Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E6B
E6B04E6B

What type of semiconductor device is designed for use as a voltage-controlled capacitor?

Deep Dive: E6B04

The correct answer is A: Varactor diode. What type of semiconductor device is designed for use as a voltage-controlled capacitor is a varactor diode. Varactor diodes change capacitance with voltage. For amateur radio operators, this is important for component knowledge. Understanding this helps when using voltage-controlled capacitors.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B (Tunnel diode): Incorrect. Tunnel diode isn't a voltage-controlled capacitor - varactor diode is. Tunnel diode isn't the device. Option C (Silicon-controlled rectifier): Incorrect. SCR isn't a voltage-controlled capacitor - varactor diode is. SCR isn't the device. Option D (Zener diode): Incorrect. Zener diode isn't a voltage-controlled capacitor - varactor diode is. Zener diode isn't the device.

Exam Tip

Voltage-controlled capacitor = varactor diode. Think 'V'aractor = 'V'ariable 'C'apacitor (voltage-controlled). Varactor diodes change capacitance with voltage. Not tunnel diode, not SCR, not Zener - just varactor diode.

Memory Aid

Voltage-controlled capacitor = varactor diode. Think 'V'aractor = 'V'ariable capacitance. Varactor diodes change capacitance with voltage. Important for component knowledge.

Real-World Example

A voltage-controlled capacitor: It's a varactor diode. Varactor diodes change their capacitance based on the applied reverse voltage, making them useful for tuning circuits. This is the device - varactor diode.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E6B

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E6 - Circuit Components

Key Concepts

Semiconductor device Voltage-controlled capacitor Varactor diode

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E6B topic.