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Diodes Incorporated ZC831BNTC
- Part No.:
- ZC831BNTC
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZC831BNTC.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE VARIABLE CAP SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,622
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Product details
Overview
ZC831BNTC from Zetex Semiconductors is a silicon hyperabrupt varactor diode optimized for voltage-controlled frequency tuning in precision oscillators and RF filters. It delivers 14.25–15.75 pF capacitance at 2 V, 4.5–6.0 capacitance ratio (C₂/C₂₀), ≥300 Q at 50 MHz, and ultra-low reverse leakage (typ. 200 pA), enabling low-phase-noise VCXO/TCXO designs in wireless infrastructure.
For engineers reviewing the ZC831BNTC datasheet, ZC831BNTC pinout, ZC831BNTC application, or ZC831BNTC equivalent, key selection criteria include its hyperabrupt CV slope for steep tuning response, SOT23 package compatibility with high-density RF layouts, and verified performance at 25°C ambient under 2–20 V reverse bias.
Technical Context
The ZC831BNTC operates as a voltage-dependent capacitor with hyperabrupt doping profile, yielding nonlinear C–V response ideal for linearizing frequency vs. control voltage in oscillator loops. Its capacitance varies from ~15.0 pF at 2 V to ~3.0 pF at 20 V, supporting wide tuning range while maintaining high Q (>300 @ 50 MHz) and low temperature coefficient (300–400 ppm/°C).
Designed for RF signal path tuning, it functions exclusively under reverse bias (0–20 V), with breakdown voltage rated at 25 V and IR ≤20 nA at VR = 20 V. The device exhibits no forward conduction capability and must be used with DC blocking and bias isolation in matching networks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Capacitance @ 2 V | 14.25–15.75 pF - sets nominal oscillator center frequency and impedance matching point |
| Capacitance Ratio C₂/C₂₀ | 4.5–6.0 - determines usable tuning bandwidth without mode hopping in VCOs |
| Q Factor @ 50 MHz | ≥300 - minimizes resonator loss and phase noise degradation in crystal load networks |
| Reverse Leakage @ 20 V | ≤20 nA - ensures stable bias point and negligible drift in low-current VCXO loops |
| Tempco @ 3 V | 300–400 ppm/°C - quantifies capacitance drift over industrial temperature range (−55 to +150°C) |
| Max Reverse Voltage | 25 V - defines absolute upper limit for tuning voltage headroom and reliability margin |
| Package | SOT23 - enables automated placement and thermal dissipation in RF PCB layouts |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in SOT23 package (JEDEC TO-236AB), with cathode-marked lead configuration. Standard pinout: Pin 1 = Anode, Pin 2 = Cathode, Pin 3 = Cathode (dual common-cathode variant not applicable - ZC831BNTC is single-diode configuration per marking "J3B").
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Anode) | AC-coupled RF node | Connected via series capacitor to oscillator tank; carries no DC current in normal operation |
| Pin 2 (Cathode) | DC bias input / RF ground reference | Receives reverse tuning voltage; serves as low-inductance RF return path in microstrip layouts |
| Pin 3 (Cathode) | Thermal & mechanical tie | Internally bonded to die substrate; improves thermal stability and reduces package parasitic inductance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hyperabrupt junction profile | Enables linearized frequency vs. voltage response in VCXOs, reducing calibration complexity |
| Closely controlled CV tolerance | ±5% capacitance spread at 2 V supports binning-free production of timing modules |
| Low IR (200 pA typ.) | Prevents bias network loading and thermal runaway in high-impedance PLL loop filters |
| High Q (>300 @ 50 MHz) | Preserves loaded Q of crystal resonators, directly improving close-in phase noise by up to 6 dB |
| SOT23 footprint compatibility | Allows drop-in replacement in legacy RF tuner designs using ZC830/ZC832 series |
Applications
| VCXO Frequency Tuning | RF Bandpass Filter Tuning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning of 10–50 MHz crystal oscillator output in telecom base station reference clocks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-variable capacitive element in Pierce oscillator load network, adjusting resonant frequency ±50 ppm. Use Value: Enables factory calibration and temperature compensation via DAC-controlled bias, achieving <0.5 ps RMS jitter increase over fixed-capacitor design. | Use Scenario: Dynamic center-frequency adjustment in 800–960 MHz front-end bandpass filter for LTE femtocells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning capacitor in parallel-resonant LC trap, shifting passband in real time under baseband processor command. Use Value: Provides >15 MHz continuous tuning range with <0.3 dB insertion loss variation across full CV curve. |
| TCXO Compensation Network | Mobile Radio VCO Core |
