NXP Semiconductors BB184,115

Overview

BB184,115 from NXP Semiconductors is a UHF low-voltage variable capacitance diode (varactor) fabricated in planar technology and housed in the SOD523 (SC-79) ultra-small SMD package. It delivers a typical capacitance ratio of 7 (Cd(1V)/Cd(10V)), 14 pF at 1 V reverse bias, 2 pF at 10 V, series resistance of 0.65 Ω at 470 MHz, and operates up to +125 °C junction temperature - optimized for voltage-controlled oscillator tuning in compact RF front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the BB184,115 datasheet, BB184,115 pinout, BB184,115 application, or BB184,115 equivalent, this varactor's steep CV curve, tight capacitance matching (<2% across 5-diode sequences), low leakage (≤10 nA at 10 V, 25 °C), and SOD523 footprint make it critical for miniaturized UHF tuning circuits where voltage-dependent capacitance linearity and thermal stability are design-critical.

Technical Context

The BB184,115 functions as a reverse-biased junction capacitor whose depletion width-and thus capacitance-varies nonlinearly with applied DC voltage. Its planar construction ensures reproducible CV characteristics and low series resistance (0.65 Ω at 470 MHz, Cd = 9 pF), enabling high-Q resonant tank performance in VCOs.

It exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of capacitance (see Fig. 3), with typical drift of −10⁻⁴ K⁻¹ at VR = 1 V, and is rated for continuous reverse voltage up to 13 V and junction temperatures from −55 °C to +125 °C - supporting stable operation in consumer-grade UHF tuners without active thermal compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOD523 (SC-79), ultra-small plastic surface-mount package with cathode-marked end (bar marking). Dimensions: 1.25 × 0.85 × 0.65 mm (L × W × H); lead pitch: 0.5 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.

Compared with BBY52,115 and SMV1232-011, BB184,115 provides the highest capacitance ratio (7:1) in the smallest SOD523 footprint, delivering optimal tuning range per mm² for UHF VCOs - especially where board space and phase-noise-limited performance are co-constrained.

Availability

BB184,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for UHF television tuners, voltage-controlled oscillators, FM radio front-ends, and low-voltage signal generators requiring stable component supply across high-mix, low-volume production runs.

Supply support for BB184,115 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 secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The BB184,115 belongs to NXP's discrete RF varactor family, engineered specifically for UHF low-voltage tuning applications where miniaturization, CV linearity, and production matching are essential - not general-purpose diodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage rating for BB184,115?

The BB184,115 has a continuous reverse voltage rating (VR) of 13 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this value risks permanent junction damage. This rating supports compatibility with common charge-pump and DAC-based tuning voltages in UHF VCO designs, and the BB184,115 must be operated within this limit to ensure reliability and parameter stability over its full temperature range.

Does BB184,115 have a cathode marking, and how is it identified on the package?

Yes, the BB184,115 uses a marking bar on the SOD523 package to indicate the cathode (Pin 1), as shown in Figure 4 and confirmed in Table 1. The unmarked end corresponds to the anode (Pin 2). This polarity identification is critical for correct reverse-bias connection in VCO tank circuits - reverse orientation would forward-bias the diode and destroy tuning functionality. The BB184,115 marking code "A2" appears adjacent to the bar.

What is the typical series resistance (rs) of BB184,115, and why does it matter?

The BB184,115 has a typical series resistance (rs) of 0.65 Ω measured at 470 MHz with Cd = 9 pF. This low rs directly determines the Q-factor of LC resonant tanks: Q = 1/(2πf·rs·C). At 900 MHz with 2–14 pF tuning range, rs < 0.7 Ω ensures Q > 100, minimizing phase noise degradation in VCOs. The BB184,115's rs value is therefore a key enabler of spectral purity in UHF synthesizers.

How tight is the capacitance matching between BB184,115 units in production batches?

The BB184,115 achieves ≤2% capacitance variation (ΔCd/Cd) across a sequence of five devices under gliding test conditions (VR = 1–10 V), as stated in Table 5. This matching specification enables predictable, repeatable VCO center-frequency alignment across production units without individual trimming - a critical advantage for high-volume TV tuner and IoT radio modules. The BB184,115's matching performance is verified per NXP's production test flow and documented in the official data sheet Rev. 3.

Is BB184,115 suitable for automotive applications?

No, the BB184,115 is not automotive-qualified. Per Section 9.3 of the NXP data sheet, unless explicitly stated, NXP products like the BB184,115 are not tested or warranted for automotive use. It lacks AEC-Q200 qualification, extended temperature validation beyond +125 °C, and automotive-grade reliability screening. For automotive infotainment tuners, designers must select an AEC-Q200 qualified varactor - the BB184,115 is intended for consumer and industrial UHF applications only.