Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PAT1220-C-7DB-T5

PAT1220-C-7DB-T5

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM 0805

10190

HMC539ALP3

HMC539ALP3

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB

171

HMC-C053

HMC-C053

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 32DB 50OHM MODULE

1

ATN3590-00

ATN3590-00

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0DB 50OHM DIE

0

PXV1220S-4DBN5-T

PXV1220S-4DBN5-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 0805

0

M3933/16-10N

M3933/16-10N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB SMA MODULE

0

QMC-CRYOATT-03

QMC-CRYOATT-03

Quantum Microwave Components

CRYOGENIC ATTENUATOR 3 DB

4

KAT-7+

KAT-7+

7 DB SMT FIXED ATTENUATOR, DC -

0

AT-130(40)

AT-130(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM SMA

0

PE43508A-V

PE43508A-V

pSemi

6BIT 31.5DB 0.5DB, 1.0DB DIGITAL

351

ATM-N1N2D1000

ATM-N1N2D1000

RF ATTENUATION N TYPE PLUG-JACK

50

PXV1220S-10DBN6-T

PXV1220S-10DBN6-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 0805

0

05S1P5-K2AS3

05S1P5-K2AS3

Rosenberger

PRECISION N TYPE MATCHING ATTENU

0

PAT0510S-C-2DB-T10

PAT0510S-C-2DB-T10

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 0402

24991

G40

G40

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

ATTENUATOR

1015

PXV1220S-5DBN2-T02

PXV1220S-5DBN2-T02

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM 0805

0

M3933/25-34S

M3933/25-34S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB 50OHM SMA

0

MAT10300

MAT10300

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

ATTENUATOR,DIE,30DB

200

HMC1018ALP4ETR

HMC1018ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 24VFQFN

0

ATS-1M1F-05DB2W

ATS-1M1F-05DB2W

Connex (Amphenol RF)

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM SMA

30

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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