Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
M3933/25-59N

M3933/25-59N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5DB 50OHM SMA

39

HMC424A-SX

HMC424A-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB DIE

50

M3933/25-66S

M3933/25-66S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

46

4108-6DB

4108-6DB

Pomona Electronics

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM BNC

21

M3933/25-88N

M3933/25-88N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM SMA

36

M3933/14-01S

M3933/14-01S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM SMA

0

HRF-AT4520-FL-TR

HRF-AT4520-FL-TR

Honeywell Aerospace

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 50OHM 24VQFN

0

ATT-0290-04-SMA-02

ATT-0290-04-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB SMA MODULE

28

CATTEN-07R0

CATTEN-07R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM SMA

0

HRF-AT4511-FL-TR

HRF-AT4511-FL-TR

Honeywell Aerospace

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM 16VQFN

0

CATTEN-0100-BNC

CATTEN-0100-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM BNC

8

MAAV-007088-000100

MAAV-007088-000100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

VARIABLE ATTENUATOR.

93401

HMC939ALP4ETR

HMC939ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 24VFQFN

423

R411810121

R411810121

Radiall USA, Inc.

ATT SMA.75 10DB 18GHZ 2W

4

M3933/14-03S

M3933/14-03S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM SMA

0

PXV1220S-1DBN5-T

PXV1220S-1DBN5-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM 0805

0

PXV1220S-10DBN8-T

PXV1220S-10DBN8-T

Susumu

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 0805

0

SF0915-6200-04

SF0915-6200-04

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/30-25S

M3933/30-25S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-80S

M3933/25-80S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

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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