Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC973ALP3E

HMC973ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 28DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

737

QMC15-ATT03

QMC15-ATT03

Quantum Microwave Components

3 DB V-BAND 1 INCH FIXED ATTENUA

4

SQA-0182-20-SMA-02

SQA-0182-20-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

SPACE QUALIFIED ATTENUATOR, 20 D

10

4798

4798

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB MODULE

0

HMC652LP2ETR

HMC652LP2ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 6TDFN

918

AT-405(40)

AT-405(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM NTYPE

0

M3933/30-30N

M3933/30-30N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 17DB 50OHM SMA

0

AT-1003(40)

AT-1003(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM SMA

0

AT-1110(40)

AT-1110(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATS1005-5DB-FD-T1

ATS1005-5DB-FD-T1

Susumu

HIGH FREQUENCY CHIP ATTENUATOR,

0

HMC759LP3ETR

HMC759LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATT 0.25-31.75DB 50OHM 16QFN

0

ATT-0290-10-SMA-02

ATT-0290-10-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB SMA MODULE

79

ATN3580-03

ATN3580-03

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB MODULE

0

M3933/25-20N

M3933/25-20N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM SMA

0

MAT10170

MAT10170

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

ATTENUATOR,DIE,17DB

2004000

SKY12322-86LF

SKY12322-86LF

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 10TFSOP

3000

M3933/25-79N

M3933/25-79N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 11DB 50OHM SMA

0

PXV1220S-6DBN4-T

PXV1220S-6DBN4-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 0805

0

MAADCC0006TR

MAADCC0006TR

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

ATTENUATOR

1000

R499103000

R499103000

Radiall USA, Inc.

PHASE SHIFT M-F 0-18GHZ

4

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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