Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 Digitally Tunable Capacitor — 6‑bit, 64 States, 2.4–3.5 V, 10‑pin SMD
The Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 is a surface‑mount, digitally tunable capacitor designed for engineers who need compact, low‑power, and repeatable tuning in RF and mixed‑signal designs. As a programmable capacitor array with 6‑bit resolution (64 discrete capacitance states), it enables fine, digitally controlled adjustments to impedance and resonance without mechanical components. With typical supply current of approximately 63 µA and a 2.4–3.5 V operating range, the RFAC3612TR7 fits battery‑powered and space‑constrained applications. It ships in a 10‑pin package on tape‑and‑reel (TR7) for automated assembly lines.
Qorvo’s digitally tunable capacitor (DTC) approach helps simplify antenna matching, filter trimming, and adaptive RF front‑ends by replacing manual trimmers or complex switching networks with a single programmable component. The RFAC3612TR7 offers deterministic digital control, straightforward surface‑mount integration, and low power consumption that make it attractive to product teams focused on manufacturability and reliable field performance.
Key Features and Value
- Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 digitally tunable capacitor (DTC)
- 6‑bit resolution for 64 programmable states
- Low‑power operation: approximately 63 µA typical supply current
- 2.4 V to 3.5 V single‑supply operation
- Compact 10‑pin surface‑mount package
- Supplied on Tape & Reel (TR7) for high‑volume pick‑and‑place
- Ideal for digitally controlled tuning in RF and mixed‑signal systems
These attributes allow the RFAC3612TR7 to provide a clean handoff between hardware and firmware: the analog tuning element is established in hardware, while the actual tuning state is set in software, enabling calibration at test or adaptive control in the field.
At‑a‑Glance Specifications
- Manufacturer/Brand: Qorvo
- MPN: RFAC3612TR7
- Category: Digitally Tunable Capacitors (DTC)
- Function: Programmable array of capacitors (digitally tunable capacitor)
- Resolution: 6‑bit (64 states)
- Supply Voltage: 2.4 V to 3.5 V
- Supply Current: ~63 µA (typical)
- Package Pins: 10
- Mounting: Surface Mount
- Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR7)
- Temperature Range: Not specified in datasheet
- Control Interface/Logic Levels: Not specified in datasheet
- Capacitance Range, Q, Linearity, and Switching Time: Not specified in datasheet
Note: Any parameters not explicitly listed above are not specified in the provided data. Always verify final design‑critical values against the official Qorvo documentation.
Where the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 Fits
Digitally tunable capacitors like the RFAC3612TR7 are used wherever precise, adjustable reactance improves system performance or manufacturability:
- Antenna tuning and matching networks for cellular, ISM, GNSS, Wi‑Fi, and other wireless standards
- Tunable filters and duplexers requiring factory calibration or field adaptation
- Impedance matching in RF front‑ends to optimize gain, noise figure, or linearity across bands
- Frequency trimming in oscillators, resonators, or PLL/VCO loops
- Adaptive networks in IoT devices that encounter different enclosures or usage environments
- Prototyping and production scenarios where digitally controlled trims replace manual or mechanical adjustments
Because the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 can be programmatically set to one of 64 states, production calibration can be reduced to a quick digital write rather than component swaps, shaving cycle time and improving repeatability across builds.
Design‑In Considerations
Power and Supply Budget
- Operating from 2.4–3.5 V, the RFAC3612TR7 aligns with many MCU and wireless SoC rails used in portable devices.
- The typical current of ~63 µA supports low‑power operation and is friendly to battery‑powered and duty‑cycled systems.
- Ensure adequate decoupling at the device’s supply pins; follow Qorvo’s layout guidance from the datasheet/product page.
Digital Control Strategy
- The component provides 6‑bit resolution (64 states). The exact control interface and logic thresholds are not specified here—consult the Qorvo datasheet.
- In firmware, represent the tuning state as a 6‑bit value so your calibration and field algorithms can sweep or converge efficiently.
- For production, store per‑unit calibration values in non‑volatile memory and set the RFAC3612TR7 state during boot or test.
RF and Layout Practices
- Place the RFAC3612TR7 close to the network it tunes to minimize series parasitics.
- Use short, symmetrical traces and controlled impedance where applicable.
- Keep digital control lines routed away from sensitive RF nodes or provide filtering/isolation as needed.
- Establish a solid ground reference; pay attention to ground via placement around the component and matching network.
Characterization and Calibration
- Determine the best tuning algorithm for your system—e.g., binary search across 64 states, gradient/step sweeps, or table lookup.
- Correlate each state to system performance metrics (RSSI, SNR, EVM, ACLR, BER, or output power) to select the optimal code.
