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Diodes Incorporated ZC831ATA
- Part No.:
- ZC831ATA
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZC831ATA.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE VAR CAP 15PF 25V SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,544
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Product details
Overview
ZC831ATA from Zetex Semiconductors is a silicon hyperabrupt varactor diode optimized for voltage-controlled frequency tuning in precision oscillators and RF filters. It delivers 15.0 pF nominal capacitance at 2 V, 4.5–6.0 capacitance ratio (C₂/C₂₀), ≥300 Q at 50 MHz, and ultra-low reverse leakage (200 pA typ.), enabling low-phase-noise VCXO/TCXO designs in wireless infrastructure.
For engineers reviewing the ZC831ATA datasheet, ZC831ATA pinout, ZC831ATA application, or ZC831ATA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 25 V reverse breakdown rating, SOT23 package compatibility, hyperabrupt CV slope for steep tuning response, and guaranteed Q factor performance across temperature.
Technical Context
The ZC831ATA is a single-die, cathode-anode configured silicon varactor with hyperabrupt doping profile, engineered to produce a nonlinear C–V curve ideal for wide-range, high-linearity frequency modulation. Its capacitance varies from ~16.5 pF at 2 V to ~2.75 pF at 20 V, yielding a minimum C₂/C₂₀ ratio of 4.5.
Designed for stable operation from –55°C to +150°C, it maintains tight CV tolerance (±10% nominal) and exhibits a temperature coefficient of capacitance between 300–400 ppm/°C - critical for minimizing thermal drift in oscillator tank circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Capacitance @ 2 V | 13.5–16.5 pF (nominal 15.0 pF); sets base resonant frequency in LC tank with predictable tuning range |
| Capacitance Ratio C₂/C₂₀ | Min. 4.5, max. 6.0; defines usable frequency tuning span in VCO/VCXO applications |
| Q Factor @ 50 MHz | ≥300 at VR = 3 V; ensures low insertion loss and high spectral purity in filter/oscillator circuits |
| Reverse Leakage @ 20 V | 0.2–20 nA; contributes directly to phase noise floor and long-term bias stability |
| Breakdown Voltage | 25 V min.; establishes maximum control voltage headroom before avalanche conduction |
| Temp. Coeff. of C | 300–400 ppm/°C; quantifies frequency drift per degree Celsius in temperature-sensitive timing loops |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in SOT23 package (JEDEC TO-236AB), with standardized 3-pin footprint: anode (Pin 1), cathode (Pin 2), and unused lead (Pin 3) - internally connected to cathode in single-diode configuration per Zetex marking convention (J3A).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Anode | DC bias input node; connects to tuning voltage source through current-limiting resistor |
| Pin 2 | Cathode | AC ground reference for RF path; ties to oscillator tank inductor or filter ground plane |
| Pin 3 | Cathode (common) | Internally shorted to Pin 2; provides mechanical stability and optional secondary grounding point |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hyperabrupt junction profile | Enables steeper dC/dV slope than abrupt diodes - improves tuning linearity over wider voltage range |
| Tight CV tolerance (±10%) | Reduces unit-to-unit variation in center frequency, lowering calibration overhead in production |
| Low IR (200 pA typ.) | Minimizes DC bias current-induced thermal noise and long-term drift in high-Q resonators |
| SOT23 surface-mount format | Supports automated placement and reflow assembly while maintaining RF parasitic integrity |
Applications
| VCXO Frequency Tuning | TCXO Compensation Network |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning crystal oscillator output in telecom base station reference clocks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-variable capacitor in Pierce oscillator tank, modulating resonant frequency via analog control voltage. Use Value: Achieves ±50 ppm tuning range with <0.1° RMS phase jitter increase due to high Q and low leakage. | Use Scenario: Compensating crystal frequency drift over temperature in GPS receiver modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable element in analog temperature-compensation network, paired with thermistor and op-amp. Use Value: Enables ±2.5 ppm stability over –40°C to +85°C by matching TC of crystal with calibrated CV slope. |
| RF Bandpass Filter Tuning | Mobile Radio Transceiver VCO |
