NXP Semiconductors BB179B,115
- Part No.:
- BB179B,115
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- SC-79, SOD-523
- Datasheet:
-
BB179B,115.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE UHF VAR CAP 32V SOD523
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,024
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Product details
Overview
BB179B,115 from NXP Semiconductors is a UHF variable capacitance diode (varactor) fabricated in planar technology and housed in an SOD523 (SC-79) ultra-small SMD package. It delivers 2.1 pF capacitance at 28 V reverse bias, a Cd(1V)/Cd(28V) ratio of 9, and <0.75 Ω series resistance at 470 MHz - enabling precise electronic tuning in high-frequency oscillator circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BB179B,115 datasheet, BB179B,115 pinout, BB179B,115 application, or BB179B,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include reverse voltage range (up to 32 V), capacitance matching tolerance (≤2 % via DMA), temperature-stable C-V characteristics, and ultra-compact footprint for space-constrained RF front-ends.
Technical Context
The BB179B,115 operates as a voltage-controlled capacitor in reverse-biased mode, with capacitance varying from 18.22 pF at 1 V to 2.1 pF at 28 V. Its C-V curve exhibits high linearity and low temperature coefficient across 0 °C to 85 °C, supported by gliding matching and Direct Matching Assembly (DMA) for tight unit-to-unit consistency.
Designed for UHF band operation, it maintains low series resistance (0.6–0.75 Ω at 470 MHz) and minimal reverse leakage (<10 nA at 30 V, 25 °C), ensuring low phase noise and high Q-factor in VCO tank circuits where tuning sensitivity and stability are critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cd @ 1 V | 18.22–20 pF - sets maximum tuning range and low-voltage sensitivity in VCOs |
| Cd @ 28 V | 1.9–2.25 pF - defines minimum capacitance and high-frequency cutoff limit |
| Cd(1V)/Cd(28V) ratio | 8.45–10 - determines total tuning bandwidth and linearity over control voltage span |
| Series resistance rs | 0.6–0.75 Ω @ 470 MHz - directly impacts VCO phase noise and tank circuit Q |
| Reverse voltage VR max | 32 V - sets maximum tuning voltage and DC bias headroom before breakdown |
| Capacitance matching | ≤2 % over 10-diode sequence (gliding DMA) - enables matched-pair use in differential tuning |
| Reverse leakage IR | ≤10 nA @ 30 V, 25 °C - minimizes bias current drift and tuning voltage error |
Pinout & Package
SOD523 (SC-79) ultra-small surface-mount plastic package: 1.25 × 0.85 × 0.65 mm body, 0.17 mm lead pitch, cathode marked by bar on top surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathode | Connected to higher DC bias potential; marking bar identifies this terminal for correct orientation in RF matching networks |
| 2 | Anode | Connected to RF ground or AC signal reference; forms the low-impedance side of the varactor junction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitance linearity | High linearity across 1–28 V range ensures predictable frequency vs. voltage response in VCOs |
| DMA matching | ≤2 % capacitance variation across 10-diode sequences enables precision differential tuning architectures |
| Ultra-small footprint | SOD523 package (1.25 × 0.85 mm) supports dense RF layout in UHF TV tuners and portable transceivers |
| Low series resistance | 0.6–0.75 Ω at 470 MHz preserves tank circuit Q and reduces VCO phase noise floor |
| Stable C-V tempco | Low temperature coefficient (per Fig 3) maintains tuning accuracy across −55 °C to +125 °C junction range |
Applications
| UHF Television Tuners | Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Channel selection and fine-tuning in analog/digital terrestrial UHF TV receivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor diode providing voltage-variable capacitance in LC tank resonators for RF front-end filtering and local oscillator generation. Use Value: 9:1 capacitance ratio and ≤2 % DMA matching enable stable, repeatable channel lock across temperature and unit variance. |
Use Scenario: Frequency synthesis in wireless transceivers, test equipment, and PLL-based signal sources. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in resonant tank circuits that define VCO output frequency under analog or DAC-controlled bias. Use Value: Low 0.75 Ω series resistance and high C-V linearity reduce phase noise and improve frequency modulation fidelity. |
| RF Front-End Impedance Matching | Electronic Frequency Calibration Circuits |
|
Use Scenario: Dynamic antenna or filter impedance adjustment in compact handheld radios and IoT modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-adjustable shunt capacitance used to compensate for component tolerances and environmental drift in matching networks. Use Value: Tight 2 % DMA matching allows paired devices to track identically, preserving balance in differential matching topologies. |
Use Scenario: Factory or field calibration of frequency references in instrumentation and broadcast gear. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision tuning element in oven-controlled or TCXO-adjacent circuits requiring sub-kHz frequency trimming. Use Value: Stable C-V behavior from 1 V to 28 V enables accurate, repeatable calibration steps without hysteresis or thermal lag. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBY52,115 | Higher Cd(1V) = 25 pF; lower Cd(28V) = 1.5 pF; ratio ≈ 16.7; rs = 0.9 Ω @ 470 MHz | Better for wide-tuning-range VCOs but higher series resistance increases phase noise | Choose BBY52,115 when wider capacitance ratio is prioritized over Q and noise performance |
| SMV1232-011LF | Similar Cd(1V)/Cd(28V) = 9.5; rs = 0.55 Ω; rated for 30 V VR only; RoHS-compliant SOD-323 package | Slightly better series resistance but lower max reverse voltage and different footprint | Choose SMV1232-011LF when lower rs is critical and board layout accommodates SOD-323 |
Compared with BB179B,115, BBY52,115 offers broader tuning range at the cost of higher loss, while SMV1232-011LF improves Q-factor in a slightly larger package with reduced voltage margin - making BB179B,115 optimal for UHF TV tuners needing tight matching, compact size, and 32 V robustness.
