Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CT3353-06

CT3353-06

Cal Test Electronics

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM BNC

0

HMC973ALP3ETR

HMC973ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 28DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

168

SF0930-6200-07

SF0930-6200-07

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATT-0290-09-SMA-02

ATT-0290-09-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB SMA MODULE

9

HMC658LP2E

HMC658LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM 6TDFN

388

EXB-24AB6C1RX

EXB-24AB6C1RX

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 100OHM 0404

14729

4776-3

4776-3

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB SMA MODULE

20

PXV1220S-7DBN6-T

PXV1220S-7DBN6-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM 0805

0

HMC657LP2E

HMC657LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM 6TDFN

65

M3933/30-25N

M3933/30-25N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-75N

M3933/25-75N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 8.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

PXV1220S-3DBN2-T02

PXV1220S-3DBN2-T02

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 0805

0

4768-6

4768-6

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB SMA MODULE

11

AT-204(40)

AT-204(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

0

HMC712ALP3CE

HMC712ALP3CE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 28DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

QAT-2+

QAT-2+

2 DB SMT FIXED ATTENUATOR, DC -

0

M3933/14-06N

M3933/14-06N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM SMA

0

AT-1903(40)

AT-1903(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/14-12N

M3933/14-12N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-84S

M3933/25-84S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 16DB 50OHM SMA

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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