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Microchip Technology GC1500-02
- Part No.:
- GC1500-02
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
GC1500-02.pdf
- Description:
- SI TVAR NON HERMETIC CHIP W LEAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:9,436
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Product details
Overview
GC1500-02 from Microsemi is a silicon abrupt junction tuning varactor diode rated for 30 V breakdown, with nominal capacitance of 0.8 pF at −4 V, minimum Q factor of 3900 at 50 MHz, and capacitance ratio CT₀/CT₋₃₀ ≥ 3.3. It serves as a voltage-controlled reactance element in RF tuning circuits operating from VHF through Ku band.
For engineers reviewing the GC1500-02 datasheet, GC1500-02 pinout, GC1500-02 application, or GC1500-02 equivalent, key selection criteria include its low series resistance, high Q at RF frequencies, ±10% capacitance tolerance, thermal coefficient of capacitance (300 ppm/°C), and suitability for low-phase-noise VCOs and voltage-variable filters.
Technical Context
The GC1500-02 is an abrupt-junction silicon varactor optimized for RF tuning applications requiring stable, high-Q variable capacitance under reverse bias. Its design delivers minimal series resistance (Rs) and maximized quality factor across VHF–Ku band, enabled by precise doping profile control and gold-plated terminations.
Capacitance varies from ~0.8 pF at −4 V to lower values at higher reverse bias, with CT₀/CT₋₃₀ ≥ 3.3 indicating usable tuning range. All specifications assume inclusion of 0.18 pF case capacitance and measurement at 1 MHz for Cj, while Q is derived at 50 MHz using 1 GHz Rs data per defined formula.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage (VB) | 30 V minimum @ 10 µA - ensures safe operation up to rated tuning voltage without avalanche conduction |
| Nominal Capacitance (CT₋₄) | 0.8 pF ±10% @ −4 V, 1 MHz - defines baseline tuning capacitance for oscillator/filter center frequency setting |
| Quality Factor (Q) | ≥3900 @ −4 V, 50 MHz - directly determines insertion loss and phase noise performance in resonant circuits |
| Capacitance Ratio | CT₀/CT₋₃₀ ≥ 3.3 - quantifies usable tuning range between zero and −30 V bias |
| Series Resistance (Rs) | Lowest in class per datasheet - enables highest achievable Q and lowest thermal noise contribution |
| Thermal Coefficient (TCC) | +300 ppm/°C @ −4 V - predicts capacitance drift with temperature, critical for stable oscillator design |
Pinout & Package
GC1500-02 is supplied in Style 00 chip form - a bare die configuration with gold-plated top and bottom metallization, intended for hybrid microwave circuit assembly via conductive epoxy or solder bonding. No leaded or molded package is used.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward-biased terminal (not used in tuning mode) | Connected to RF ground or DC return path in reverse-biased tuning configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal | DC tuning voltage injection point; RF signal coupling node in VCO tank or filter branch |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Highest Q in 30 V silicon varactor class | Enables ultra-low phase noise in VCOs and minimal loss in tunable filters |
| Lowest series resistance (Rs) | Directly improves Q and reduces thermal noise floor in RF resonators |
| Abrupt junction profile | Provides predictable, monotonic C–V curve ideal for linearized tuning applications |
| Gold-plated terminations | Ensures reliable wire bonding and low-contact-resistance interconnect in microwave hybrids |
Applications
| Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) | Voltage-Variable Filter (VVF) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Tuning element in S-band radar local oscillator requiring <−110 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 kHz offset. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-variable capacitor forming part of LC tank resonator with GaAs FET amplifier. Use Value: GC1500-02's Q ≥ 3900 and low Rs minimize resonator loss, directly lowering close-in phase noise. | Use Scenario: Center-frequency adjustment in satellite downconverter IF bandpass filter (2–4 GHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning capacitor in switched-capacitor or coupled-line filter topology. Use Value: Abrupt junction C–V linearity and ±10% capacitance tolerance enable accurate, repeatable filter alignment. |
| Phase Shifter | Ku-Band Beamforming Network |
Use Scenario: Analog phase control stage in X-band phased array transmit module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bias-tuned reactance element in reflection-type loaded-line phase shifter. Use Value: High CT₀/CT₋₃₀ ratio (≥3.3) provides >100° phase shift range with monotonic response. | Use Scenario: Frequency-agile front-end tuning in 5G mmWave base station transceiver. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fine-tuning capacitor in Ku-band (12–18 GHz) matching network. Use Value: Stable 300 ppm/°C TCC and RoHS-compliant gold terminations support high-reliability outdoor deployment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor tuning applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyworks SMV1232-079LF | 0.75 pF @ −4 V, Q ≈ 3200 @ 50 MHz, 20 V breakdown | Limited to ≤18 GHz; lower Q increases VCO phase noise | Preferred where lower tuning voltage suffices and cost sensitivity outweighs Q requirement |
| MACOM MA46H120 | 0.85 pF @ −4 V, Q ≈ 3600 @ 50 MHz, 30 V breakdown, ceramic SMD package | Style 30 surface-mount format requires PCB layout change vs. chip-style GC1500-02 | Chosen when automated assembly and reflow compatibility are mandatory over hybrid integration |
Compared with GC1500-02, SMV1232-079LF trades 20% lower Q and reduced voltage headroom for lower cost and standard packaging, while MA46H120 offers near-equivalent electrical performance in a manufacturable SMD format-neither is pin-compatible due to fundamental package and mounting differences.
