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Varicap diodes
Playing an important role in a host of RF applications
Varicap diodes (or varactor or tuning diodes) are principally used as voltage variable capacitors, with their diode function a secondary option. These small devices play an important role in a host of RF applications from tuning, frequency multiplier and modulation, to couple elements in filters with controlled bandwidth, parametric amplification and switching in the VHF and microwave regions.
Key benefits
- Very small and leadless SMD packages
- Complete portfolio covering a wide range of applications
Key features
- Excellent linearity and matching
- Very low series resistance
- Tight capacitance specifications
- High capacitance ratio
Key applications
- Electronic tuning including satellite and terrestrial TV tuners
- DVD recorders
- FM radio tuning from car radios to mobile phones
- Voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)
- Voltage controlled crystal oscillator / temperature controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO/TCXO)
Descriptive summary
A key product focus for NXP, our very diverse varicap portfolio covers a multitude of applications. For example, among the latest developments in low voltage varicap diodes is the BB202LX in the Ultra Thin Leadless Package (UTLP) SOD882T. This solution is ideal for electronic FM radio tuning and VCOs (Voltage Controlled Oscillators) in mobile phones.