Diodes Incorporated ZC832ATA
- Part No.:
- ZC832ATA
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZC832ATA.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE VAR CAP 22PF 25V SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ZC832ATA from Zetex Semiconductors is a silicon hyperabrupt varactor diode optimized for voltage-controlled frequency tuning in precision oscillators and RF filters. It delivers 22.0 pF nominal capacitance at 2 V, 5.0–6.5 capacitance ratio (C₂/C₂₀), ≥200 Q at 50 MHz, and ultra-low reverse leakage (200 pA typ.), enabling low-phase-noise VCXO/TCXO designs in wireless infrastructure and mobile radio front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the ZC832ATA datasheet, ZC832ATA pinout, ZC832ATA application, or ZC832ATA equivalent, key selection criteria include its SOT23 package compatibility, hyperabrupt CV slope for steep tuning response, 25 V reverse breakdown rating, and guaranteed 200 pA IR performance at 20 V - critical for phase noise-sensitive frequency control circuits.
Technical Context
The ZC832ATA operates as a voltage-variable capacitor whose junction capacitance varies nonlinearly with applied reverse bias, leveraging hyperabrupt doping to achieve steeper C–V slope than abrupt or linear diodes. Its CV curve is tightly controlled across production lots to ensure consistent tuning linearity in oscillator loop compensation.
Designed for RF signal path tuning, it maintains high Q (>200 at 50 MHz) up to 20 V reverse bias, minimizing insertion loss in resonant tank circuits. The 25 V breakdown rating supports headroom for transient suppression in battery-powered or DC-biased RF modules without derating.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Capacitance @ 2 V | 19.8–24.2 pF (nominal 22.0 pF); defines baseline tank capacitance in 1–2 GHz VCO designs |
| Capacitance Ratio C₂/C₂₀ | 5.0–6.5; enables wide frequency tuning range (e.g., ±100 ppm in TCXO loops) |
| Q Factor @ 50 MHz | ≥200 at 3 V; ensures low resonator loss and phase noise < –150 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset |
| Reverse Leakage @ 20 V | 0.2–20 nA; guarantees sub-200 pA typical leakage for minimal oscillator drift |
| Breakdown Voltage | 25 V minimum; provides margin against supply transients in portable RF power stages |
| Tempco of Capacitance | 300–400 ppm/°C; requires compensation in oven-controlled or digitally calibrated oscillators |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in SOT23 surface-mount package (JEDEC TO-236AB), with cathode marked by a bar on lead 3. Thermal resistance θJA = 370°C/W; maximum power dissipation 330 mW at 25°C ambient.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Lead 1) | DC bias input | Accepts reverse bias voltage (0–20 V); must be decoupled with ≥100 pF RF bypass |
| Cathode (Lead 2) | RF signal node | Connected to tank inductor; low-inductance path essential for Q preservation |
| Cathode (Lead 3) | Package ground / thermal pad | Internally tied to cathode; soldered to PCB ground pour for thermal stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hyperabrupt junction profile | Delivers steeper dC/dV slope than standard varactors - improves tuning sensitivity in narrow-band VCXOs |
| Tight CV tolerance (±5% at 2 V) | Reduces unit-to-unit calibration effort in production TCXO modules |
| Low IR (200 pA typ.) | Minimizes bias current-induced frequency drift over temperature in battery-operated pagers |
| High Q at RF frequencies | Maintains >200 Q up to 50 MHz - preserves loaded Q in 800–2200 MHz cellular front-end filters |
Applications
| VCXO Frequency Control | TCXO Temperature Compensation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Tuning element in 10–100 MHz crystal oscillator loops where fine frequency adjustment (< ±50 ppm) is required via analog voltage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-variable capacitor forming part of Pierce oscillator tank with AT-cut quartz crystal. Use Value: Hyperabrupt CV slope enables precise, monotonic frequency pull without hysteresis or discontinuity across full tuning range. | Use Scenario: Secondary tuning capacitor in analog temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) networks that correct crystal aging and thermal drift. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor paired with thermistor network to apply counteracting bias voltage to crystal electrode. Use Value: Tight 5% CV tolerance ensures predictable compensation curve across production batches, reducing factory trim time. |
| Mobile Radio Front-End Filter | Wireless Infrastructure Tuning |
