Diodes Incorporated ZC831BNTA
- Part No.:
- ZC831BNTA
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZC831BNTA.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE VARIABLE CAP SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,846
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Product details
Overview
ZC831BNTA from Zetex Semiconductors is a silicon hyperabrupt varactor diode optimized for voltage-controlled frequency tuning in precision oscillators. It delivers 14.25–15.75 pF capacitance at 2 V, 4.5–6.0 capacitance ratio (C₂/C₂₀), ≥300 Q at 3 V/50 MHz, and ultra-low reverse leakage (typ. 200 pA), enabling low-phase-noise VCXO/TCXO designs in SOT23 surface-mount packages.
For engineers reviewing the ZC831BNTA datasheet, ZC831BNTA pinout, ZC831BNTA application, or ZC831BNTA equivalent, key selection criteria include its hyperabrupt CV slope for steep tuning response, high Q at RF frequencies, tight capacitance tolerance (±5%), and compatibility with miniature SMT layouts in wireless timing modules.
Technical Context
The ZC831BNTA employs a hyperabrupt junction profile to achieve a steep, linearized C–V curve-critical for stable frequency pulling in voltage-controlled crystal oscillators. Its capacitance varies from ~15.0 pF at 2 V to ~2.5 pF at 20 V, supporting wide tuning range while maintaining monotonic response.
Designed for RF biasing in oscillator tank circuits, it operates with reverse-biased junction only (no forward conduction), specified up to 25 V breakdown and rated for −55°C to +150°C operation. The SOT23 package ensures thermal stability and minimal parasitic inductance in high-frequency matching networks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Capacitance @ 2 V | 14.25–15.75 pF - sets nominal oscillator center frequency and load-pull sensitivity |
| Capacitance Ratio C₂/C₂₀ | 4.5–6.0 - determines maximum achievable frequency tuning range in VCXO designs |
| Q Factor @ 3 V, 50 MHz | ≥300 - directly limits phase noise floor and oscillator short-term stability |
| Reverse Leakage @ 20 V | 0.2–20 nA - ensures negligible DC current injection into sensitive oscillator bias nodes |
| Breakdown Voltage | 25 V - defines maximum tuning voltage headroom before junction avalanche |
| Tempco of Capacitance | 300–400 ppm/°C - quantifies frequency drift contribution per degree Celsius in unregulated environments |
| Package | SOT23 - provides standardized pick-and-place compatibility and <0.5 nH lead inductance for RF layout integrity |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 package: 3-terminal surface-mount plastic case with cathode-marked lead (Pin 1), anode (Pin 2), and cathode (Pin 3) in common-cathode dual configuration per device marking "J3B". Dimensions: 2.67–3.05 mm × 1.20–1.40 mm × 0.95 mm height.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Cathode) | Reference node for reverse bias | Connected to ground or fixed potential; establishes reference for tuning voltage applied to anode |
| Pin 2 (Anode) | Tuning voltage input | Accepts 0–20 V control voltage; junction capacitance modulates oscillator resonant frequency |
| Pin 3 (Cathode) | Common cathode terminal | Electrically tied to Pin 1; enables dual-diode configuration without external interconnect |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hyperabrupt junction profile | Enables linearized frequency vs. voltage response over 4:1 tuning range, reducing calibration complexity in TCXOs |
| Close-tolerance CV characteristics | ±5% capacitance spread at 2 V allows binning-free use in high-volume oscillator modules |
| Low IR (200 pA typ.) | Minimizes DC loading on PLL charge pumps and reduces long-term frequency drift from leakage-induced bias shift |
| High Q ≥300 @ 50 MHz | Supports sub-100 fs integrated jitter in 10–100 MHz VCXOs by limiting tank circuit loss |
Applications
| VCXO Timing Module | TCXO Reference Oscillator |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Used in 10–50 MHz voltage-controlled crystal oscillator modules for telecom baseband clock synthesis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor diode providing tunable reactance in Pierce oscillator tank circuit to adjust crystal pull range. Use Value: Enables ±50 ppm frequency adjustment with <1 ps RMS jitter increase due to high Q and low leakage. | Use Scenario: Integrated into oven-controlled oscillator compensation loops requiring fine analog tuning over temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in analog temperature-compensation network that adjusts crystal load capacitance dynamically. Use Value: Hyperabrupt slope delivers predictable ΔC/ΔV across −40°C to +85°C, improving TCXO accuracy to ±0.1 ppm. |
| Wireless Transceiver Local Oscillator | Pager Frequency Synthesizer |
