RF Schottky Diode: Applications, Benefits & Leading Manufacturers
Introduction: RF Schottky diodes are widely used for mixing, detection and rectification in RF circuits. Their low forward voltage and fast switching speeds enhance efficiency. The popular manufacturers of RF schottky diode are ON Semiconductor, NXP semiconductor, ROHM Semiconductor, MACOM, M-Pulse Microwave etc.
What is RF schottky diode ?
The figure-1 depicts schottky diode structure and its equivalent circuit. As shown it is formed by using metal semiconductor junctions at both the ends. Metals such as chromium, tungsten aluminium, platinum, gold etc. are used it its construction. It uses N-type silicon as semiconductor material.
The schottky diode is constructed on a thin silicon(n+ type) substrate by growing epitaxially on n-type active layer of about 2 micron thickness. Metal semiconductor junction is formed by depositing metal over SiO2.

The circuit symbol of schottky diode is shown in following figure-2.

The following figure-3 depicts characteristic of schottky diode. As shown V-I curve is steeper compare to traditional p-n junction diode. From curve, we can conclude that schottky diodes exhibits square law characteristic.

Selection Guide
Following parameters are considered for selection of schottky diode for your need.
• Peak Reverse Voltage
• Forward Voltage
• Current Surge Peak
• Reverse leakage current
• Capacitance
• Recovery Time
• Working temperature
• Package Type
Advantages of RF Schottky diode
Following are some of the benefits of Schottky diode.
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
Following table mentions RF schottky diode manufacturers with part numbers and technical features.
RF schottky diode Manufacturers | Description |
---|---|
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. • Refer following website for more schottky diodes. • Website : onsemi.com |
NXP semiconductor | • Part numbers : PMEG6045ETP, 1PS70SB84 • Refer datasheets on NXP company website for their technical specifications, package types and dimensions. • Website : nxp.com |
ROHM Semiconductor | • Part Number : RB876WTL • Major features are ultla small mold type, low capacitance and high efficient radio detection • Refer 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 • Refer 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. • Refer website mpulsemw.com for more part numbers. |
Conclusion
Choosing the right RF Schottky diode improves signal processing. Explore top manufacturers for high performance diodes.
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