GaAs Abrupt
Tuning Varactors
Features
q
q
q
MA46600 Series
V3.00
Case Styles
Highest Q
Large Capacitance Variation with Voltage
Custom Tailored Designs Available on Request
Description
The MA46600 series of microwave tuning varactors is a
family of abrupt junction gallium arsenide devices featur-
ing Q factors in excess of 8000. This series is specifically
designed for broadband high Q tuning performance (up
to 8000 at -4 volts and 50 MHz) from L through Ka band.
Characteristics such as high reliability, low leakage and
close capacitance tracking between diodes are typical of
these devices. Standard capacitance matching is ± 10%,
but closer matching is available upon request. All diode
types are available in a wide selection of ceramic pack-
ages as well as in chip form.
Applications
The MA46600 series of tuning varactors can be used for
both broad and narrow band tuning through Ka-band.
Typical applications include solid state tuning of VCOs
using transistors or Gunns as well as voltage tunable
filters and amplifier circuits. The GaAs abrupt junction
tuning varactors offer the highest Q of any tuning varac-
tors and are utilized in high frequency applications where
Q is premium.
Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice.
M/A-COM, Inc.
North America:
Tel. (800) 366-2266
Fax (800) 618-8883
s
1
Asia/Pacific: Tel. +81 (03) 3226-1671
Fax +81 (03) 3226-1451
s
Europe: Tel. +44 (1344) 869 595
Fax +44 (1344) 300 020
GaAs Abrupt Junction Tuning Varactors
Electrical Specifications at 25°C
Model
Number
MA46600
MA46601
MA46602
MA46603
MA46604
MA46605
MA46607
MA46609
Reverse
6
Voltage
(Volts)
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
C
T4
1,2
± 10% (pF)
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.5
2.2
Q @ -4 Volts
(Typical)
8000
7500
7000
6500
6000
5700
5000
4000
MA46600 Series
V3.00
Ratio
1,2
C
T0
/C
T
V
B
(pF)
(Typical)
1.9
2.1
2.5
2.8
3.2
3.4
3.8
4.0
C
TO
/C
TV
(RATIO)
Notes:
1. Capacitance is measured at 1 MHz on a bridge which has been bal-
anced with shielded test holders connected in place but open circuited.
2. All GaAs tuning varactors are available in any case style shown in this
bulletin as well as in chip form. When ordering, specify the desired
case by adding the case designation as a suffix to the model number,
i.e., MA46601-30. For example, a MA46601-30 specifies a 30 volt tun-
ing diode in a case style 30 with a C
T14
between .36 and .44 pF and a
Q at -4 volts and 50 MHz
≥7500.
The capacitance values and capaci-
tance ratios are for case style 30. Other case styles or chips will have
slightly different values.
3. All junctions are abrupt i.e., y = 0.50 ± .03.
4. Total capacitance ratios will vary with case choice due to differences in
case capacitance (Cp). Figure 1 shows the ratio for the 30 case style.
5. Case parasitics (C
p
and L
s
) are given for most case styles.
6. Breakdown voltage (V
B
) is specified at -10 µA.
Typical Performance Curve
CAPACITANCE CHANGE RATIOS FOR GaAs
TUNING VARACTORS IN CASE STYLE 30
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
UNPACKAGED CHIP
C
TO
= 4.0pF
C
TO
= 2.0pF
C
TO
= 1.0pF
Absolute Maximum Ratings at +25°C
Parameter
Temperature:
Operating
Storage
Voltage
Power Dissipation
(derate linearly to zero at 200°C)
2
C
TO
= 0.5pF
-65°C to + 175°C
-65°C to + 200°C
See Breakdown Voltage
Cj < 1.0 pF max. @ 50 mW
Cj
≥
1.0 pF min. @ 100 mW
1
1
2
3
4
6
8 10
20
30
VOLTAGE (VOLTS)
Environmental Ratings
Method
Temperature, Storage
Temperature, Cycling
Shock
Vibration
1031
1051
2016
2056
Levels
See Maximum Ratings
5 cycles, -65 to + 150 C
500 g’s
15 g’s
20,000 g’s
10 days
Constant Acceleration
2006
Moisture Resistance
1021
Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice.
2
North America:
Tel. (800) 366-2266
Fax (800) 618-8883
s
M/A-COM, Inc.
Asia/Pacific: Tel. +81 (03) 3226-1671
Fax +81 (03) 3226-1451
s
Europe: Tel. +44 (1344) 869 595
Fax +44 (1344) 300 020
GaAs Abrupt Junction Tuning Varactors
MA46600 Series
V3.00
Case Styles
(See appendix for complete dimensions)
Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice.
M/A-COM, Inc.
North America:
Tel. (800) 366-2266
Fax (800) 618-8883
s
3
Asia/Pacific: Tel. +81 (03) 3226-1671
Fax +81 (03) 3226-1451
s
Europe: Tel. +44 (1344) 869 595
Fax +44 (1344) 300 020