Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
AT-306(40)

AT-306(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM SMA

0

MAAD-007086-000100

MAAD-007086-000100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

RF ATTENUATOR 50DB 50OHM 24SOIC

257

PXV1220S-3DBN1-T02

PXV1220S-3DBN1-T02

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 0805

0

M3933/14-01N

M3933/14-01N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM SMA

48

ATS1005-1DB-FD-T05

ATS1005-1DB-FD-T05

Susumu

HIGH FREQUENCY CHIP ATTENUATOR,

0

HMC470ATCPZ-EP-RL7

HMC470ATCPZ-EP-RL7

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB-31DB 16VFQFN

0

MAATCC0006

MAATCC0006

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 16SOIC

413450

CZB06S04060050HRT

CZB06S04060050HRT

Vishay / Dale

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 4SMD

0

ATN3580-20

ATN3580-20

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB MODULE

5800

CZB06S04000075LEA

CZB06S04000075LEA

Vishay / Dale

RF ATTENUATOR 0DB 75OHM 4SMD

0

SQA-0182-02-SMA-02

SQA-0182-02-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

SPACE QUALIFIED ATTENUATOR, 02 D

10

HMC539ALP3E

HMC539ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB 16VFDFN

330

4779-5

4779-5

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB SMA MODULE

6

CZB06S04060050HEA

CZB06S04060050HEA

Vishay / Dale

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 4SMD

0

QAT-3+

QAT-3+

3 DB SMT FIXED ATTENUATOR, DC -

0

AT0603C10ECAC7

AT0603C10ECAC7

American Technical Ceramics

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 0603

0

PXV1220S-5DBN7-T

PXV1220S-5DBN7-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM 0805

0

HMC539ALP3ETR

HMC539ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB 16VFDFN

738

773-10

773-10

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB NTYPE MODULE

5

HRF-AT4510-TR

HRF-AT4510-TR

Honeywell Aerospace

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM 24VQFN

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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