NXP Semiconductors BBY40,215

Overview

BBY40,215 from NXP Semiconductors is a VHF variable capacitance diode (varactor) fabricated in planar technology and housed in an SOT23 surface-mount package. It delivers a capacitance of 26–32 pF at 3 V reverse bias and 4.3–6 pF at 25 V, with a typical capacitance ratio Cd(3V)/Cd(25V) of 5.5 and series resistance ≤0.7 Ω at 200 MHz - optimized for electronic tuning in VHF television tuners up to 160 MHz.

For engineers reviewing the BBY40,215 datasheet, BBY40,215 pinout, BBY40,215 application, or BBY40,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include its VHF capacitance linearity, low series resistance, temperature-stable C-V profile, and SOT23 footprint compatibility with high-density tuner front-end layouts.

Technical Context

The BBY40,215 operates as a voltage-controlled capacitor in reverse-biased mode, with capacitance varying nonlinearly but predictably across 3–25 V reverse bias. Its planar silicon construction ensures stable junction characteristics and low leakage (≤10 nA at 28 V, 25 °C).

Designed specifically for band A VHF tuning (up to 160 MHz), it exhibits a measured temperature coefficient of capacitance below 100 ppm/K across its operating voltage range and maintains ≤0.7 Ω series resistance at 200 MHz - critical for minimizing Q-factor degradation in resonant tank circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BBY40,215 is packaged in the standard SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount case, measuring 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm with gull-wing leads. Pin 1 is anode, Pin 2 is not connected (n.c.), and Pin 3 is cathode - confirmed by Fig.1 and marking code "S2" per datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BBY40,215, BBY52,215 trades VHF linearity for extended UHF range, while SMV1232-011 offers miniaturization and voltage headroom at the cost of higher leakage and less predictable C-V behavior in consumer TV tuner environments.

Availability

BBY40,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VHF television tuners, RF oscillator modules, programmable filter banks, and lab-grade signal generator calibration requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BBY40,215 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 delivering high-performance mixed-signal and standard products, with leadership in RF, analog, and interface technologies.

The BBY40,215 belongs to NXP's legacy discrete varactor family, engineered specifically for analog electronic tuning in consumer VHF broadcast receivers - emphasizing linearity, low loss, and SMT manufacturability.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage rating for BBY40,215?

The BBY40,215 has a continuous reverse voltage rating (VR) of 30 V, as specified in the Limiting Values table. This rating provides safe operating headroom for typical VHF tuner bias networks, which commonly operate between 0–28 V. Exceeding 30 V risks permanent junction damage per IEC 60134 Absolute Maximum Ratings. The BBY40,215 datasheet confirms this value on page 2 under "LIMITING VALUES".

Does BBY40,215 have a pin 2 connection?

No, BBY40,215 pin 2 is internally not connected (n.c.), as shown in Fig.1 of the official datasheet and confirmed by the "Marking code: S2" designation. This terminal must remain electrically floating on the PCB - no trace, pad, or solder should connect to it. The functional terminals are pin 1 (anode) and pin 3 (cathode), both essential for reverse-bias operation.

What is the typical capacitance ratio Cd(3V)/Cd(25V) for BBY40,215?

The BBY40,215 exhibits a typical capacitance ratio of 5.5, with a guaranteed range of 5.0 to 6.5, as stated in the Electrical Characteristics table under "capacitance ratio". This ratio directly determines the usable frequency tuning range in LC resonant circuits (f ∝ 1/√C). The BBY40,215 datasheet specifies this parameter at f = 1 MHz and Tj = 25 °C.

Can BBY40,215 be used in UHF applications above 300 MHz?

The BBY40,215 is characterized and optimized for VHF Band A (up to 160 MHz), with series resistance and capacitance parameters validated at 200 MHz. While it may function physically at UHF frequencies, its rs increases and Q degrades beyond 200 MHz, and the datasheet does not guarantee performance above that point. For UHF, NXP recommends alternatives like BBY52,215 - explicitly rated for higher-frequency tuning.

What is the thermal stability of BBY40,215's capacitance over temperature?

The BBY40,215 has a temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCd) ranging from approximately −100 to +50 ppm/K across 0–25 V reverse bias, as shown in Fig.4 of the datasheet. At 3 V bias, TCd is near −50 ppm/K - meaning capacitance decreases ~0.005% per °C rise. This level of stability supports acceptable frequency drift in consumer TV tuners without active compensation, consistent with BBY40,215's intended use case.