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RF Schottky Diodes: Applications, Benefits, and Manufacturers

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Introduction

RF Schottky diodes are extensively used for mixing, detection, and rectification in RF circuits. Their low forward voltage and fast switching speeds contribute to enhanced efficiency.

Popular manufacturers of RF Schottky diodes include ON Semiconductor, NXP Semiconductor, ROHM Semiconductor, MACOM, and M-Pulse Microwave.

What is an RF Schottky Diode?

Figure 1 depicts a Schottky diode structure and its equivalent circuit. As shown, it is formed using metal-semiconductor junctions at both ends. Metals such as chromium, tungsten, aluminum, platinum, and gold are used in its construction. It utilizes N-type silicon as the semiconductor material. The Schottky diode is constructed on a thin silicon (n+ type) substrate by epitaxially growing an n-type active layer of about 2 microns thickness. The metal-semiconductor junction is formed by depositing metal over SiO2.

Schottky diode and equivalent circuit

The circuit symbol of a Schottky diode is shown in Figure 2.

Schottky diode symbol

Figure 3 illustrates the characteristic of a Schottky diode. As shown, the V-I curve is steeper compared to a traditional p-n junction diode. From the curve, we can conclude that Schottky diodes exhibit a square law characteristic.

Schottky diode characteristic

Selection Guide

The following parameters are considered when selecting a Schottky diode for your needs:

  • Peak Reverse Voltage
  • Forward Voltage
  • Current Surge Peak
  • Reverse Leakage Current
  • Capacitance
  • Recovery Time
  • Working Temperature
  • Package Type

Advantages of RF Schottky Diodes

Here are some of the benefits of using Schottky diodes:

  1. Low Forward Voltage Drop: Reduces power loss and improves efficiency in RF and microwave circuits.
  2. High Switching Speed: Enables fast signal processing, making it ideal for high-frequency applications like mixers and detectors.
  3. Low Capacitance: Minimizes signal distortion and enhances performance in RF rectification and switching applications.
  4. Efficient Signal Detection: Commonly used in RF power detectors and envelope detectors due to its ability to detect weak signals effectively.
  5. Supports Wide Frequency Range Operation

RF Schottky Diode Manufacturers

The following table lists RF Schottky diode manufacturers along with their part numbers and technical features.

RF Schottky Diode ManufacturersDescription
ON Semiconductor• Part numbers: NSR15SDW1T1, NSR15SDW1T2 • They are designed for analog/digital applications viz. mixing, DC-based signal detection. • Major features are low capacitance, low VF, low VFΔ etc. • Visit following website for more Schottky diodes. • Website: onsemi.com
NXP Semiconductor• Part numbers: PMEG6045ETP, 1PS70SB84 • Read datasheets on the NXP company website for their technical specifications, package types, and dimensions. • Website: nxp.com
ROHM Semiconductor• Part Number: RB876WTL • Major features are ultra-small mold type, low capacitance, and highly efficient radio detection • Read data sheet at website: rohm.com for more technical specifications.
MACOM USA• Model: MA4E1338 series • Applications: Mixer, Detector, and Limiter circuits • Features: 8 V Schottky Diode, RoHS Compliant, operating frequency from DC to 6 GHz • Configurations available are single diode, series pair, unconnected pair • Visit Website macom.com for more part numbers.
M-Pulse Microwave• Part number: MP2052 • Features: Supports frequencies up to 18 MHz, 1V peak reverse voltage, 3mA forward current, and so on. • Visit website mpulsemw.com for more part numbers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right RF Schottky diode improves signal processing. Explore top manufacturers for high-performance diodes.