Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SF0929-6200-00

SF0929-6200-00

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 0DB 50OHM SMA

78

HMC801LP3E

HMC801LP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC468ALP3E

HMC468ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

86

M3933/14-10N

M3933/14-10N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM SMA

0

QAT-8+

QAT-8+

8 DB SMT FIXED ATTENUATOR, DC -

0

HMC657

HMC657

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM DIE

0

AT-107(40)

AT-107(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM SMA

0

51S171-K00N4

51S171-K00N4

Rosenberger

BNC MATCHING ATTENUATOR

0

HMC1019ALP4E

HMC1019ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB 24VFQFN

117

CZB06S04040050LEA

CZB06S04040050LEA

Vishay / Dale

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 4SMD

0

SF0930-6200-12

SF0930-6200-12

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-82N

M3933/25-82N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 14DB 50OHM SMA

44

CATTEN-02R0

CATTEN-02R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM SMA

16

AT-1002(40)

AT-1002(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM SMA

0

HMC1122LP4ME

HMC1122LP4ME

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

4553

M3933/25-78S

M3933/25-78S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM SMA

38

HMC792ALP4E

HMC792ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.75DB 24VFQFN HMC792ALP4E

1000

M3933/30-14N

M3933/30-14N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 6.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATS-1M1F-02DB2W

ATS-1M1F-02DB2W

Connex (Amphenol RF)

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM SMA

120

03AS122-K20S3

03AS122-K20S3

Rosenberger

PRECISION 3.5 ATTENUATOR

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

RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top