Antique 1N430 reference Zener  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 01:07:40 pm
content: I hope that someone here is older than I, and may have information, history, or data on the 1N430 and 1N430A devices: temperature-compensated Zener diodes in a large metal hermetic package (comparable to a 6AK5 tube in size). The only data I can find on-line is the basic spec: 8.4 V at 10 mA, with different temp coefficients per suffix. I believe they were developed for critical military applications.

author: barry14
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 10:09:05 pm
content: A search on the web turns up the following data on the 1N430:Voltage: 8.4 volts at 10 maTolerance: 5%Max Operating temperature: 100CDynamic Impedance: 15 ohms at 10 maMaximum Power Dissipation: 250 mw

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 01:15:06 pm
content: Yes, I found those values in tabulated values for Zeners in manufacturers' lists, but could not find an actual data sheet.Since my post, I found two mentions in a collection of NBS papers "Precision Measurement and Calibration: Electricity: low frequency, F. L. Hermach and R. F. Dziuba, editors." There are two chapters mentioning Zeners, but the 1N430 is only shown in example circuits describing proper measurement techniques. I am interested in the history of this device due to its unique package. The attachment is from an eBay posting.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 03:36:14 pm
content: Is this what you're looking for?http://pdf.datasheetarchive.com/indexerfiles/Scans-021/ScansEX34894.pdfEd

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 04:18:51 pm
content: Thanks for the reference. On the last page, I see that the device was originally specified by the missile operation of the US Army. As of the 1965 date, the device was obsolescent, since they recommend substitute devices (as specified by the Navy) in more normal packages. Has anyone seen this package for other devices?

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2015, 06:20:55 am
content: I saw it and found this thread by searching for 1N430B .. saw the pic and entered ..found it in electronic's site ( of some company )Why is it so big if it is so low power ?

author: JoeN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2015, 08:32:31 am
content: Quote from: eevblogfan on May 26, 2015, 06:20:55 amThermally isolated to keep the reference voltage from changing too much due to changes in device temperature? They give the coefficient as 0.001%/degree C (10ppm). Just guessing.

author: eevblogfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2015, 09:12:29 am
content: Not my best day I guessWell , so they are good for hobby application to this day ? .. well i guess i shall go grab fewthank you for informing me

author: dom0
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2015, 09:55:19 am
content: Well modern temperature compensated references achieve 1-2 ppm/K or less (e.g. MAX6325 C-grade 1 ppm/K max .5 ppm/K typical)

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2015, 02:08:03 pm
content: I was hoping to learn about the history of this device. I assume it was built for early inertial-guidance systems, hence the huge package. The classic NBS publication "Precision measurement and calibration: electricity--low frequency" (Dec 1968), has two articles (both from 1963) when Zener diode references were newish, and the first one discusses the 1N430 as their example.

author: paulie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2015, 02:54:40 pm
content: Quote from: eevblogfan on May 26, 2015, 09:12:29 amYou might be better off grabbing a couple 6.8v penny zeners and soldering end to end. Or for a few cents more LM329 "embedded" type zener used by top end LM399 voltage reference for up to 7.5 digit lab meters like Keithley 2001 or HP 3457A.After some experiments (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/low-cost-voltage-reference-experiment/) I have determined that embedded type ARE superior to surface type at least over couple month time frame. But IMO the difference is not enough to justify additional expense for hobby use (5-6 digit). I am convinced cheapie diodes and bandgap devices are acceptable in most of these applications.

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 29, 2015, 04:40:11 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on March 12, 2015, 04:18:51 pmNot quite but close.. I've seen chassis caps still around (like these vintage pio units - still in spec too..)As a size reference, there's a 2N292 tube transistor from the summer of '69 along-side it.