability?

For optimum voltage-temperature stability, the operating test current should be 2.0 mA, keeping power dissipation less than 30 mW.