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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Diodes > Variable Capacitance (Varicaps, Varactors)

NXP Semiconductors BB201,215

Name: BB201,215
Brand: NXP Semiconductors
SKU: BB201,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BB201,215

Manufacturer:: NXP Semiconductors

Category:: Variable Capacitance (Varicaps, Varactors)

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BB201,215.pdf

Description:: DIODE VAR CAP DUAL 15V SOT-23

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:43,009

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Product details

Overview

BB201,215 from NXP Semiconductors is a low-voltage silicon planar variable capacitance double diode with common cathode configuration in SOT23 package, featuring C_1V = 95 pF (typ), C_7.5V = 27.6 pF (typ), capacitance ratio ≥3.1, series resistance r_S = 0.25 Ω (typ) at 100 MHz/3 V, and reverse voltage rating of 15 V - used for electronic tuning in FM-radio front-ends and voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) frequency adjustment circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BB201,215 datasheet, BB201,215 pinout, BB201,215 application, or BB201,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include tunable capacitance range (25.5–102 pF), low series resistance for minimal signal loss in RF tuning paths, common-cathode dual-diode topology enabling compact VCO tank design, and SOT23 footprint compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The BB201,215 integrates two identical varactor diodes sharing a single cathode terminal, fabricated using silicon planar process to ensure stable junction characteristics and low leakage. Its capacitance varies inversely with applied reverse bias (1–8 V), delivering predictable tuning curves essential for oscillator stability and FM demodulation linearity.

Designed for low-voltage operation (≤8 V), it exhibits minimal temperature coefficient of capacitance (TC_Cd) across its operating range and maintains reverse current ≤10 nA at 15 V/25 °C - enabling low-power, high-Q resonant circuits without thermal drift compensation.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
C_1V	95 pF (typ) - sets minimum oscillation frequency in VCO tank circuits at lowest bias
C_7.5V	27.6 pF (typ) - defines maximum oscillation frequency under nominal tuning voltage
Capacitance ratio C_1V/C_7.5V	≥3.1 - ensures ≥48% frequency tuning range in LC-based VCOs
r_S @ 100 MHz / 3 V	0.25 Ω (typ) - minimizes insertion loss and Q degradation in RF resonators
V_R (max)	15 V - supports headroom for transient suppression and supply margin in tuner designs
I_R @ 15 V / 25 °C	≤10 nA - reduces DC loading on tuning voltage sources and improves long-term bias stability
T_j operating range	−55 °C to +125 °C - enables deployment in automotive radio modules and industrial wireless transceivers

Pinout & Package

BB201,215 is housed in a plastic surface-mounted SOT23 (TO-236AB) package measuring 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm (L × W × H), with gull-wing leads and JEDEC-compliant outline.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Anode of Diode 1 (A1)	Independent tuning node for first varactor element; connects to one side of LC tank
2	Anode of Diode 2 (A2)	Independent tuning node for second varactor element; enables dual-band or differential tuning
3	Common Cathode (K)	Shared reference node; simplifies bias network layout and reduces ground loop sensitivity

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Excellent capacitance linearity vs. voltage	Enables accurate frequency-to-voltage mapping in PLL-based FM demodulators without calibration
Low series resistance (r_S)	Maintains high tank Q-factor (>100 at 100 MHz), critical for phase noise performance in VCOs
Common-cathode dual-diode structure	Reduces component count and PCB area versus discrete dual-varactor solutions in stereo FM IF stages
Small SOT23 footprint	Supports miniaturized radio modules with ≤1.5 mm pitch routing and automated reflow assembly

Applications

FM Radio Tuner Front-End	Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
Use Scenario: Selecting broadcast FM channels (87.5–108 MHz) in portable receivers with analog or digital IF processing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor diode pair providing voltage-dependent capacitance for LC tank resonance tuning. Use Value: Enables 20 MHz+ tuning bandwidth with <±10 kHz frequency error over temperature due to stable C-V curve and low r_S.	Use Scenario: Generating local oscillator signals in RF transceivers for ISM-band (433/868/915 MHz) wireless sensor nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-tuning element in Colpitts or Clapp oscillator topologies to extend frequency coverage. Use Value: Supports 5% fractional bandwidth per band with <−110 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset via low-loss junction design.
Electronic Volume Control Interface	RF Filter Tuning in Cellular Front-End
Use Scenario: Replacing mechanical potentiometers in audio preamp gain control circuits requiring remote voltage adjustment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Capacitance-modulated voltage divider in feedback path of op-amp-based attenuator stage. Use Value: Delivers monotonic 60 dB attenuation range with <0.5% nonlinearity error across 0–5 V control input.	Use Scenario: Dynamic matching of antenna impedance and bandpass filter center frequency in LTE/5G handset power amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tunable capacitor bank element in switched-capacitor filter banks for multi-band operation. Use Value: Achieves <2 dB insertion loss variation across 700–2700 MHz bands with ±0.3 pF unit resolution and <10 μs settling time.

FM Radio Tuner Front-End

Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO)

Use Scenario: Selecting broadcast FM channels (87.5–108 MHz) in portable receivers with analog or digital IF processing.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor diode pair providing voltage-dependent capacitance for LC tank resonance tuning.

