Fiber Optics - Attenuators

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	HSC-AT5K-A15A(40) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HSC-AT11K-A16(20) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HRFC-AT1S-B15A(61) Hirose	CONN FC ATTENUATOR 15DB	0
	HMU-PJAT1K-A20R1 Hirose	CONN MU ATTENUATOR FIXED 20DB	0
	HSC-AT11K-A08(20) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HSC-AT5K-A20S(40) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HSC-AT11K-A09(20) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HRFC-AT1S-B20A(60) Hirose	CONN FC ATTENUATOR 20DB	0
	HSC-AT11K-A11R5 Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HMU-PAT-FH-K120 Hirose	CONN MU ATTENUATOR IN-LINE 20DB	0
	HSC-AT11K-A10R5 Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HSC-AT4S-B20A(40) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HMU-PJAT1K-A06R1 Hirose	CONN MU ATTENUATOR FIXED 6DB	0
	HSC-AT11K-A30R5 Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HSC-AT8K-A05S(40) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HSC-AT5K-A05A(40) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HRFC-AT11K-B00(21) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HSC-AT5K-A10S(40) Hirose	CONNECTOR	0
	HRFC-AT1S-B05A(60) Hirose	CONN FC ATTENUATOR 5DB	0
	HMU-PJAT1K-A08R1 Hirose	CONN MU ATTENUATOR FIXED 8DB	0

Fiber Optics - Attenuators

1. Overview

Fiber optic attenuators are passive optical components designed to reduce signal power in fiber optic transmission systems. They achieve controlled light intensity reduction through absorption, scattering, or reflection mechanisms. These devices play a critical role in maintaining optimal signal levels for receivers in telecommunications, data centers, and sensor networks.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Fixed Attenuators	Precise attenuation values (1-30 dB)	Signal balancing in PON networks
Variable Attenuators	Adjustable attenuation (0.1-0.5 dB resolution)	System testing and calibration
In-line Attenuators	DIN/FC/SC interface compatibility	Telecom backbone networks
Fiber Pigtail Attenuators	Weldable pigtail cables	Optical amplifier gain control

3. Structural Composition

Typical construction includes: 1) Ceramic ferrule with precision aperture 2) Attenuation medium (doped glass/metallic films) 3) Connector housing (zirconia or stainless steel) 4) Strain relief boot. Advanced designs incorporate angle-polished facets to minimize back reflection.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Significance	Typical Range
Wavelength Range	Determines compatibility with transmission bands	1250-1650 nm
Attenuation Range	Defines signal reduction capability	1-30 dB
Accuracy	Critical for precise network planning	0.2 to 0.5 dB
Return Loss	Measures reflected signal suppression	>60 dB
Operating Temperature	Environmental stability indicator	-40 to +85 C

5. Application Domains

Telecommunications: DWDM network power equalization
Data Centers: 100G/400G transceiver signal conditioning
Medical: Laser protection in endoscopic systems
Industrial: Sensor network calibration
Military: High-power laser beam control

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Features
Keysight Technologies	81500 Series	Dynamic range: 70 dB
Thorlabs	FA Series	FC/PC and LC interfaces
Finisar	FADxxx	DWDM-optimized
Corning	SMF-28 Attenuators	Low PDL: <0.05 dB

7. Selection Guidelines

Match attenuation value to link budget calculations
Verify wavelength compatibility with system requirements
Choose connector type (SC/LC/MPO) based on infrastructure
Evaluate environmental specifications (temperature/humidity)
Consider certification standards (Telcordia GR-1221)

8. Industry Trends

Current development directions include: 1) Miniaturization for high-density MPO systems 2) Smart attenuators with integrated monitoring 3) Broadband devices covering O+E+S+C+L bands 4) Radiation-hardened components for aerospace applications. Market growth is projected at 7.2% CAGR through 2027, driven by 5G and hyperscale data center expansions.