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Varactor Diodes

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About Varactor Diodes

Varactor diodes are two-terminal electronic components that are designed to provide voltage-controlled capacitance when operated under reverse bias. These simple semiconductors are PN junctions with a positive or P-region with positive ions and a negative or N-region with negative electrons. Applying voltage to the PN junction causes current to flow in only one direction as electrons from the N-region fill “holes” in the P-region. When the junction is reverse-biased, increasing the applied voltage causes the depletion region to widen, increasing the effective distance between the capacitor plates and decreasing the effective capacitance. By adjusting the doping gradient and junction width, the capacitance range can be controlled and changes applied using reverse voltage. A four-to-one capacitance range is not unusual. In fact, a typical varactor diode can vary from 60 pf at zero bias to 15 pf at 20 V. With careful manufacturing, however, the capacitance range can be increased to ten-to-one. Varactor diodes, which are sometimes referred to as varicap diodes, are used in electronic tuning systems to eliminate the need for moving parts.

Performance specifications for varactor diodes include reverse voltage, reverse current, capacitance ratio, terminal capacitance, junction operating temperature, and power dissipation. Reverse current or leakage current (IR), the current at which the specified reverse voltage is applied, measures the current that flows when reverse bias is applied to a semiconductor junction. Capacitance ratio (CDmin/CDmax) is the ratio of the minimum capacitance and the maximum capacitance.  Smaller ratios indicate larger ranges of capacitance. Terminal capacitance or diode capacitance (CD) is the minimum capacitance when the specified reverse voltage and frequency are applied. Junction operating temperature (Tj) is the range of temperatures at which diode are designed to operate. Measured in watts (W), power dissipation (PD) is the maximum power dissipated by the diode while in its “on” state at a specified ambient temperature.

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Products & Services Related to Varactor Diodes

Current Limiting Diodes
Current limiting diodes (CLD) regulate current over a wide voltage range. There are several types of current limiting diodes (CLD). Examples include a current regulator diode, constant current diode, and current limit diodes.
General Purpose Diodes
General-purpose diodes are electric components that conduct electric current in only one direction, functioning similarly to a one-way valve.
GUNN and IMPATT Diodes
Gunn diodes or transfer electron devices (TED) exhibit a negative resistance region. They are used in high-frequency applications, often for building RF oscillators. Impact ionization avalanche transit-time (IMPATT) diodes are designed to operate at very high frequency and power. They are used as elements in RF and microwave devices.
Rectifier Diodes
Rectifier diodes are designed for use in rectification circuits. Rectifiers are used to convert AC to DC.
Schottky Diodes
Schottky diodes in their simplest form consist of a metal layer that contacts a semiconductor element. The metal / semiconductor junctions exhibit rectifying behavior (i.e., the current passes through the structure more readily with one polarity than the other).
Step Recovery Diodes
Step recovery diodes produce an abrupt turn-off (step) time by allowing a very fast release of stored charge when switching from forward to reverse bias, and from reverse to forward bias.
Zener Diodes
Zener diodes are PN junction devices that are designed to operate in the reverse-breakdown region.  

Engineering Web: Varactor Diodes

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See Infineon Technologies Corporation Information
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Part Numbers for Varactor Diodes

Part # Distributor Manufacturer Product Category Description
VARACTOR DIODE FSD273TA netCOMPONENTS Not Provided Not Provided Not Provided
VARACTOR DIODE SMV1255-0 netCOMPONENTS Not Provided Not Provided Not Provided
DIODE ISV229(VARACTOR) netCOMPONENTS Not Provided Not Provided Not Provided

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