Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
27-9300-20

27-9300-20

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM BNC

280

SF0929-6200-05

SF0929-6200-05

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM SMA

5

PXV1220S-5DBN6-T

PXV1220S-5DBN6-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM 0805

0

AT-305(40)

AT-305(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM SMA

0

SKY12343-364LF

SKY12343-364LF

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

RF ATT 0.25-31.75DB 50OHM 32QFN

308215000

QMC15-ATT30

QMC15-ATT30

Quantum Microwave Components

30 DB V-BAND 2 INCH FIXED ATTENU

1

PXV1220S-9DBN8-T

PXV1220S-9DBN8-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM 0805

0

SF0929-6200-8.5

SF0929-6200-8.5

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 8.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/16-01N

M3933/16-01N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB SMA MODULE

4

ADRF5731BCCZN-R7

ADRF5731BCCZN-R7

Analog Devices, Inc.

16 LEAD LGA

0

HMC424ALH5

HMC424ALH5

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 12CLCC

5

F1956NBGI

F1956NBGI

Renesas Electronics America

RF ATTENUATOR 31.75DB 32WFQFN

2945

MAAD-007078-000100

MAAD-007078-000100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

DIGITAL ATTENUATOR,31 DB,5-BIT,T

122611

AT-304(40)

AT-304(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

0

CT3353-10

CT3353-10

Cal Test Electronics

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM BNC

1

HMC305SLP4ETR

HMC305SLP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 24VFQFN

380

AT-520(40)

AT-520(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM BNC

10

M3933/30-28S

M3933/30-28S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM SMA

0

HMC346ALC3BTR

HMC346ALC3BTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 26DB 50OHM 12CLCC

100

M3933/16-04S

M3933/16-04S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 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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