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

Microchip Technology GC15006-127A

Name: GC15006-127A
Brand: Microchip Technology
SKU: GC15006-127A
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: GC15006-127A

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Category:: Variable Capacitance (Varicaps, Varactors)

Package:: 2-SMD, Flat Leads

Datasheet:: GC15006-127A.pdf

Description:: SI TVAR NON HERMETIC MICROSTRIP

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:2,341

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Product details

Overview

GC15006-127A from Microsemi is a frequency-linear tuning varactor diode designed for high-linearity voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and filter tuning in Ku-band RF systems. It delivers 0.7 pF capacitance at −4 V, 0.14 pF at −20 V, 13:1 tuning ratio (C_J0/C_J20), 0.11 sensitivity coefficient, and typ. Q = 1200 at 4 V/50 MHz - enabling octave-spanning linear frequency tuning without external linearization circuitry.

For engineers reviewing the GC15006-127A datasheet, GC15006-127A pinout, GC15006-127A application, or GC15006-127A equivalent, key selection criteria include its S = 0.11 sensitivity series, Ku-band functional range, low surface noise for FM-noise-sensitive VCOs, and suitability for modulated VCO architectures requiring constant tuning sensitivity.

Technical Context

This FLTVAR™ device uses computer-controlled grown junction epitaxy to achieve precise C–V linearity across −2 V to −20 V bias. Its mesa silicon structure provides low leakage (≤50 nA @ 20 V), high reliability passivation, and minimal surface noise - critical for low-phase-noise VCO design.

The 0.11 sensitivity coefficient defines its C–V slope curvature, supporting wideband linear tuning up to Ku-band (12–18 GHz). Unlike hyperabrupt diodes, it achieves >13:1 tuning ratio with superior Q and no need for auxiliary linearization networks.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Capacitance @ −4 V	0.7 pF ±10% - sets nominal VCO center frequency and impedance matching point
Capacitance @ −20 V	0.14 pF typ. - enables lowest-frequency edge of octave-spanning tuning range
Tuning Ratio C_J0/C_J20	13:1 typ. - supports full-octave frequency coverage in single-VCO architectures
Sensitivity Coefficient (S)	0.11 - ensures near-constant ∆f/∆V over bias range for stable modulation response
Q Factor	1200 typ. @ 4 V, 50 MHz - minimizes resonator loss and phase noise degradation
Max Leakage Current	50 nA @ 20 V - preserves tuning linearity and reduces DC bias drift in precision VCOs
Operating Temp Range	−55 °C to +125 °C - supports deployment in aerospace, defense, and industrial RF modules

Pinout & Package

GC15006-127A is supplied in Package Style 127A - a hermetic stripline surface-mount package optimized for microwave hybrid circuits. This package minimizes parasitic inductance and stray capacitance to preserve C–V linearity above 10 GHz.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	DC Bias Input / RF Ground Reference	Connected to system ground plane; carries reverse-bias voltage and serves as RF return path
Cathode	RF Tuning Node	Connected to resonator tank circuit; capacitance variation directly controls oscillation frequency

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Frequency-linear C–V response	Enables octave-spanning VCO tuning without calibration or linearization circuitry
Low surface noise & leakage	Reduces close-in phase noise and long-term bias drift in high-stability oscillators
High Q (>1200)	Maintains resonator quality factor, minimizing FM noise contribution in VCO core
Ku-band operation	Validated functional performance up to 18 GHz - suitable for satellite comms and radar front-ends
Constant sensitivity (S = 0.11)	Ensures uniform modulation index and predictable frequency deviation in FM/PM systems

Applications

Phased-Array Radar VCOs	Satellite Transceiver Filters
Use Scenario: Beam-steering radar transceivers requiring rapid, linear frequency hopping across 12–18 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in YIG- or LC-based VCOs, providing bias-controlled capacitance for agile frequency synthesis. Use Value: 13:1 tuning ratio and S = 0.11 enable monotonic, repeatable frequency sweeps without lookup-table correction.	Use Scenario: Reconfigurable bandpass filters in LEO satellite uplink/downlink modules operating at Ku-band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-variable capacitor in switched-capacitor or distributed filter topologies. Use Value: Low surface noise and high Q preserve insertion loss and out-of-band rejection under thermal cycling.
Modulated Local Oscillators	Test Equipment Synthesizers
Use Scenario: Direct FM/PM modulators in microwave signal generators where modulation linearity and bandwidth are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary tuning diode in VCO core, biased via modulation waveform to impose instantaneous frequency deviation. Use Value: Constant sensitivity (S = 0.11) ensures linear ∆f vs. modulation voltage - eliminating harmonic distortion in baseband signals.	Use Scenario: Wideband programmable synthesizers in automated RF test systems requiring fast, repeatable frequency settling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-tuning element in multi-octave VCO banks used for sweep generation and calibration. Use Value: Octave-spanning tuning with no external linearization reduces component count and improves repeatability across production units.

Phased-Array Radar VCOs

Satellite Transceiver Filters

Use Scenario: Beam-steering radar transceivers requiring rapid, linear frequency hopping across 12–18 GHz.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in YIG- or LC-based VCOs, providing bias-controlled capacitance for agile frequency synthesis.

