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

Microchip Technology GC15008-00

Name: GC15008-00
Brand: Microchip Technology
SKU: GC15008-00
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: GC15008-00

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Category:: Variable Capacitance (Varicaps, Varactors)

Package:: Die

Datasheet:: GC15008-00.pdf

Description:: SI TVAR NON HERMETIC CHIP

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:9,960

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Product details

Overview

GC15008-00 from Microsemi is a frequency-linear tuning varactor diode designed for wideband VCO and filter applications in Ku-band systems. It delivers 2.0 pF capacitance at −4 V, 0.4 pF at −20 V, 13:1 tuning ratio (C_J0/C_J20), 0.11 sensitivity, and 900 typical Q at 4 V / 50 MHz.

For engineers reviewing the GC15008-00 datasheet, GC15008-00 pinout, GC15008-00 application, or GC15008-00 equivalent, this part supports octave-linear tuning without external linearization, low FM noise in modulated VCOs, and high modulation rate capability in RF front-end designs.

Technical Context

The GC15008-00 is a silicon epitaxial mesa varactor with computer-controlled grown junction epitaxy, enabling precise C–V linearity across its 0–20 V reverse bias range. Its 0.11 sensitivity series targets higher-voltage tuning circuits requiring stable slope over wide voltage swings.

Designed for operation up to Ku-band (12–18 GHz), it achieves functional tuning linearity through optimized doping profiles and superior surface passivation-reducing leakage (<50 nA @ 20 V) and surface noise critical for low-phase-noise oscillators.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Capacitance @ −4 V	2.0 pF ±10% - sets nominal resonant frequency in VCO tank circuits
Capacitance @ −20 V	0.4 pF typical - enables wide tuning range with 13:1 C_J0/C_J20 ratio
Sensitivity (S)	0.11 - defines dC/dV slope stability for linear frequency vs. voltage response
Q Factor	900 typical @ 4 V, 50 MHz - minimizes insertion loss and phase noise in resonant networks
Max Leakage Current	50 nA @ 20 V - ensures low DC power draw and stable bias point in high-impedance tuning loops
Operating Temp	−55 °C to +125 °C - supports deployment in ruggedized RF modules and aerospace transceivers

Pinout & Package

GC15008-00 is supplied in Package Style 00 - a bare die chip intended for hybrid circuit mounting. No discrete package pins; anode and cathode terminals are accessed via metallized top and bottom surfaces. Mounting requires wire bonding or flip-chip interconnect on custom substrates.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Frequency-linear C–V response	0.11 sensitivity enables octave-spanning linear tuning without calibration or correction circuitry
High Q factor	900 at 4 V/50 MHz reduces resonator loss and improves VCO phase noise floor
Low surface noise	Epitaxial mesa structure with superior passivation lowers FM noise in modulated VCOs
Ku-band functionality	Validated performance up to 18 GHz supports satellite comms, radar, and point-to-point radio

Applications

Phase-Locked Oscillators	Ku-Band Satellite Transceivers
Use Scenario: Used in PLL-based local oscillator modules requiring stable, low-noise frequency synthesis across 12–18 GHz bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in LC tank circuit controlling VCO output frequency via analog voltage. Use Value: 13:1 tuning ratio and 0.11 sensitivity ensure linear f–V response, eliminating need for lookup tables or DAC compensation.	Use Scenario: Integrated into upconverter/downconverter IF-to-RF stages of LEO satellite communication terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor in tunable bandpass filters and impedance-matching networks for adaptive channel selection. Use Value: High Q (900) preserves signal integrity and adjacent-channel rejection in narrowband Ku-band channels.
Modulated VCO Systems	Radar Frequency Synthesizers
Use Scenario: Employed in direct FM modulation paths where baseband voltage directly controls carrier frequency. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary tuning diode in wideband modulated VCOs with constant sensitivity across full bias range. Use Value: Constant 0.11 sensitivity enables uniform modulation index and high fidelity across entire tuning span.	Use Scenario: Embedded in fast-hopping frequency synthesizers for pulsed Doppler radar front ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled reactance in switched-capacitor-tuned resonators for sub-microsecond frequency agility. Use Value: Low leakage (<50 nA) ensures stable bias during rapid re-tuning cycles without drift-induced phase error.

Phase-Locked Oscillators

Ku-Band Satellite Transceivers

Use Scenario: Used in PLL-based local oscillator modules requiring stable, low-noise frequency synthesis across 12–18 GHz bands.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in LC tank circuit controlling VCO output frequency via analog voltage.

Use Value: 13:1 tuning ratio and 0.11 sensitivity ensure linear f–V response, eliminating need for lookup tables or DAC compensation.

Use Scenario: Integrated into upconverter/downconverter IF-to-RF stages of LEO satellite communication terminals.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor in tunable bandpass filters and impedance-matching networks for adaptive channel selection.

