Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
F2258NLGK

F2258NLGK

Renesas Electronics America

RF ATTENUATOR 35DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

457

MAAD-007077-000100

MAAD-007077-000100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

DIGITAL ATTENUATOR,15 DB,4-BIT,T

125471

HMC654LP2E

HMC654LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 6VDFN

344

AT-1120(40)

AT-1120(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM SMA

0

PAT0510S-C-7DB-T10

PAT0510S-C-7DB-T10

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM 0402

92928

M3933/30-09S

M3933/30-09S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

0

H2.4-AT(9)-PJ

H2.4-AT(9)-PJ

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM 2.4MM

2

HMC655LP2ETR

HMC655LP2ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 6TDFN

1107

EXB-24AB1CR8X

EXB-24AB1CR8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 100OHM 0404

10000

HMC305SLP4E

HMC305SLP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 24VFQFN

129

PXV1220S-9DBN3-T

PXV1220S-9DBN3-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM 0805

0

ATN3590-15

ATN3590-15

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM DIE

0

M3933/25-71S

M3933/25-71S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 6.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/30-23S

M3933/30-23S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 11DB 50OHM SMA

0

SF0929-6200-03

SF0929-6200-03

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM SMA

35

M3933/25-36N

M3933/25-36N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/16-26N

M3933/16-26N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 9.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

HV-AT(9)-PJ

HV-AT(9)-PJ

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM 1.85MM

2

AT-112(40)

AT-112(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

SF0930-6200-17

SF0930-6200-17

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 17DB 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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