Use Scenario: Reconfigurable IF filter in software-defined radio front-end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning capacitor in switched-capacitor bandpass topology, adjusting center frequency under microcontroller control. Use Value: Supports 200 kHz step resolution across 10–30 MHz band with <1 dB insertion loss variation. | Use Scenario: Local oscillator core in UHF handheld transceiver (400–470 MHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary varactor in Colpitts VCO, providing wideband frequency coverage with minimal tuning voltage swing. Use Value: Delivers 12 MHz tuning bandwidth using only 0–12 V control, meeting ETSI spectral mask requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMV2023-011LF | Lower C₂/C₂₀ (3.8), higher Q (≥500), 30 V breakdown | Better suited for narrow-range, ultra-low-noise OCXO; less tuning range than ZC831ATA | Select when Q > 450 and phase noise < –160 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz is mandatory |
| BBY52-02W | Abupt (not hyperabrupt) profile, C₂/C₂₀ = 3.0, 15 V breakdown | Lower tuning sensitivity; requires larger voltage swing for same Δf - less efficient in battery-powered radios | Choose only if cost sensitivity outweighs tuning linearity and range requirements |
Compared with SMV2023-011LF and BBY52-02W, the ZC831ATA offers optimal balance of tuning ratio, Q, and leakage for mid-performance VCXOs and mobile radio VCOs - delivering 4.5× capacitance swing with proven thermal stability in SOT23 assembly.
Availability
ZC831ATA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VCXO design, TCXO compensation networks, and RF filter tuning requiring stable component supply, consistent CV matching, and RoHS-compliant SMT packaging.
Supply support for ZC831ATA 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
Zetex Semiconductors plc was a UK-based ISO 9001/TS16949-certified designer and manufacturer of high-performance analog and RF semiconductors, acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2008.
The 830 series varactors were developed specifically for frequency control in wireless infrastructure and precision timing systems, emphasizing hyperabrupt CV linearity, low phase noise, and miniature SMT reliability.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended reverse voltage for continuous operation?
The ZC831ATA has a minimum reverse breakdown voltage of 25 V, but Zetex specifies 20 V as the absolute maximum rated reverse voltage for reliable long-term operation. Exceeding 20 V risks accelerated degradation or catastrophic failure, especially at elevated temperatures above 85°C.
Does ZC831ATA require special PCB layout considerations for RF performance?
Yes - keep trace length from Pin 1 (anode) to control voltage source under 3 mm, use solid ground plane beneath the SOT23 footprint, and avoid routing RF signals near Pin 3. Zetex recommends 0.3 mm clearance to adjacent copper and no solder mask over the die area to minimize parasitic capacitance shift.
Is ZC831ATA RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes - per Zetex's Green Compliance statement in Issue 11 (January 2007), all 830 series devices including ZC831ATA meet EU RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC requirements, with lead content <1000 ppm and no intentionally added cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, or PBDE.
Can ZC831ATA be used in dual-common-cathode configurations?
No - ZC831ATA is a single-diode variant (marked J3A). Dual configurations are offered under separate part numbers: ZDC833ATA (dual common-cathode, SOD323) and ZMDC831BTA (dual, SOD523). Mixing single and dual variants in the same design risks incorrect biasing and mismatched CV curves.
ZC831ATA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Capacitance @ Vr, F:
- 16.5pF @ 2V, 1MHz
- Capacitance Ratio:
- 6.0
- Capacitance Ratio Condition:
- C2/C20
- Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):
- 25 V
- Diode Type:
- Single
- Q @ Vr, F:
- 300 @ 3V, 50MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-3
ZC831ATA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZC831ATA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZC831ATA 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 ZC831ATA reliable?
The price and inventory of ZC831ATA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZC831ATA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZC831ATA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZC831ATA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZC831ATA?
ZC831ATA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZC831ATA 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 ZC831ATA?
For technical support, including ZC831ATA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZC831ATA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZC831ATA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZC831ATA 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 ZC831ATA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZC831ATA?
All ZC831ATA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZC831ATA, 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 ZC831ATA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZC831ATA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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