Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
AT-108(40)

AT-108(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB 50OHM SMA

0

HV-AT(8)-PJ

HV-AT(8)-PJ

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB 50OHM 1.85MM

2

ATT-0263-03-SMA-02

ATT-0263-03-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB SMA MODULE

24

AT-130V

AT-130V

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM SMA

59

HV-AT(3)-PJ

HV-AT(3)-PJ

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 1.85MM

0

HMC540SLP3E

HMC540SLP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 16VFQFN

1369

HMC539ALP3TR

HMC539ALP3TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB

0

R415720000

R415720000

Radiall USA, Inc.

ATT N 20DB 8GHZ 10W

10

M3933/16-21S

M3933/16-21S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 4.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

MAX19792ETX+

MAX19792ETX+

Analog Devices, Inc.

MAX19792 500MHZ TO 4000MHZ DUAL

7272

M3933/14-07N

M3933/14-07N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM SMA

0

SF0929-6200-105

SF0929-6200-105

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 10.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

4778-30

4778-30

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB SMA MODULE

23

M3933/25-38N

M3933/25-38N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-28N

M3933/25-28N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM SMA

12

HMC629ALP4ETR

HMC629ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 45DB 50OHM 24VFQFN

266

SQA-0181-02-SMA-02

SQA-0181-02-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

SPACE QUALIFIED ATTENUATOR, 02 D

0

HMC657LP2ETR

HMC657LP2ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

DC-25 GHZ, WIDEBAND FIXED ATTENU

674

CATTEN-04R0

CATTEN-04R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

9

ATS-1M1F-09DB2W

ATS-1M1F-09DB2W

Connex (Amphenol RF)

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM SMA

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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