NXP Semiconductors BB187,115

Overview

BB187 from NXP Semiconductors is a planar technology variable capacitance diode (varactor) in an ultra-small SOD523 (SC-79) surface-mount package, designed for VHF tuning applications. It delivers 2.75 pF capacitance at 25 V reverse bias, a minimum capacitance ratio of 11:1 (2 V to 25 V), and <2 % capacitance matching across sequences via Direct Matching Assembly (DMA).

For engineers reviewing the BB187 datasheet, BB187 pinout, BB187 application, or BB187 equivalent, this varactor is selected for high-linearity voltage-controlled oscillators and VHF television tuner designs where tight capacitance matching, low series resistance (0.75 Ω at 470 MHz), and stable reverse leakage (<10 nA at 30 V, 25 °C) are critical.

Technical Context

The BB187 operates as a reverse-biased junction capacitor whose depletion width-and thus capacitance-varies nonlinearly with applied DC voltage. Its planar construction enables precise doping control, supporting high linearity and repeatable Cd(VR) characteristics across production lots.

It is characterized at 1 MHz for capacitance (Cd), with typical values of 31.8 pF at 2 V and 2.75 pF at 25 V, and exhibits a temperature coefficient of capacitance that varies with reverse voltage (e.g., −100 ppm/K at VR = 5 V). Junction temperature must remain ≤125 °C under operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BB187 is housed in a 2-pin SOD523 (SC-79) plastic surface-mount package measuring 1.25 × 0.85 × 0.65 mm (L × W × H), with cathode identified by a marking bar on the device body.

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, the BB187 uniquely balances high VHF capacitance ratio (≥11), tight matching (≤2 %), and ultra-compact SOD523 packaging-making it the preferred choice for space-constrained, high-fidelity VHF tuning where predictable, linear frequency sweep is essential.

Availability

BB187 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VHF television tuners, voltage-controlled oscillators, FM radio front-ends, and RF filter tuning modules requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for BB187 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 electronics.

The BB187 belongs to NXP's RF varactor diode product line, engineered specifically for high-linearity, matched-capacitance tuning in VHF broadcast and communications systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the BB187?

The BB187 is a variable capacitance diode (varactor) used to provide voltage-controlled capacitance in RF tuning circuits. Its primary function is to serve as a tunable capacitor in VHF oscillator and filter networks, where reverse bias voltage adjusts its junction capacitance to shift resonant frequency. The BB187 achieves this with high linearity and tight matching, making it especially effective in television tuners and VCOs.

What is the capacitance range of the BB187 and how is it specified?

The BB187 exhibits a capacitance range from 29.3–34.2 pF at 2 V reverse bias to 2.57–2.92 pF at 25 V reverse bias, with a typical value of 31.8 pF at 2 V and 2.75 pF at 25 V. This range is measured at 1 MHz and 25 °C, and the minimum capacitance ratio (Cd(2 V)/Cd(25 V)) is guaranteed ≥11. These values define its usable tuning span in VHF LC resonators.

How does the Direct Matching Assembly (DMA) process benefit BB187 users?

The DMA process ensures ≤2 % capacitance matching across sequences of up to 10 BB187 diodes, enabling predictable performance in differential or multi-stage tuning circuits. This eliminates manual binning and improves yield in high-volume VHF tuner modules, where matched pairs are required for balanced oscillator cores or image-reject architectures using the BB187.

What are the absolute maximum ratings for the BB187?

The BB187 has an absolute maximum reverse voltage (VR) of 32 V, peak reverse voltage (VRM) of 35 V (with 10 kΩ series resistor), forward current (IF) of 20 mA, and junction temperature (Tj) limit of +125 °C. Exceeding these ratings-even briefly-may cause permanent damage. Designers must ensure operating conditions stay within these limits during all phases of BB187 use.

Is the BB187 suitable for automotive applications?

No-the BB187 is not automotive-qualified. Per NXP's legal disclaimers, unless explicitly stated in the datasheet, the BB187 is not tested or warranted for automotive use. It lacks AEC-Q200 qualification and is intended for consumer, industrial, and broadcast equipment. For automotive-grade varactors, alternate qualified parts must be selected instead of the BB187.