5.6V 400mW Zener Diode

Description

The 5.6V 400mW Zener Diode is a highly reliable discrete semiconductor designed for precise voltage regulation and circuit protection. While standard diodes block reverse current, this Zener diode is specifically engineered to safely conduct in reverse once the applied voltage hits its 5.6V breakdown threshold, effectively clamping the voltage and preventing it from rising further.

Available at Tomson Electronics, this 5.6V Zener is capable of dissipating up to 400mW of power. This specific voltage rating is incredibly popular among hardware engineers for protecting standard 5V logic rails (like those on an Arduino). Because it clamps at 5.6V, it allows normal 5V signals to operate without interference but immediately shorts dangerous overvoltage spikes to ground. Additionally, Zener diodes in the 5V to 6V range exhibit an extremely low temperature coefficient, meaning your reference voltage will remain highly stable even as ambient temperatures fluctuate.

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Specifications

• Diode Type: Zener Diode
• Zener Voltage (Vz): 5.6V (Typical)
• Power Dissipation (Pd): 400 mW (0.4W)
• Package Type: DO-35 (Standard Glass Axial Through-hole)
• Polarity: Marked with a cathode band
• Operating Temperature Range: -65°C to +200°C

Datasheet

Download 5.6V 400mW Zener Diode Datasheet PDF

Applications

• 5V Logic Protection: Safely clamping voltage spikes on 5V communication lines or power rails to protect sensitive microcontrollers and sensors.
• Temperature-Stable References: Serving as a highly accurate voltage reference point for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and op-amps due to its minimal temperature drift.
• Voltage Regulation: Providing a stable 5.6V DC output from a higher, unregulated DC power supply when paired with a series current-limiting resistor.
• Waveform Clipping: Shaping analog signals and clipping AC waveforms in function generators and audio circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why use a 5.6V Zener to protect a 5V circuit instead of a 5V Zener?
A: A Zener diode does not have a perfectly sharp turn-on point. If you use a 5.0V or 5.1V Zener on a 5V rail, it might start "leaking" small amounts of current even during normal operation, which can degrade your signals. A 5.6V Zener stays completely invisible during normal 5V operation but acts fast enough to clamp dangerous spikes before they destroy standard 5V logic chips.

Q: How do I wire this Zener diode in my circuit?
A: To use it as a voltage regulator or clamp, you must install it in reverse bias. Connect the cathode (the side with the black band) to the positive voltage line, and the anode to ground. If installed forwards, it will act like a standard diode and drop only about 0.7V.

Q: Do I need a resistor to use this diode?
A: Yes. Once the diode hits its 5.6V breakdown, its internal resistance drops drastically. You must place a series resistor between your power source and the Zener to limit the current, otherwise the diode will draw too much power, exceed its 400mW limit, and burn out.

Package Includes

• 1 × 5.6V 400mW Zener Diode (DO-35)