- For fielded devices, consider adaptive tuning when environmental or enclosure conditions change.
Reliability and Production
- Replace manual trim capacitors with the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 to reduce operator variability and cycle time.
- Digital programmability simplifies rework and late‑stage engineering changes by altering firmware rather than re‑spinning RF passives.
Package, Mounting, and Packaging
- 10‑pin surface‑mount package (exact mechanical format not specified in the provided data)
- Compatible with standard pick‑and‑place and reflow assembly
- Supplied on Tape & Reel (TR7), supporting automated high‑volume manufacturing
If your manufacturing flow requires specific reel dimensions, lead finish, or MSL details, consult the official Qorvo datasheet and packaging documentation to confirm tape width, pocket pitch, and moisture handling procedures.
Lifecycle and Compliance
- Lifecycle Status: Not specified (check Qorvo product page)
- RoHS/Environmental Compliance: Not specified in datasheet
- Recommended Replacements: None listed in the provided data
When qualifying the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 for production, verify formal compliance statements (RoHS, REACH, halogen‑free) and lifecycle state directly with Qorvo or authorized distribution to align with your company’s environmental and obsolescence policies.
Sourcing and Procurement Notes
- Part number: Qorvo RFAC3612TR7
- Category: Digitally Tunable Capacitor (programmable capacitor array)
- Packaging code: TR7 indicates Tape & Reel supply format
Tips for buyers and sourcing managers:
- Reference the full MPN “Qorvo RFAC3612TR7” in RFQs to avoid substitutions and ensure correct reel packaging.
- Confirm current lead time, MOQ, and any regional stocking programs with authorized Qorvo distributors.
- If your AVL requires alternates, consult Qorvo’s parametric search for devices with matching resolution, voltage, and package, then coordinate with engineering for functional equivalence testing. No specific replacements are provided in the current data.
Why Choose the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7?
- Digitally tunable: 6‑bit resolution delivers 64 repeatable states for fine control without manual trimming.
- Low power: ~63 µA typical current supports battery‑sensitive designs.
- Simple integration: 2.4–3.5 V operation and a compact 10‑pin SMD footprint fit common embedded design constraints.
- Scalable manufacturing: Tape & Reel (TR7) format and digital calibration streamline high‑volume production.
These characteristics make the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 a pragmatic choice for teams building wireless and mixed‑signal products that must tune reliably across manufacturing lots and real‑world conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the resolution of the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7?
A: It offers 6‑bit resolution, providing 64 programmable states.
Q: What supply voltage does the RFAC3612TR7 require?
A: It operates from 2.4 V to 3.5 V.
Q: What is the typical supply current?
A: Approximately 63 µA (typical).
Q: What package does the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 use?
A: A 10‑pin surface‑mount package. The specific mechanical details are not specified in the provided data; consult the datasheet for the exact footprint and dimensions.
Q: Is the control interface SPI, I²C, or GPIO‑based?
A: Not specified in the provided data. Refer to the official Qorvo documentation for control signaling, timing, and logic levels.
Q: Is the device RoHS compliant?
A: RoHS/environmental compliance is not specified in the provided information. Verify with Qorvo’s product page or compliance documents.
Q: What is the capacitance range and Q factor for each state?
A: Not specified in the provided data. Check the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 datasheet for capacitance values, Q, linearity, and any RF frequency limitations.
Q: Are there recommended replacements or alternate part numbers?
A: None are listed in the current data. If you need an alternate, use Qorvo’s parametric search and confirm suitability with your design team.
Resources
- Product Page: https://www.qorvo.com/products?search=RFAC3612TR7
- Datasheet/Documentation Search: https://www.qorvo.com/products?search=RFAC3612
Always verify critical parameters and layout guidelines against the latest Qorvo datasheet before committing to production.
Summary
The Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 is a compact, low‑power digitally tunable capacitor that brings 6‑bit, 64‑state programmability to RF and mixed‑signal designs. Operating from a 2.4–3.5 V supply and drawing roughly 63 µA typical, it suits battery‑powered and embedded applications that benefit from software‑controlled tuning. The 10‑pin SMD form factor and Tape & Reel (TR7) packaging streamline automated manufacturing, while digital calibration simplifies production test and ongoing field optimization.
Key aspects such as capacitance ranges, tuning linearity, switching time, and control interface details are not specified in the provided data and should be confirmed using Qorvo’s official documentation. For teams aiming to reduce manual adjustments, tighten yield, and enable adaptive RF performance, the Qorvo RFAC3612TR7 offers a practical, firmware‑friendly path to precise and repeatable tuning.