Diodes Incorporated ZNBG3000Q16TC

Overview

ZNBG3000Q16TC from Zetex (now Diodes Incorporated) is a triple-channel GaAs/HEMT FET bias controller in QSOP-16 package, generating regulated -3 V negative rail for gate biasing and setting 2.2 V drain voltage per channel with ±0.2 V tolerance at 10 mA drain current. It supports three grounded-source FETs, features dynamic overcurrent shutdown, and operates from 5–12 V single supply across -40°C to +70°C ambient.

For engineers reviewing the ZNBG3000Q16TC datasheet, ZNBG3000Q16TC pinout, ZNBG3000Q16TC application, or ZNBG3000Q16TC equivalent, key selection criteria include regulated drain voltage accuracy (2.2 V ±0.2 V), gate voltage clamping (-3.5 V to +0.7 V), integrated negative rail generation requiring only two 47 nF capacitors, and unconditional RF stability with external CG/CD filtering.

Technical Context

The device integrates three independent bias stages, each with a precision V_D reference (2.2 V nominal for ZNBG3000), current-sense amplifier, and gate-drive output. Drain current is set externally via RCAL1 (e.g., 33 kΩ yields 10 mA), with drift of ≤0.05 %/°C over -30°C to +70°C junction temperature.

An on-chip oscillator (200–800 kHz) drives a charge-pump negative rail generator, producing -3 V at ≤200 µA load. Gate outputs clamp within -3.5 V to +0.7 V under all transients, and drain supply shuts down if CSUB rail faults-ensuring FET protection without external circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: QSOP-16 (4.85 mm × 3.90 mm × 1.35 mm body, 0.635 mm pitch). Pin 1 marked by recessed corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FET bias controller applications.

Compared with ZNBG3001Q16TC, the ZNBG3000Q16TC provides higher drain voltage for improved gain in C-band LNBs; versus MAX2640, it delivers triple-channel integration, self-contained negative rail, and hardware-enforced FET protection-reducing system-level design risk and component count.

Availability

ZNBG3000Q16TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for satellite receiver LNBs, private mobile radio (PMR) transceivers, and cellular telephone front-end modules requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation, and RF-stable bias control.

Supply support for ZNBG3000Q16TC 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 plc (acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2008) was a UK-based analog semiconductor specialist focused on high-performance discrete and interface solutions for RF, power, and signal conditioning.

The ZNBG series belongs to Zetex's RF bias controller product line, designed specifically for GaAs/HEMT FET biasing in satellite, wireless, and microwave infrastructure-emphasizing integration, protection, and RF stability in compact packages.

FAQ

What external components are mandatory for ZNBG3000Q16TC operation?

Four mandatory external components: two 47 nF capacitors (C_NB, C_SUB) for the internal charge-pump negative rail, one 4.7 nF capacitor per gate output (C_G), and one 10 nF capacitor per drain output (C_D). A single RCAL1 resistor (e.g., 33 kΩ) sets drain current. No inductors or additional regulators are needed.

Can unused bias channels be left unconnected without affecting performance?

Yes. Unused drain (D1–D3) and gate (G1–G3) pins may be left open-circuit with no impact on remaining active channels. The device maintains regulation, stability, and protection functions for powered channels. RCAL1 must remain connected even if fewer than three FETs are used.

How does the ZNBG3000Q16TC protect external FETs during power-up transients?

It enforces strict gate voltage limits (-3.5 V to +0.7 V) on all G1–G3 outputs regardless of supply ramp rate or sequence. Simultaneously, the drain outputs (D1–D3) remain inactive until the internal oscillator stabilizes and the -3 V rail reaches regulation-preventing uncontrolled FET turn-on and current surge.

Is the -3 V negative rail on CSUB capable of powering other circuitry?

Yes-the CSUB pin delivers up to 200 µA of regulated -3 V current and may supply low-power external circuitry such as RF switch bias or comparator references. Operation beyond 200 µA is not guaranteed and may degrade regulation or trigger shutdown.