1N4960

Overview

The Microchip Technology 1N4960 is a military-qualified, voidless hermetically sealed glass Zener diode rated for 5 watts of power dissipation. It provides a nominal Zener voltage of 12 V with a standard tolerance of ±5%. The device operates within a junction temperature range of -65°C to +175°C and features an axial lead package (E). Key electrical characteristics include a maximum reverse leakage current of 10 µA at the specified test voltage, a Zener impedance of 2.5 Ω at the test current of 100 mA, and a forward voltage of 1.5 V at 1 A.

Feature Summary

• Hermetically sealed voidless-glass construction with internal metallurgical bonds
• Military qualification compliant with MIL-PRF-19500/356 standards
• Inherently radiation hard design suitable for high-reliability environments
• Triple-layer passivation providing robust protection against environmental stress

Applications

• High-reliability aerospace and defense circuits
• Voltage regulation in extreme temperature environments
• Critical systems where component failure cannot be tolerated
• Radiation-hardened electronic subsystems

Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific procurement lot meets the required military qualification level (JAN, JANTX, JANTXV, or JANS) as defined by MIL-PRF-19500/356. Confirm the presence of Category I metallurgical bonds and ensure the termination finish matches the required specification, noting that previous inventory may have utilized solid silver leads without plating. Validate all markings against the official datasheet to prevent counterfeit introduction.

Selection Notes

Select the 1N4960 when a 12 V reference is required in applications demanding high thermal stability and radiation hardness. This component is appropriate for designs operating between -65°C and +175°C. Consider the 5 W power rating and axial lead configuration for through-hole mounting. Ensure the circuit can accommodate the 2.5 Ω dynamic impedance and 10 µA leakage current limits specified for this voltage class.

Part Context

The 1N4960 belongs to the 1N4954 through 1N4996 series of 5 Watt Zener Voltage Regulators manufactured by Microsemi's Scottsdale Division. These devices are industry-recognized for their robust construction and wide voltage selection ranging from 3.3 to 390 volts. The series is designed for critical applications requiring hermetic sealing and long-term reliability under harsh conditions.

Replacement Considerations

Surface-mount equivalents are available in square end-cap MELF configurations with the 'US' suffix, such as 1N4960US. Verify mechanical footprint compatibility and thermal derating requirements when transitioning from axial leads to surface mount packages.