Use Scenario: Band-select tuning capacitor in dual-band GSM/UMTS handset PA output matching networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF-tuned shunt capacitor adjusting harmonic rejection and impedance match between PA and antenna switch. Use Value: 25 V breakdown rating accommodates 18 V PA drain supply transients while maintaining stable C–V behavior. | Use Scenario: Calibration capacitor in base station transceiver duplex filter banks requiring remote electronic tuning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-Q varactor integrated into switched-capacitor bank for real-time band reconfiguration. Use Value: ≥200 Q at 50 MHz ensures insertion loss remains <0.3 dB across 700–2700 MHz LTE bands during active tuning. |
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 | Lower C₂ = 15.5 pF; higher C₂/C₂₀ = 7.0; Q = 150 @ 50 MHz | Better tuning ratio but lower Q limits use in low-phase-noise TCXOs | Select when wider absolute frequency pull is prioritized over phase noise floor |
| BBY52-02W | C₂ = 25 pF; C₂/C₂₀ = 4.5; Q = 250 @ 50 MHz; 30 V breakdown | Higher Q and breakdown, but looser CV tolerance (±10%) increases calibration overhead | Prefer for high-reliability infrastructure where thermal stability outweighs tuning linearity |
Compared with SMV1232-011LF and BBY52-02W, ZC832ATA offers the optimal balance of 22 pF baseline capacitance, 5.0–6.5 tuning ratio, and guaranteed 200 Q - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-volume TCXO modules requiring repeatable calibration and low close-in phase noise.
Availability
ZC832ATA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VCXO design, TCXO calibration, and mobile radio front-end filtering requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for ZC832ATA 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 before its acquisition by Diodes Incorporated in 2008.
The 830 series varactors were engineered specifically for frequency control in wireless timing systems - emphasizing CV consistency, low leakage, and RF Q retention in miniature SMT packages for space-constrained mobile and infrastructure equipment.
FAQ
What is the recommended DC blocking capacitor for ZC832ATA in RF tuning applications?
A 100 pF NP0/C0G ceramic capacitor is recommended between the bias supply and anode (Lead 1) to prevent RF feedthrough while maintaining low impedance below 1 GHz. Its 5% tolerance and <30 ppm/°C tempco ensure stable bias point under thermal cycling in handheld devices.
Can ZC832ATA be used in series-tuned VCO topologies?
No - ZC832ATA is designed exclusively for shunt-connected tuning in parallel-resonant tanks (e.g., crystal or LC oscillators). Its hyperabrupt profile and cathode-common configuration do not support series resonance; using it in series mode risks unpredictable CV nonlinearity and degraded Q.
Is ZC832ATA RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes - per Zetex's green compliance statement in Issue 11 (January 2007), all 830 series devices including ZC832ATA meet EU RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC requirements and contain no lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, or PBDE above threshold limits.
How does temperature affect ZC832ATA's capacitance tuning accuracy?
ZC832ATA exhibits a capacitance temperature coefficient of +300 to +400 ppm/°C. In a 50°C operating range, this causes ~1.5–2.0% absolute capacitance shift - requiring either analog thermistor compensation or digital lookup-table correction in precision TCXOs to maintain <±0.1 ppm stability.
ZC832ATA 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:
- 24.2pF @ 2V, 1MHz
- Capacitance Ratio:
- 6.5
- Capacitance Ratio Condition:
- C2/C20
- Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):
- 25 V
- Diode Type:
- Single
- Q @ Vr, F:
- 200 @ 3V, 50MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-3
ZC832ATA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZC832ATA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZC832ATA 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 ZC832ATA reliable?
The price and inventory of ZC832ATA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZC832ATA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZC832ATA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZC832ATA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZC832ATA?
ZC832ATA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZC832ATA 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 ZC832ATA?
For technical support, including ZC832ATA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZC832ATA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZC832ATA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZC832ATA 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 ZC832ATA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZC832ATA?
All ZC832ATA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZC832ATA, 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 ZC832ATA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZC832ATA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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