Diodes Incorporated ZMV834ATC

Overview

ZMV834ATC from Zetex Semiconductors is a silicon hyperabrupt varactor diode optimized for voltage-controlled frequency tuning in precision oscillators and RF filters. It delivers 47.0 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.

For engineers reviewing the ZMV834ATC datasheet, ZMV834ATC pinout, ZMV834ATC application, or ZMV834ATC equivalent, key selection criteria include its hyperabrupt CV slope (300–400 ppm/°C tempco), SOT23 package compatibility, 25 V reverse breakdown rating, and tight ±5% capacitance tolerance at 2 V - all critical for stable VCO gain and temperature-compensated tuning linearity.

Technical Context

ZMV834ATC operates as a voltage-variable capacitor with hyperabrupt doping profile, engineered to produce steep, linearized C–V response over 2–20 V range. Its 300–400 ppm/°C temperature coefficient of capacitance and 25 V reverse breakdown support robust operation in thermally varying RF front-ends.

The device exhibits ≥200 Q factor at 50 MHz under 3 V bias, confirming low series resistance and minimal dielectric loss. Its 200 pA typical reverse leakage at 20 V ensures negligible DC loading on tuning lines and preserves oscillator phase noise integrity below –150 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in SOT23 surface-mount package (JEDEC TO-236AB), with cathode marked by molded notch and terminal 3. Package dimensions: 2.67–3.05 mm length × 1.20–1.40 mm width × 0.95 mm height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.

Compared with SMV2023-011LF and BBY58-02W, ZMV834ATC provides superior Q and tighter CV tolerance - critical for telecom-grade VCXOs - while maintaining SOT23 compatibility and lower leakage than BBY58-02W, making it optimal for high-stability RF timing systems.

Availability

ZMV834ATC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VCXO design, TCXO compensation, and RF filter tuning requiring stable component supply, consistent CV matching, and RoHS-compliant SMT assembly.

Supply support for ZMV834ATC 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 (now part of Diodes Incorporated) was a UK-based ISO 9001/TS16949-certified manufacturer specializing in high-performance analog and RF discrete semiconductors.

ZMV834ATC belongs to the 830-series hyperabrupt varactor family, designed specifically for low-phase-noise frequency control in precision oscillators and reconfigurable RF filters used in wireless infrastructure and timing modules.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended reverse voltage for continuous operation?

ZMV834ATC has a minimum reverse breakdown voltage of 25 V and is rated for continuous operation up to 20 V reverse bias. Exceeding 20 V risks irreversible junction damage due to avalanche conduction, especially at elevated temperatures above 85°C. Derating to 15 V is advised for long-term reliability in high-temperature environments.

Does ZMV834ATC require special ESD handling during assembly?

Yes - ZMV834ATC is classified as a Class 1B ESD-sensitive device (HBM < 500 V). Standard ESD controls including grounded workstations, ionized air, and static-dissipative packaging must be used. The SOT23 cathode terminal is particularly vulnerable; avoid probing or touching terminals before soldering.

Can ZMV834ATC be used in dual-common-cathode configurations?

No - ZMV834ATC is a single-diode device in SOT23 package. Dual-common-cathode variants (e.g., ZMDC834) exist in the same 830 series but use SOD-323 or SOT-323 packages and carry different order codes. ZMV834ATC's pinout supports only single-junction operation.

How does temperature affect capacitance tuning linearity?

Capacitance shifts predictably with temperature at 300–400 ppm/°C, preserving C–V slope linearity across –55°C to +125°C. This allows fixed-slope compensation networks in TCXOs. However, absolute capacitance at fixed bias varies ±3% over full temperature range, necessitating system-level calibration for sub-ppm stability.