Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
QMC-CRYOATTARY-00

QMC-CRYOATTARY-00

Quantum Microwave Components

CRYO ATTENUATOR 8-CHANNEL ARRAY

0

4768-20

4768-20

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB SMA MODULE

10

MAADSS0009TR-3000

MAADSS0009TR-3000

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 16SOIC

1304

MAATSS0022TR-3000

MAATSS0022TR-3000

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

DIGITAL ATTENUATOR,LSB,5 BIT 0.5

9000

M3933/16-23N

M3933/16-23N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 6.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

120083

120083

TPI (Test Products International)

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM BNC

659

HMC802ALP3ETR

HMC802ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 16VFQFN

1870

QMC12-ATT20

QMC12-ATT20

Quantum Microwave Components

20 DB E-BAND 2 INCH FIXED ATTENU

1

SF0929-6200-09

SF0929-6200-09

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM SMA

0

SF0915-6200-07

SF0915-6200-07

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATN3580-07

ATN3580-07

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB MODULE

10000

MAT10290

MAT10290

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

ATTENUATOR,DIE,29DB

200800

770-40

770-40

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 40DB MODULE

1

QMC-CRYOATT-10

QMC-CRYOATT-10

Quantum Microwave Components

CRYOGENIC ATTENUATOR10 DB

14

R413810115

R413810115

Radiall USA, Inc.

ATT SMA.86 10DB 4GHZ 2W

5

PXV1220S-4DBN4-T

PXV1220S-4DBN4-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 0805

0

HMC651-SX

HMC651-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM DIE

0

HMC346AMS8GE

HMC346AMS8GE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 32DB 50OHM 8TSSOP

1345

M3933/16-36N

M3933/16-36N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/30-15S

M3933/30-15S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 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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