DATA SHEET
DDC, CDC, SMS Series: Zero Bias Silicon Schottky Barrier
Detector Diodes
Applications
x Microwave Integrated Circuits
x Detectors
Features
x High sensitivity
x Low video impedance
x Packages rated MSL1, 260 qC per JEDEC J-STD-020)
Skyworks offers lead (Pb)-free, RoHS (Restriction of
Hazardous Substances) compliant packaging.
TSS is a parameter that best describes the use of a diode as a video
detector. It is defined as the amount of signal power, below a one
milliwatt reference level, required to produce an output pulse with
an amplitude sufficient to raise noise fluctuations by an amount
Description
Skyworks packaged, beam-lead and zero-bias Schottky barrier
detector diodes are designed for applications through the K band.
The choice of barrier metal and process techniques results in a
group of diodes with a wide selection of video impedance ranges.
equal to the average noise level. TSS is approximately 4 dB above
the minimum detectable signal.
Voltage output is another useful parameter since it can be used in
the design of threshold detectors and power monitor circuits. Since
voltage output is a function of the diode’s video impedance, a
different minimum value is specified for each video impedance
range.
Packaged diodes are suitable for use in waveguide, coaxial, and
stripline applications. Beam-lead and chip diodes can also be
mounted in a variety of packages.
The DDC, CDC, and SMS series of Schottky diodes are especially
well suited for use in Microwave Integrated Circuit (MIC)
applications where the chip and wire approach is more desirable.
Mounted beam-lead diodes can be easily used in MIC, stripline, or
other such circuitry.
The absolute maximum ratings for the DDC, CDC, and SMS series
of Schottky diodes is provided in Table 1. Electrical and physical
specifications are provided in Table 2. Package types for the
epoxy and hermetic diodes are listed in Table 3.
Typical performance characteristics are shown in Figures 1
through 8. Typical video detector circuits are shown in Figure 9.
The multi-octave, high-sensitivity circuit would be used in Electronic
Countermeasures (ECM) and similar applications. An RF matching
structure that presents maximum power at the diode junction must
be incorporated to ensure maximum sensitivity.
Applications
The DDC, CDC, and SMS series of zero-bias Schottky diodes are
designed for detector applications through 26 GHz and are useful
up to 40 GHz. They require no bias and operate efficiently even at
tangential signal power levels. Since they require no bias, noise is at
a minimum. A low video impedance means a short R-C time
constant and, therefore, wide video bandwidth and excellent pulse
fidelity.
The broadband low-sensitivity circuit would be used where a low
input VSWR is required. In this circuit, low VSWR is accomplished by
the use of the 50 Ω terminating resistor. Sensitivity, however, is
degraded by typically 10 dB from the multi-octave, high-sensitivity
circuit. The most common use for this circuit is in a broadband, flat
detector used primarily in the laboratory.
As power monitors, these diodes may also be used to directly drive
metering circuits even at low power input levels. These diodes are
categorized by Tangential Signal Sensitivity (TSS), voltage output,
and video impedance for detector applications.
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. • Phone [781] 376-3000 • Fax [781] 376-3100 • sales@skyworksinc.com • www.skyworksinc.com
200843B • Skyworks Proprietary Information • Products and Product Information are Subject to Change Without Notice • October 7, 2009
1