A varactor diode, also referred to as a varicap, tuning or epicap diode, enables tunable capacities in electrical circuitry. In short, these electrical components exhibit capacitance in response to controlled voltage. As voltage increases the capacitance of the varactor diode decreases.

These varactor diodes are important in CMOS and BICMOS circuits, oscillators, multipliers, phase shifters and radio frequency components. When ordering from a varactor diode manufacturer, supplier or distributor, consider the following:

1. Buy varactor diodes from suppliers and distributors for tiered pricing and large orders.

2. Obtain full electrical specifications by part number, type or call a varactor diode maker with your parameters.

3. Work with varactor diode makers for standard, custom or obsolete parts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a varactor diode supplier for general purpose and hyperabrupt products

These components include, among others, silicon and hermetic ceramic packaged varactor diodes in a variety of capacitance/voltage specifications. See a wide range of in-stock general purpose and specialty tuning, epicap, abrupt and hyperabrupt diodes.

I recommend: Scroll down the page at American Microsemiconductor, then click “Varactor Diodes” or “General-Purpose” for a varactor diode list; click product code and order online. Go to Skyworks Solutions; click hyperabrupt varactor diodes for specifications and product numbers, then click “Worldwide Sales” for the closest sales rep.

Place large orders from these varactor diode distributors

Two companies provide online buying with scrolling and interactive features to find your exact specifications. Terminations styles include solder pad, lug, SMD/SMT and through hole in bulk, reel or tube packaging.

I recommend: Scroll through several pages of diodes and place small to large 12,000-plus orders of varactor diodes with an online account at Mouser Electronics. Phone the number, email the sales department or fill in the form at Husky International Electronics, a large supplier and distributor of standard, hard to find and obsolete components. Go to Avnet and buy online varactor diodes with tiered pricing.

Find varactor diode manufacturers for standard and custom solutions

These makers of varactor diodes offer a variety of specialized services. API is able to manufacture replacements for obsolete parts. Each company offers capabilities to design, produce and test components in standard or custom specifications.

I recommend: Scroll through the page for varactor tuning diodes “Device Type” and specifications, click “Price List” and find your product; then click “Order Page” to buy online at Crystalonics, a varactor diode distributor and manufacturer. Go to M-pulse Microwave to select part numbers for 30-volt series varactor diodes and click “Contact Us” or “Sales Rep” for pricing. Request a quote at API Electronics, specializing in tuning and hyperabrupt, standard, custom obsolete or replacement parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Varactor diode suppliers, distributors and manufacturers often list the major specifications including capacitance, voltage, working voltage and leakage current.