Availability
BB179B,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for UHF television tuners, voltage-controlled oscillators, RF front-end matching networks, and electronic calibration circuits requiring stable component supply, consistent DMA-matched performance, and ultra-miniature SMD placement.
Supply support for BB179B,115 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in high-performance RF, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for consumer, industrial, and communication markets.
The BB179B,115 belongs to NXP's UHF varactor diode product line, engineered specifically for high-linearity, tightly matched capacitance tuning in broadcast and wireless infrastructure applications demanding miniaturization and thermal stability.
FAQ
What is the maximum reverse voltage rating for BB179B,115?
The BB179B,115 has an absolute maximum reverse voltage (VR) rating of 32 V, with a peak reverse voltage (VRM) of 35 V when used in series with a 10 kΩ resistor. Operation beyond 32 V risks permanent junction damage per IEC 60134 limiting values. The BB179B,115 is specified for reliable operation up to 28 V in its published capacitance characteristics.
How is capacitance matching achieved in BB179B,115?
BB179B,115 achieves ≤2 % capacitance matching across sequences of 10 diodes using a Direct Matching Assembly (DMA) process combined with gliding matching. This method ensures consistent Cd(1V) and Cd(28V) values between units, critical for differential tuning and balanced RF designs where pair tracking is essential - a capability confirmed in Table 5 of the BB179B,115 datasheet.
What package type does BB179B,115 use and how is polarity identified?
The BB179B,115 uses the SOD523 (SC-79) ultra-small plastic SMD package measuring 1.25 × 0.85 × 0.65 mm. Polarity is identified by a marking bar on the top surface, which designates Pin 1 as the cathode. Pin 2 is the anode, and the device must be mounted with the bar aligned to the designated cathode pad on the PCB per Figure 4 and Table 1 of the BB179B,115 data sheet.
What is the typical series resistance of BB179B,115 and why does it matter?
The BB179B,115 has a typical series resistance (rs) of 0.6–0.75 Ω measured at 470 MHz. This low value is critical because it directly limits the Q-factor of VCO tank circuits - lower rs yields higher Q, reduced phase noise, and improved frequency stability. The BB179B,115's rs specification is validated in Table 5 under "diode series resistance" with f = 470 MHz.
Can BB179B,115 be used in automotive applications?
No - the BB179B,115 is not automotive-qualified. Per Section 9.3 of the BB179B,115 datasheet, NXP explicitly states that unless a product is expressly marked automotive qualified, it is "not suitable for automotive use" and has not undergone automotive testing or qualification. Use of BB179B,115 in automotive systems is at the customer's sole risk and voids standard warranty coverage.
BB179B,115 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-79, SOD-523
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Capacitance @ Vr, F:
- 2.25pF @ 28V, 1MHz
- Capacitance Ratio:
- 10.0
- Capacitance Ratio Condition:
- C1/C28
- Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):
- 32 V
- Diode Type:
- Single
- Q @ Vr, F:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOD-523
BB179B,115 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BB179B,115 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BB179B,115 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BB179B,115 reliable?
The price and inventory of BB179B,115 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BB179B,115 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BB179B,115?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BB179B,115 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BB179B,115?
BB179B,115 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BB179B,115 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BB179B,115?
For technical support, including BB179B,115 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BB179B,115 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BB179B,115 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BB179B,115 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BB179B,115 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BB179B,115?
All BB179B,115 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BB179B,115, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BB179B,115 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BB179B,115:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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