12 V regulation with a ±10% window
This is a 12 V nominal zener diode with a ±10% tolerance. For a 12 V rail clamp or shunt reference, the actual zener voltage can fall between 10.8 V and 13.2 V — a ±1.2 V spread that matters when the downstream circuit has a tight supply tolerance. Rated at 500 mW maximum power dissipation, the 1N6002A can sink about 42 mA at the nominal zener voltage before hitting the thermal limit at 25°C ambient. The DO-35 axial-lead package conducts heat through the leads to the PCB pads, so derate if the board runs hot.
Temperature range and leakage floor
Reverse leakage is specified at 100 nA maximum with 8 V applied across the junction — low enough that it won't load a high-impedance bias node or affect the accuracy of a precision reference. Forward voltage is 1.1 V maximum at 200 mA forward current, typical for a silicon diode of this die size. The 32 Ohm maximum zener impedance means the regulation voltage shifts about 0.32 V per 10 mA of current change through the device.
Through-hole assembly — DO-35 axial footprint
Supplied in bulk in the DO-204AH / DO-35 axial-lead package. The 0.020-inch diameter leads fit standard 0.031-inch PCB holes for wave-solder or hand-solder assembly. The glass-body construction handles the full temperature range without package cracking.