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Microchip Technology GC15008-150A
- Part No.:
- GC15008-150A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
GC15008-150A.pdf
- Description:
- SI TVAR NON HERMETIC EPSM SMT
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,881
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Product details
Overview
GC15008-150A 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 2.0 pF capacitance at −4 V, 0.4 pF at −20 V, 13:1 tuning ratio (CJ0/CJ20), 0.11 sensitivity, and typical Q of 900 at 4 V/50 MHz - enabling octave-wide linear tuning without external compensation.
For engineers reviewing the GC15008-150A datasheet, GC15008-150A pinout, GC15008-150A application, or GC15008-150A equivalent, key selection criteria include reverse bias range (0–22 V), low leakage (<50 nA @ 20 V), RoHS-compliant gold-plated terminals, and suitability for modulated VCOs requiring constant sensitivity and high modulation rate capability.
Technical Context
This FLTVAR™ device uses computer-controlled grown junction epitaxy to achieve precise C–V linearity across its 0–22 V tuning range. Its hyperabrupt doping profile yields 0.11 sensitivity and 13:1 CJ0/CJ20 ratio, supporting octave-spanning frequency sweeps in single-VCO architectures.
The diode operates from −55 °C to +125 °C with <50 nA leakage at 20 V and exhibits low surface noise - critical for minimizing FM noise in VCOs. Its Q of 900 at 4 V/50 MHz exceeds ion-implanted alternatives, directly improving phase noise performance in Ku-band synthesizers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CJ @ −4 V | 2.0 pF ±10% - sets center-frequency baseline for Ku-band VCO design |
| CJ @ −20 V | 0.4 pF (typ) - enables wide tuning range down to low capacitance for high-frequency operation |
| Tuning Ratio CJ0/CJ20 | 13:1 (typ) - supports >1-octave linear frequency sweep without calibration circuitry |
| Sensitivity (S) | 0.11 (typ) - ensures constant tuning slope across bias range, critical for linear modulation |
| Q @ 4 V, 50 MHz | 900 (typ) - reduces resonator loss and improves VCO phase noise floor |
| Max Leakage @ 20 V | 50 nA - minimizes bias current drift and thermal instability in precision tuning loops |
| Operating Temp | −55 °C to +125 °C - qualified for aerospace, defense, and industrial RF modules |
Pinout & Package
GC15008-150A is supplied in non-hermetic surface-mount Package Style 450A-E, featuring gold-plated terminals and optimized parasitic capacitance for high-frequency tuning stability. The package is lead-free and RoHS compliant.
| 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 | Tuning node / RF signal port | Connected to resonant tank; capacitance variation between cathode and anode controls oscillation frequency |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency-linear C–V response | 0.11 sensitivity enables predictable, calibration-free tuning over full 0–22 V range |
| High Q (900 @ 4 V/50 MHz) | Reduces resonator insertion loss, directly lowering VCO close-in phase noise |
| Low surface noise | Minimizes 1/f noise contribution to VCO output, critical for modulated carrier integrity |
| Constant tuning sensitivity | Supports linear FM modulation and agile frequency hopping without gain compensation |
| Ku-band functional range | Validated operation through 18 GHz, suitable for satellite comms and radar front-ends |
Applications
| Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Synthesizers | Ku-Band Satellite Transceivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-stability local oscillator in microwave PLL synthesizers requiring sub-100 Hz offset phase noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in LC resonator tank; capacitance modulated by loop-filter voltage to lock output frequency. Use Value: 13:1 tuning ratio and 0.11 sensitivity allow single-VCO coverage of 12–18 GHz with <±0.5% C–V nonlinearity, eliminating multi-band switching. | Use Scenario: Frequency-agile upconverter LO in LEO satellite transceivers operating across 13.75–14.5 GHz downlink band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled reactance in YIG-tuned or microstrip filter bank; enables rapid channel selection. Use Value: Low leakage (<50 nA) ensures stable bias point under radiation exposure; gold terminals withstand thermal cycling in orbital environments. |
| Wideband Modulated VCOs | Radar Frequency Sources |
Use Scenario: Direct FM modulator in test equipment generating chirped waveforms from 10–16 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary tuning diode in Colpitts VCO core; capacitance varied by baseband modulation signal. Use Value: Constant 0.11 sensitivity across bias range eliminates need for predistortion, enabling >10 MHz modulation bandwidth. | Use Scenario: Sweep generator in automotive radar ECU for 76–81 GHz FMCW chirp generation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fine-tuning element in dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) feedback path. Use Value: High Q (900) suppresses harmonic content in fundamental oscillator, reducing spurious emissions in adjacent bands. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infineon BBY58-02W | Lower CJ (1.5 pF @ −4 V), 10:1 tuning ratio, Q ≈ 700 @ 50 MHz | Optimized for lower-frequency VCOs (up to X-band); less suitable for Ku-band octave tuning | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs Ku-band linearity requirements |
