Low current zener diodes?

[Paul Ciszek]

Does anyone sell Zener diodes that hit the constant voltage part of their
I-V curve at currents of less than 5mA? I have a datasheet from
Microsemi that gives the specs of 1N46xx diodes, and lists a Zener test
current of 250uA. These would be great, except that no one seems to
actually sell them--it's all "call for quote". Are low-current Zeners
only manufactured by special order?

 

[Joerg]

Does anyone sell Zener diodes that hit the constant voltage part of their
I-V curve at currents of less than 5mA? I have a datasheet from
Microsemi that gives the specs of 1N46xx diodes, and lists a Zener test
current of 250uA. These would be great, except that no one seems to
actually sell them--it's all "call for quote". Are low-current Zeners
only manufactured by special order?

Pretty much. Most diodes a just "measured into" a low current by going
into the knee. IMHO not a good thing. Central Semi is pretty good:
http://www.centralsemi.com/
Talk to Charlie Moller, very helpful.

Long story short, most of the time when clients call in with a zener
tolerance issue I redesign their units to accept the LMV431 and similar
chips. Unless the few cents extra aren't in the cards, then we have to
select a new zener.