Use Scenario: Embedded in fractional-N PLL VCO tuning banks for 800/900 MHz ISM band transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary varactor in switched-capacitor bank to extend VCO coarse tuning range beyond main varactor limit. Use Value: Tight C₂/C₂₀ ratio and low tempco reduce VCO gain (MHz/V) variation, easing loop filter design. | Use Scenario: Employed in legacy pager RF front-end synthesizers requiring low-cost, stable channel selection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary tuning diode in LC-based VCO for 136–174 MHz band frequency hopping. Use Value: SOT23 footprint and 15 pF nominal value match standard coil values, minimizing PCB redesign effort. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMV1232-011LF | Higher C₂ = 22 pF, lower C₂/C₂₀ = 3.8, Q = 250 @ 50 MHz | Better suited for wider-range VCOs needing higher baseline capacitance | Select when >18 pF nominal tuning capacitance required and phase noise budget allows Q reduction |
| BBY52-02W | C₂ = 12.5 pF, C₂/C₂₀ = 5.0, Q = 350 @ 50 MHz, SOD-323 package | Smaller footprint but lower power handling (200 mW vs. 330 mW) | Prefer for space-constrained designs where thermal margin is sufficient and 12.5 pF matches existing layout |
Compared with SMV1232-011LF and BBY52-02W, ZC831BNTA offers the best balance of mid-range capacitance (15 pF), high Q (≥300), and SOT23 robustness-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, performance-critical VCXOs where 14–16 pF tuning is standard.
Availability
ZC831BNTA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VCXO timing modules, TCXO reference oscillators, and wireless transceiver local oscillators requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for ZC831BNTA 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 manufacturer specializing in high-performance discrete semiconductors, acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2008.
The 830 series varactors were developed specifically for precision frequency control in communications infrastructure-emphasizing hyperabrupt CV linearity, low phase noise, and SMT reliability in oscillator tank circuits.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended reverse voltage for continuous operation?
The ZC831BNTA is rated for 25 V reverse breakdown voltage, but continuous operation should be limited to ≤20 V to maintain long-term reliability and avoid accelerated aging. At 20 V, reverse leakage remains below 20 nA, preserving oscillator bias stability and phase noise performance over temperature and lifetime.
Does ZC831BNTA require derating at elevated temperatures?
Yes-capacitance decreases by 300–400 ppm/°C, and Q degrades above 85°C. For operation above 100°C, derate maximum reverse voltage to 15 V and verify phase noise against system requirements. The device remains functional up to +150°C, but tuning linearity and Q decline progressively beyond 125°C.
Can ZC831BNTA be used in forward bias?
No-it is designed exclusively for reverse-biased operation. Forward conduction exceeds absolute maximum rating (IF = 200 mA) even at small voltages, causing irreversible junction damage. The device must remain reverse-biased at all times; no forward current path exists in intended VCXO/TCXO applications.
Is the SOT23 package lead-free and RoHS-compliant?
Yes-Zetex confirmed full RoHS compliance for the 830 series per Directive 2011/65/EU, including lead-free terminations and halogen-free molding compound. The SOT23 package meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL-1), allowing unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/60% RH.
ZC831BNTA 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:
- 15.75pF @ 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
ZC831BNTA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZC831BNTA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZC831BNTA 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 ZC831BNTA reliable?
The price and inventory of ZC831BNTA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZC831BNTA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZC831BNTA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZC831BNTA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZC831BNTA?
ZC831BNTA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZC831BNTA 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 ZC831BNTA?
For technical support, including ZC831BNTA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZC831BNTA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZC831BNTA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZC831BNTA 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 ZC831BNTA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZC831BNTA?
All ZC831BNTA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZC831BNTA, 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 ZC831BNTA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZC831BNTA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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