Use Value: Enables 20 MHz+ tuning bandwidth with <±10 kHz frequency error over temperature due to stable C-V curve and low r_S.

Use Scenario: Generating local oscillator signals in RF transceivers for ISM-band (433/868/915 MHz) wireless sensor nodes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-tuning element in Colpitts or Clapp oscillator topologies to extend frequency coverage.

Use Value: Supports 5% fractional bandwidth per band with <−110 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset via low-loss junction design.

Electronic Volume Control Interface

RF Filter Tuning in Cellular Front-End

Use Scenario: Replacing mechanical potentiometers in audio preamp gain control circuits requiring remote voltage adjustment.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Capacitance-modulated voltage divider in feedback path of op-amp-based attenuator stage.

Use Value: Delivers monotonic 60 dB attenuation range with <0.5% nonlinearity error across 0–5 V control input.

Use Scenario: Dynamic matching of antenna impedance and bandpass filter center frequency in LTE/5G handset power amplifiers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tunable capacitor bank element in switched-capacitor filter banks for multi-band operation.

Use Value: Achieves <2 dB insertion loss variation across 700–2700 MHz bands with ±0.3 pF unit resolution and <10 μs settling time.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BB202,215	C_1V = 120 pF (typ), C_7.5V = 35 pF (typ); higher capacitance but lower ratio (≥3.0)	Better suited for lower-frequency VCOs (<500 MHz) requiring larger tuning range	Select BB202,215 when tank inductance >100 nH is used and wider absolute ΔC is prioritized over linearity
SMV1232-011	Single anode, no common cathode; C_1V = 90 pF, r_S = 0.35 Ω; SOD-323 package	Requires separate cathode routing; less compact than BB201,215 for dual-tuned tanks	Choose SMV1232-011 only if board space allows independent cathode traces and single-diode topology suffices

Compared with BB201,215, BB202,215 offers higher baseline capacitance for low-frequency tuning but sacrifices linearity and thermal stability, while SMV1232-011 lacks integrated dual-diode symmetry and increases layout complexity - making BB201,215 optimal for space-constrained, high-linearity FM/VCO designs.

Availability

BB201,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FM radio tuner modules, voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) designs, and RF filter tuning applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance across production lots, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BB201,215 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 specializing in high-performance RF, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.

The BB201,215 belongs to NXP's legacy varactor diode product line designed specifically for precision electronic tuning in analog radio systems and low-phase-noise oscillator circuits.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage rating for BB201,215?

The BB201,215 has a continuous reverse voltage rating (V_R) of 15 V per diode, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this value risks permanent junction damage. Operation above 8 V yields diminishing capacitance change and increased leakage; recommended tuning range is 1–8 V for optimal linearity and reliability in BB201,215 applications.

Does BB201,215 support dual-band tuning in a single package?

Yes, BB201,215 integrates two independent varactor diodes sharing a common cathode (Pin 3), allowing simultaneous or independent tuning of two resonant circuits - such as separate FM and AM tank networks or I/Q VCO paths. This dual-anode (Pins 1 & 2) architecture eliminates the need for discrete pairing and ensures matched C-V characteristics between elements in BB201,215.

What is the typical series resistance of BB201,215 at RF frequencies?

The BB201,215 exhibits a typical series resistance (r_S) of 0.25 Ω at 100 MHz and 3 V reverse bias, with a maximum of 0.5 Ω. This low r_S directly contributes to high-quality factor (Q) in LC resonators - critical for minimizing phase noise in oscillators where BB201,215 is deployed as the tuning element.

Can BB201,215 be used in automotive-grade FM radio modules?

BB201,215 operates across −55 °C to +125 °C and meets industrial reliability standards, but it is not AEC-Q200 qualified. For automotive FM radio modules, BB201,215 may be used in non-safety-critical infotainment subsystems with additional system-level validation; however, NXP does not warrant BB201,215 for automotive safety applications per its official disclaimers.

How does the capacitance ratio of BB201,215 affect VCO design?

The BB201,215 guarantees a minimum capacitance ratio (C_1V/C_7.5V) of 3.1, translating to a theoretical frequency tuning range of √3.1 ≈ 1.76× in LC oscillators. This enables BB201,215 to support wideband VCOs covering multiple communication bands without switching inductors, provided tank inductance and layout parasitics are tightly controlled.

BB201,215 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: NXP Semiconductors

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Capacitance @ Vr, F:: 25.5pF @ 8V, 1MHz

Capacitance Ratio:: 3.8

Capacitance Ratio Condition:: C1/C7.5

Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):: 15 V

Diode Type:: 1 Pair Common Cathode

Q @ Vr, F:: -

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 125°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-23 (TO-236AB)

BB201,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BB201,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BB201,215 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 BB201,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of BB201,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BB201,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BB201,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BB201,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BB201,215?

BB201,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BB201,215 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 BB201,215?

For technical support, including BB201,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BB201,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BB201,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BB201,215 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 BB201,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BB201,215?

All BB201,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BB201,215, 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 BB201,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BB201,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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