Use Value: 13:1 tuning ratio and S = 0.11 enable monotonic, repeatable frequency sweeps without lookup-table correction.

Use Scenario: Reconfigurable bandpass filters in LEO satellite uplink/downlink modules operating at Ku-band.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-variable capacitor in switched-capacitor or distributed filter topologies.

Use Value: Low surface noise and high Q preserve insertion loss and out-of-band rejection under thermal cycling.

Modulated Local Oscillators

Test Equipment Synthesizers

Use Scenario: Direct FM/PM modulators in microwave signal generators where modulation linearity and bandwidth are critical.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary tuning diode in VCO core, biased via modulation waveform to impose instantaneous frequency deviation.

Use Value: Constant sensitivity (S = 0.11) ensures linear ∆f vs. modulation voltage - eliminating harmonic distortion in baseband signals.

Use Scenario: Wideband programmable synthesizers in automated RF test systems requiring fast, repeatable frequency settling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-tuning element in multi-octave VCO banks used for sweep generation and calibration.

Use Value: Octave-spanning tuning with no external linearization reduces component count and improves repeatability across production units.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar frequency-linear tuning varactor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
GC15006-00	Same die, chip-only format (no package); no stripline parasitics but requires hybrid mounting	Used in custom thin-film or LTCC modules where board-level parasitics are tightly controlled	Select GC15006-00 only when full control over mounting geometry and thermal path is available
GC15007-127A	1.0 pF @ −4 V (vs. 0.7 pF); identical S = 0.11, Q = 1000, and 13:1 ratio	Better suited for lower-center-frequency VCOs (e.g., 8–14 GHz) while retaining same linearity profile	Choose GC15007-127A when target VCO center frequency requires higher nominal C_j without sacrificing linearity

Compared with GC15006-00 and GC15007-127A, the GC15006-127A uniquely balances ultra-low capacitance (0.7 pF) with Ku-band linearity and hermetic stripline packaging - making it optimal for high-frequency, production-ready VCO designs where layout parasitics must be minimized and reliability assured.

Availability

GC15006-127A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for phased-array radar, satellite communications, and RF test equipment requiring stable component supply, consistent C–V linearity, and Ku-band qualification.

Supply support for GC15006-127A 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 GC15000 series was developed specifically for Ku-band RF systems demanding linear, low-noise, high-Q varactor performance - targeting VCOs, tunable filters, and modulators where octave-spanning frequency agility is essential.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the GC15006-127A in RF circuits?

The GC15006-127A functions as a frequency-linear tuning varactor diode, providing voltage-controlled capacitance for precise, octave-spanning frequency tuning in VCOs and filters. Its S = 0.11 coefficient and 13:1 C_J0/C_J20 ratio allow linear f–V response without external compensation - a core capability of the GC15006-127A in Ku-band systems.

Does the GC15006-127A require external linearization circuitry?

No. The GC15006-127A's epitaxial mesa structure and S = 0.11 sensitivity coefficient deliver inherent frequency linearity across its −2 V to −20 V tuning range. This eliminates the need for op-amp-based linearization networks or lookup-table correction - a defining feature of the GC15006-127A in high-performance VCO designs.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the GC15006-127A?

The GC15006-127A is rated for continuous operation from −55 °C to +125 °C. This extended temperature range supports deployment in harsh environments such as airborne radar, satellite payloads, and industrial RF power amplifiers - confirming the GC15006-127A's suitability for mission-critical applications.

How does the GC15006-127A differ from standard hyperabrupt tuning diodes?

Unlike ion-implanted hyperabrupt diodes, the GC15006-127A uses computer-controlled grown-junction epitaxy to achieve superior C–V linearity, higher Q (>1200), lower surface noise, and stable sensitivity (S = 0.11). These attributes directly reduce FM noise and improve modulation fidelity - key differentiators of the GC15006-127A in precision RF systems.

Is the GC15006-127A RoHS compliant?

Yes. The GC15006-127A meets RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC requirements. It features a standard gold terminal finish and is qualified for lead-free assembly processes - consistent with Microsemi's compliance commitment across the GC15000 series, including the GC15006-127A.

GC15006-127A Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 2-SMD, Flat Leads

Packaging:: Tray

Product Status:: Active

Capacitance @ Vr, F:: 0.14pF @ 20V, 1MHz

Capacitance Ratio:: 13.0

Capacitance Ratio Condition:: C0/C20

Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):: 22 V

Diode Type:: Single

Q @ Vr, F:: 1200 @ 4V, 50MHz

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 125°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: -

GC15006-127A FAQ

1.How can I place an order for GC15006-127A through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for GC15006-127A 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 GC15006-127A reliable?

The price and inventory of GC15006-127A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for GC15006-127A is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for GC15006-127A?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for GC15006-127A transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for GC15006-127A?

GC15006-127A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your GC15006-127A 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 GC15006-127A?

For technical support, including GC15006-127A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your GC15006-127A requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that GC15006-127A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All GC15006-127A 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 GC15006-127A meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of GC15006-127A?

All GC15006-127A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with GC15006-127A, 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 GC15006-127A part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for GC15006-127A:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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