Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
ADRF5721BCCZN

ADRF5721BCCZN

Analog Devices, Inc.

16 LEAD LGA

32

ALM-38140-BLKG

ALM-38140-BLKG

Broadcom

RF ATTENUATOR 36DB-42DB 6MCOB

0

M3933/16-05N

M3933/16-05N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB SMA MODULE

25

HMC656LP2ETR

HMC656LP2ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 6TDFN

1600

SMG30

SMG30

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

ATTENUATOR,SURFACE MOUNT

10

M3933/14-21N

M3933/14-21N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-83S

M3933/25-83S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM SMA

0

AT-106-PIN

AT-106-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

ATTENUATOR,RF,DIGITAL,

100

SQA-0182-06-SMA-02

SQA-0182-06-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

SPACE QUALIFIED ATTENUATOR, 06 D

10

M3933/25-36S

M3933/25-36S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/30-29S

M3933/30-29S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 16DB 50OHM SMA

0

PXV1220S-3DBN5-T

PXV1220S-3DBN5-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 0805

0

PE43705B-Z

PE43705B-Z

pSemi

RF ATTENUATOR 31.75DB 32VFQFN

1978

M3933/16-20N

M3933/16-20N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 3.5DB 50OHM SMA

19

M3933/14-19N

M3933/14-19N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 14DB 50OHM SMA

0

SF0930-6200-09

SF0930-6200-09

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM SMA

0

4779-6

4779-6

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB SMA MODULE

9

SF0929-6200-23

SF0929-6200-23

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 23DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATS-1M1F-04DB2W

ATS-1M1F-04DB2W

Connex (Amphenol RF)

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

6

HMC985A-SX

HMC985A-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR DIE

6

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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