1N4738A

Overview

The Fairchild Semiconductor 1N4738A is a single silicon Zener diode designed for voltage regulation applications. It features an 8.2V nominal Zener voltage with a tolerance of ±5%. The device is rated for 1W power dissipation at 25°C ambient temperature and operates within a junction temperature range up to 200°C. Key electrical characteristics include a maximum reverse leakage current of 10µA at the test voltage, a dynamic impedance of 4.5Ω at the test current, and a forward voltage drop of 1.2V at 200mA. The component utilizes a DO-41 glass axial leaded package.

Feature Summary

• Glass passivated junction ensures high reliability and stability under various operating conditions.
• Low Zener impedance provides effective voltage regulation performance.
• Guaranteed high-temperature soldering capability supports robust manufacturing processes.

Applications

• Voltage reference circuits requiring stable DC levels.
• Overvoltage protection in electronic systems.
• General-purpose voltage regulation tasks.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific manufacturer source when sourcing this component, as the original Fairchild Semiconductor semiconductor division has undergone corporate restructuring. Ensure that any replacement parts maintain identical JEDEC DO-41 mechanical dimensions and match the specified 8.2V Zener voltage tolerance to guarantee circuit compatibility and performance integrity.

Selection Notes

Select this component for through-hole designs requiring a standard 1W Zener diode. The DO-41 package offers reliable mounting for general electronics. Consider the 4.5Ω dynamic impedance for regulation precision requirements. Verify thermal management capabilities if operation exceeds standard ambient temperatures to ensure the 1W power rating remains sufficient.

Part Context

This part belongs to the widely recognized 1N47 series of Zener diodes, which are industry-standard components for basic voltage regulation. The 'A' suffix typically denotes a tighter voltage tolerance compared to non-suffixed variants. As a legacy part from Fairchild, it represents a common choice in established electronic designs utilizing axial leaded packages.

Replacement Considerations

• 1N4738ATR (onsemi)
• 1N4738A (Micro Commercial Components)