Availability
GC1500-02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VHF–Ku band RF tuning, low-phase-noise oscillator design, and microwave filter alignment requiring stable component supply and traceable lot-level sourcing.
Supply support for GC1500-02 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
Microsemi (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The GC1500 series was developed specifically for microwave control applications demanding high-Q, low-Rs varactors in hybrid and MMIC-based systems operating from VHF through Ku band.
FAQ
What is the nominal capacitance and tolerance of GC1500-02?
The GC1500-02 has a nominal capacitance of 0.8 pF at −4 V with a tolerance of ±10%, as specified in the Microsemi datasheet. This value includes 0.18 pF of case capacitance and is measured at 1 MHz. The tolerance directly impacts center-frequency accuracy in VCO and filter designs, requiring calibration or trimming in precision applications.
Does GC1500-02 have a specified series resistance (Rs)?
While GC1500-02 does not list Rs as a standalone parameter, its exceptionally high Q factor (≥3900 @ −4 V, 50 MHz) implies the lowest Rs in its class among 30 V silicon varactors. Rs is measured at 1 GHz using transmission loss techniques and used in the Q calculation per the defined formula - confirming its suitability for ultra-low-loss RF tuning.
Is GC1500-02 RoHS compliant and what is its termination finish?
Yes, GC1500-02 is RoHS compliant per EU Directive 2002/95/EC. Its standard termination is gold plating on both anode and cathode surfaces, ensuring low contact resistance and compatibility with conductive epoxy or thermosonic bonding in hybrid microwave assemblies. Other finishes are available upon factory consultation.
What is the maximum operating temperature for GC1500-02?
The GC1500-02 has a specified operating temperature range of −55 °C to +125 °C. This wide range supports deployment in harsh environments such as airborne radar systems and outdoor base stations. Thermal coefficient of capacitance is +300 ppm/°C at −4 V, enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-stabilized oscillators.
Can GC1500-02 be used in Ku-band applications?
Yes, GC1500-02 is explicitly qualified for Ku-band (12–18 GHz) tuning applications per Microsemi documentation. Its high Q, low Rs, and abrupt junction profile maintain effective reactance control and minimal loss at these frequencies - making it suitable for beamforming networks, up/downconverters, and high-data-rate satellite transceivers.
GC1500-02 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Capacitance @ Vr, F:
- 0.8pF @ 4V, 1MHz
- Capacitance Ratio:
- 3.3
- Capacitance Ratio Condition:
- C0/C30
- Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):
- 30 V
- Diode Type:
- Single
- Q @ Vr, F:
- 3900 @ 4V, 50MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
GC1500-02 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for GC1500-02 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for GC1500-02 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 GC1500-02 reliable?
The price and inventory of GC1500-02 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for GC1500-02 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for GC1500-02?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for GC1500-02 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for GC1500-02?
GC1500-02 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your GC1500-02 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 GC1500-02?
For technical support, including GC1500-02 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your GC1500-02 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that GC1500-02 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All GC1500-02 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 GC1500-02 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of GC1500-02?
All GC1500-02 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with GC1500-02, 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 GC1500-02 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for GC1500-02:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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