Discussion

Chip Diode devices for use in integrated circuits and hybrid integrated circuits have proliferated in the last few years. Today circuit designer is faced with a multiplicity of alternatives in the involving tradeoffs of particular advantages and disadvantages. The obvious advantages in the use of chip diodes in hybrid integrated circuit applications are their very small size and potentially lower cost. Small size and simplicity of structure give the benefit of minimal parasitics, but as the size of the diode becomes smaller, handling and production problems increase. By outlining our conclusions, we hope to help the designer overcome some of the difficulties encountered when using chips in MIC applications. M/A-COM Tech manufactures a large selection of chip and packaged diodes for hybrid integrated circuits. Obviously not all diode types are available in all configurations. Characteristics such as breakdown voltage or capacitance may limit the  size of the chip or its form.