Silicon-based RF capacitors

Vishay has released a family of surface mount, silicon-based RF capacitors in the 0201 footprint that will help designers reduce the size and improve the performance of wireless communications products.

Capacitance is very stable in a wide range of frequencies from 1 MHz to several GHz. The surface mount construction measures just 0.61 x 0.30 mm with very thin 0.23 mm height profile. Single-side contact configuration eliminates the 'tombstoning' problem associated with conventional capacitors with wrap-around termination, but HPC0201A fits on exactly the same pads designed for conventional wraparound terminations.

The capacitors enable higher-precision RF operation at high frequencies while delivering low parasitic inductance and tight tolerances. They also help designers reduce wireless system product size and assembly costs while improving performance.

Key applications include: voltage controlled oscillators; filter networks; matching networks; and RF modules for wireless communications products such as mobile and cordless phones; and global positioning systems. They are also suitable for implantable defibrillators and other medical applications.