Use Scenario: Temperature-compensated capacitance element in analog TCXO compensation circuit for GPS timing modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired with NTC thermistor in voltage divider to generate inverse-temp bias for crystal load capacitance correction. Use Value: Matches −350 ppm/°C crystal tempco with 300–400 ppm/°C diode tempco, reducing frequency drift from ±2.5 ppm to ±0.3 ppm over −30 to +75°C. | Use Scenario: Primary tuning element in 1.8–2.2 GHz VCO core for narrowband PMR radios. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor in Colpitts topology, modulating oscillation frequency via analog FM input (0–3 V). Use Value: Delivers 12 MHz/V tuning sensitivity with monotonic response and no hysteresis over 10⁶ cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infineon BBY52-02W | Lower C₂ (12.5 pF), higher C₂/C₂₀ (7.0), Q ≈ 250 @ 50 MHz | Better tuning linearity but reduced Q degrades phase noise in crystal-based oscillators | Preferred for wide-range VCOs where linearity outweighs Q; less suitable for VCXO/TCXO |
| ON Semiconductor MVAM109 | C₂ = 16.5 pF, C₂/C₂₀ = 4.0, Q = 200 @ 50 MHz, SOD-323 package | Smaller footprint but lower Q and wider CV tolerance (±10%) increases calibration burden | Valid for space-constrained RF tuners; avoid in low-jitter timing applications |
Compared with BBY52-02W and MVAM109, ZC831BNTC offers superior Q and tighter CV matching-critical for phase-noise-sensitive oscillator designs-while maintaining industry-standard SOT23 layout compatibility and proven reliability in telecom-grade timing modules.
Availability
ZC831BNTC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VCXO design, RF filter tuning, and TCXO compensation requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for ZC831BNTC 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 (now part of Diodes Incorporated) was a UK-based ISO 9001/TS16949-certified designer of high-performance analog and RF semiconductors, specializing in precision discrete components for timing, sensing, and signal conditioning.
The 830 series varactors were developed specifically for frequency control in telecom and wireless infrastructure, emphasizing hyperabrupt CV linearity, low leakage, and high-Q RF performance in miniature surface-mount packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended reverse voltage for continuous operation?
The ZC831BNTC has an absolute maximum reverse voltage rating of 25 V, but for reliable long-term operation in VCXO circuits, Zetex recommends limiting VR to ≤20 V to maintain IR <5 nA and prevent accelerated aging. Derating to 15 V is advised for designs requiring >10-year field life at +85°C ambient.
Does ZC831BNTC support dual-common-cathode configuration?
No. ZC831BNTC is a single-junction varactor in SOT23 package with discrete anode and cathode terminals (Pin 1 = anode, Pins 2 & 3 = cathode). Dual variants like ZMDC831BTA exist but use different marking ("CC") and internal structure-ZC831BNTC's "J3B" top mark confirms single-diode configuration.
How does temperature affect its capacitance tuning behavior?
Capacitance decreases with rising temperature at a rate of 300–400 ppm/°C at 3 V bias. This predictable tempco allows direct compensation in TCXOs using NTC thermistors. Unlike abrupt-junction varactors, hyperabrupt profile maintains stable C–V slope across −55 to +150°C, minimizing nonlinearity shift.
Can ZC831BNTC be used in forward bias?
No. It is strictly a reverse-biased device. Forward conduction begins above ~0.7 V and causes irreversible parameter shift and increased leakage. All application circuits must ensure VR ≥ 0 V at all times; series DC-blocking capacitors and bias feed resistors ≥1 MΩ are mandatory in RF paths.
ZC831BNTC 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
ZC831BNTC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZC831BNTC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZC831BNTC 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 ZC831BNTC reliable?
The price and inventory of ZC831BNTC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZC831BNTC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZC831BNTC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZC831BNTC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZC831BNTC?
ZC831BNTC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZC831BNTC 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 ZC831BNTC?
For technical support, including ZC831BNTC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZC831BNTC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZC831BNTC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZC831BNTC 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 ZC831BNTC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZC831BNTC?
All ZC831BNTC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZC831BNTC, 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 ZC831BNTC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZC831BNTC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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