Antique 1N430 reference Zener

[TimFox]

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.

[barry14]

A search on the web turns up the following data on the 1N430:

 Voltage: 8.4 volts at 10 ma
 Tolerance: 5%
  Max Operating temperature: 100C
  Dynamic Impedance: 15 ohms at 10 ma
  Maximum Power Dissipation: 250 mw

[TimFox]

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.

[edpalmer42]

Is this what you're looking for?

http://pdf.datasheetarchive.com/indexerfiles/Scans-021/ScansEX34894.pdf

Ed

[TimFox]

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?

[eevblogfan]

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 ?

[JoeN]

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 ?

Thermally 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.

[eevblogfan]

Not my best day I guess 


Well , so they are good for hobby application to this day ? .. well i guess i shall go grab few

thank you for informing me

[dom0]

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)

[TimFox]

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.

[paulie]

Well , so they are good for hobby application to this day ? .. well i guess i shall go grab few

You 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.

[Cliff Matthews]

Has anyone seen this package for other devices?

Not 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.