Use Value: High Q (900) preserves signal integrity and adjacent-channel rejection in narrowband Ku-band channels.

Modulated VCO Systems

Radar Frequency Synthesizers

Use Scenario: Employed in direct FM modulation paths where baseband voltage directly controls carrier frequency.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary tuning diode in wideband modulated VCOs with constant sensitivity across full bias range.

Use Value: Constant 0.11 sensitivity enables uniform modulation index and high fidelity across entire tuning span.

Use Scenario: Embedded in fast-hopping frequency synthesizers for pulsed Doppler radar front ends.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled reactance in switched-capacitor-tuned resonators for sub-microsecond frequency agility.

Use Value: Low leakage (<50 nA) ensures stable bias during rapid re-tuning cycles without drift-induced phase error.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
GC15007-00	1.0 pF @ −4 V, 0.2 pF @ −20 V, same 0.11 sensitivity and 13:1 ratio	Lower capacitance range suits higher-frequency VCOs (>15 GHz) with tighter tank inductance constraints	Select when targeting center frequencies above 14 GHz with reduced C_min requirements
GC15009-00	5.0 pF @ −4 V, 0.9 pF @ −20 V, same 0.11 sensitivity and 13:1 ratio	Higher C_max supports lower-frequency VCOs (8–12 GHz) and wider absolute tuning bandwidth	Select when designing for sub-Ku-band extension or enhanced tuning range at lower frequencies

Compared with GC15007-00 and GC15009-00, the GC15008-00 provides optimal mid-range capacitance (2.0 pF) for balanced Ku-band VCO design-offering sufficient C_max for robust start-up while maintaining low C_min for wide fractional bandwidth without excessive inductor sizing.

Availability

GC15008-00 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Ku-band satellite transceivers, radar frequency synthesizers, and modulated VCO systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-reliability RF environments.

Supply support for GC15008-00 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 communications markets.

The GC15000 series was developed specifically for frequency-linear tuning in microwave VCOs and filters-emphasizing C–V linearity, low noise, and Ku-band operation without external linearization circuitry.

FAQ

What is the capacitance range of the GC15008-00 varactor diode?

The GC15008-00 exhibits a capacitance range from 2.0 pF at −4 V to 0.4 pF at −20 V, yielding a 13:1 tuning ratio (C_J0/C_J20). This range is measured at 1 MHz and specified with ±10% tolerance at −4 V. The linear C–V slope (sensitivity = 0.11) ensures predictable frequency tuning across the full bias range in Ku-band VCO designs.

Does the GC15008-00 require external linearization circuitry?

No, the GC15008-00 does not require external linearization. Its frequency-linear tuning characteristic-enabled by epitaxial mesa construction and 0.11 sensitivity-is engineered to deliver octave-spanning linear frequency vs. voltage response in properly designed tank circuits. This eliminates the need for DAC-based correction or analog pre-distortion networks when using the GC15008-00.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the GC15008-00?

The GC15008-00 is rated for continuous operation from −55 °C to +125 °C. This extended temperature range supports deployment in harsh-environment RF modules, including airborne radar systems and outdoor satellite terminals. Its leakage current remains below 50 nA at 20 V even at the upper limit of this range.

How is the GC15008-00 packaged, and what are its mounting requirements?

The GC15008-00 is supplied in Package Style 00-a bare silicon die intended for hybrid circuit integration. It has no leads or molded package; anode and cathode are accessed via top-surface metallization and backside contact. Mounting requires wire bonding or conductive epoxy attachment to ceramic or metalized substrates, with attention to thermal path and parasitic inductance control.

What Q factor does the GC15008-00 achieve, and at what conditions?

The GC15008-00 achieves a typical Q factor of 900 at 4 V reverse bias and 50 MHz test frequency. This high Q reflects low series resistance and minimal dielectric loss, directly contributing to reduced phase noise in VCO applications and improved selectivity in tunable filter designs using the GC15008-00.

GC15008-00 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Series:: GC15000

Package/Case:: Die

Packaging:: Tray

Product Status:: Active

Capacitance @ Vr, F:: 0.4pF @ 20V, 1MHz

Capacitance Ratio:: 13.0

Capacitance Ratio Condition:: C0/C20

Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):: 22 V

Diode Type:: Single

Q @ Vr, F:: 900 @ 4V, 50MHz

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 125°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: Chip

GC15008-00 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for GC15008-00 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for GC15008-00 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 GC15008-00 reliable?

The price and inventory of GC15008-00 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for GC15008-00 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for GC15008-00?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for GC15008-00 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for GC15008-00?

GC15008-00 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your GC15008-00 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 GC15008-00?

For technical support, including GC15008-00 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your GC15008-00 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that GC15008-00 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All GC15008-00 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 GC15008-00 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of GC15008-00?

All GC15008-00 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with GC15008-00, 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 GC15008-00 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for GC15008-00:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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