How does a Varicap diode work?

A varactor diode is designed to store electric charge not to conduct electric current. So varactor diode should always be operated in reverse bias. When a reverse bias voltage is applied, the electrons from n-region and holes from p-region moves away from the junction.

How does a Varicap work?

Varactors are operated in a reverse-biased state, so no DC current flows through the device. The amount of reverse bias controls the thickness of the depletion zone and therefore the varactor’s junction capacitance. Thus, the capacitance is inversely proportional to the square root of applied voltage.

What is Varicap diode and its uses?

Varactor or varicap diodes are used mainly in radio frequency or RF circuits to provide voltage controlled variable capacitance. These electronic componenta can be used in a whole variety of ways where a capacitance level needs to be controlled by a voltage.

What is the difference between a diode and a capacitor?

A diode only allows current to pass through it in one direction. A capacitor, in the context you’ve described, acts as a low impedance path to GND for high frequency signals. So a diode protects current from going in an unintended direction whereas a capacitor resists voltage (across it’s plates) changing quickly.

Can a capacitor be used as a diode?

Capacitor is like a storage,which stores charge for a few sec and release the charge back to the circuit. No it can not be used as a diode.

What is the difference between varicap and varactor diodes?

The name varactor meaning variable reactor, or reactance, and varicap meaning variable capacitance (vari-cap). Varactor diodes are widely used within many RF designs. They provide a method of varying the capacitance within a circuit by the application of a control voltage.

Why is a varactor diode called a tuning diode?

Word Varactor is given to it due to its property of varying capacitance. Varactor diode can only be operated in reverse bias. It acts like variable capacitance in reverse bias operation. Varactor Diode is also known as Tuning Diode, Variable Reactance Diode, Varicap Diode or variable capacitance diode.

Can a varactor diode be used in reverse bias?

Varactor diode can only be operated in reverse bias. It acts like variable capacitance in reverse bias operation. Varactor Diode is also known as Tuning Diode, Variable Reactance Diode, Varicap Diode or variable capacitance diode.

How is a p-n junction diode a variable capacitor?

A P-N junction diode which acts as a variable capacitor by changing reverse bias is known as a Varactor Diode. Word Varactor is given to it due to its property of varying capacitance. Varactor diode can only be operated in reverse bias. It acts like variable capacitance in reverse bias operation.