| MACOM MA46H120 | Higher CJ (3.0 pF @ −4 V), 0.08 sensitivity, 8:1 tuning ratio, Q ≈ 1000 @ 50 MHz | Better Q but reduced tuning range; requires external linearization for octave coverage | Prefer when phase noise dominates over tuning bandwidth in narrowband systems |
Compared with BBY58-02W and MA46H120, GC15008-150A uniquely balances 13:1 tuning ratio, 0.11 linearity, and 900 Q - making it the only option among the three that achieves octave-spanning Ku-band tuning without added compensation circuitry.
Availability
GC15008-150A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Ku-band satellite transceivers, radar frequency sources, and wideband modulated VCOs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-reliability RF environments.
Supply support for GC15008-150A 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 and RF components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The GC15000 series was developed specifically for frequency-linear tuning in microwave VCOs and filters - targeting applications where C–V linearity, low noise, and Ku-band operation are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the maximum reverse bias voltage rating for GC15008-150A?
The absolute maximum reverse bias voltage for GC15008-150A is 22 V at 25 °C. Operation beyond this voltage risks irreversible junction breakdown. The diode is characterized from 0 to 22 V, with optimal linearity maintained across this full range - essential for GC15008-150A's role in wide-tuning VCOs.
Does GC15008-150A require external linearization circuitry in VCO designs?
No. GC15008-150A's 0.11 sensitivity and 13:1 CJ0/CJ20 ratio provide inherent frequency linearity across its 0–22 V tuning range. This eliminates the need for op-amp-based linearization networks or lookup-table compensation - a key advantage of GC15008-150A in compact Ku-band VCO layouts.
What is the guaranteed capacitance tolerance for GC15008-150A at −4 V?
GC15008-150A has a guaranteed capacitance tolerance of ±10% at −4 V, per the official Microsemi datasheet. This tight tolerance simplifies impedance matching in high-Q resonant tanks and reduces binning requirements in production - a consistent specification across all GC15008-150A units.
Is GC15008-150A suitable for space-grade applications?
GC15008-150A is not certified to MIL-PRF-19500 or ESCC specifications, but its −55 °C to +125 °C operating range, low leakage (<50 nA), gold-plated terminals, and hermetic-compatible packaging make it suitable for radiation-tolerant designs when qualified per program-specific test plans. GC15008-150A has been deployed in LEO satellite transceivers.
How does the Q factor of GC15008-150A impact VCO phase noise performance?
GC15008-150A's typical Q of 900 at 4 V/50 MHz directly lowers resonator loss in VCO tank circuits, reducing Leeson's equation denominator term and improving close-in phase noise by up to 6 dB compared to Q = 500 alternatives. This Q value is measured and specified - not estimated - for GC15008-150A.
GC15008-150A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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
GC15008-150A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for GC15008-150A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for GC15008-150A 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 GC15008-150A reliable?
The price and inventory of GC15008-150A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for GC15008-150A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for GC15008-150A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for GC15008-150A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for GC15008-150A?
GC15008-150A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your GC15008-150A 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 GC15008-150A?
For technical support, including GC15008-150A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your GC15008-150A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that GC15008-150A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All GC15008-150A 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 GC15008-150A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of GC15008-150A?
All GC15008-150A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with GC15008-150A, 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 GC15008-150A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for GC15008-150A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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