In this paper, we present the results of a study conducted on a semiconductor coupled surface acoustic wave (SAW) programmable correlator, in which the propagating SAW on a highly coupling coefficient piezoelectric substrate, couples with a bonded semiconductor diode bridge through multi-strips. We propose a novel programmable correlator with a Schottky diode structure. It shows high efficiency and robustness against parameter variations including temperature variation of delay. We discussed the basic requirements of nonlinear capacitance characteristics of the diode for parallel and series circuits. We estimated the basic performance of the device using circuit simulation and fabricated a test device using an epitaxial lift off film bonding technology. The basic operation of the programmable correlator is confirmed for a polarity change output signal and response for the coded signal.