Silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite coatings on Ti-30Nb-xTa alloys, prepared using a cyclic electrochemical deposition method, have been investigated using a variety of surface analytical experimental methods. The silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) coatings were prepared by electrolytic deposition in electrolytes containing Ca2+, PO43- and SiO32- ions. The deposited layers were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and a wettability test. Phase transformation from (alpha '' + beta) to largely beta occurred with increasing Ta content in the Ti-30Nb-xTa alloys, yielding larger grain size. The morphology of the Si-HA coatings was changed by increasing the number of deposition cycles, with the initial plate-like structures changing to mixed rod-like and plate-like shapes, and finally to a rod-like structure. From the ATR-FTIR spectra, Si existed in the form of SiO44- groups in Si-HA coating layer. The lowest aqueous contact angles and best wettability were found for the Si-HA coatings prepared with 30 deposition cycles. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.