Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PE43713B-Z

PE43713B-Z

pSemi

RF ATTENUATOR 31.75DB 32VFQFN

4200

SQA-0180-03-SMA-02

SQA-0180-03-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

SPACE QUALIFIED ATTENUATOR, 03 D

0

HMC1122LP4METR

HMC1122LP4METR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

1515

PAT1220-C-4DB-T5

PAT1220-C-4DB-T5

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 0805

12625

QMC-CRYOATT-06

QMC-CRYOATT-06

Quantum Microwave Components

CRYOGENIC ATTENUATOR6 DB

12

M3933/16-01S

M3933/16-01S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM SMA

25

M3933/25-27S

M3933/25-27S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM SMA

0

MAT10020

MAT10020

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB DIE

4003900

M3933/30-29N

M3933/30-29N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 16DB 50OHM SMA

0

HMC624ACPSZ-EP-PT

HMC624ACPSZ-EP-PT

Analog Devices, Inc.

EP VARIABLE GAIN ATTENUATOR

31

ATT-0290-08-SMA-02

ATT-0290-08-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB SMA MODULE

8

HK-AT(6)-PJ

HK-AT(6)-PJ

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 2.92MM

10

HMC8073LP3DE

HMC8073LP3DE

Analog Devices, Inc.

CUSTOM 0.6-3.0GHZ, 6-BIT DIG ATT

305

SF0929-6200-125

SF0929-6200-125

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

R412403124

R412403124

Radiall USA, Inc.

ATT BNC 3DB 3 GHZ 1W

10

MAAT-010521-L1TR05

MAAT-010521-L1TR05

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

VOLTAGE VARIABLE ATTENUATOR

367

PAT0510S-C-3DB-T10

PAT0510S-C-3DB-T10

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 0402

112666

KAT-15+

KAT-15+

15 DB SMT FIXED ATTENUATOR, DC -

0

M3933/30-12N

M3933/30-12N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 5.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

AT-514(40)

AT-514(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 14DB 50OHM BNC

0

Attenuators

1. Overview

RF (Radio Frequency)/IF (Intermediate Frequency) attenuators and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) attenuators are passive or active devices designed to reduce signal strength in wireless communication systems. They play a critical role in signal conditioning, impedance matching, and protecting sensitive components from over-power conditions. These attenuators are essential in ensuring optimal performance in modern communication systems, test equipment, and RFID networks.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
Fixed AttenuatorsProvide constant attenuation across defined frequency bandsSignal leveling in base stations
Variable AttenuatorsAdjustable attenuation via manual/electronic controlCalibration in test instruments
Digital Step Attenuators (DSA)Programmable attenuation steps with digital interfaces5G beamforming systems
Surface Mount AttenuatorsMiniaturized SMD packages for PCB integrationIoT module signal conditioning
Waveguide AttenuatorsHigh-power handling for microwave frequenciesSatellite communication systems

3. Structure and Components

Typical RF/IF attenuators consist of: - Resistive Networks: Pi/T-type configurations using thin-film resistors - Dielectric Materials: Alumina or ceramic substrates for RF stability - Connectors: SMA, N-Type, or waveguide ports with 50/75 impedance - Housing: Aluminum alloy enclosures for EMI shielding - Thermal Management: Heat sinks or thermal vias for power dissipation

4. Key Technical Parameters

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Frequency RangeOperational bandwidth (e.g., 0.1 6 GHz)Determines application compatibility
Attenuation RangeSignal reduction capacity (e.g., 0 30 dB)Defines dynamic range control
Power HandlingMax average/Peak power (e.g., 2W/10W)Prevents thermal damage
VSWRVoltage Standing Wave Ratio (e.g., <1.5:1)Indicates impedance matching quality
Insertion LossPassive signal loss at minimum attenuationAffects system efficiency
Temperature StabilityAttenuation drift over temperature (e.g., 0.05 dB/ C)Ensures consistent performance

5. Application Fields

Key industries include: - Telecommunications: 5G/4G base stations, fiber optic networks - Test & Measurement: Spectrum analyzers, signal generators - Medical: MRI RF chain protection - Automotive: V2X communication systems - RFID Systems: Reader power calibration, tag detection range control

Case Example: In UHF RFID systems (860 960 MHz), fixed attenuators ensure consistent read range by limiting backscatter interference.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Specifications
Keysight Technologies8491B Waveguide Attenuator2.6 40 GHz, 10W average power
Analog DevicesADL5240 DSA0.1 4 GHz, 31.5 dB range (0.5 dB steps)
Mini-CircuitsVAT-2+DC 8 GHz, 0 20 dB manual attenuation
Bourns Inc.RCAT24502.4 5 GHz, 0402 SMD package

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations: 1. Match frequency range and impedance (50/75 ) 2. Calculate required attenuation range with safety margin 3. Verify power handling (consider peak pulses in RFID) 4. Environmental factors (temperature, vibration) 5. Package type (coaxial/SMD/waveguide) 6. Cost vs. precision trade-offs ( 0.5 dB vs. 2 dB tolerance)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include: - Development for mmWave (24 100 GHz) 5G systems - Integration with MEMS for reconfigurable RF front-ends - Increased adoption of absorbing materials for size reduction - Growing demand for RFID-specific IC-integrated attenuators - Advancements in thermal management for high-power GaN systems

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