Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CGA-1040-01-SMA-02

CGA-1040-01-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

SMA MALE TO SMA FEMALE ATTENUATO

117

HMC985ALP4KE

HMC985ALP4KE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 40DB 24VFQFN

9

AT-301(40)

AT-301(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM SMA

0

AT-101(40)

AT-101(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM SMA

0

QMC15-ATT10

QMC15-ATT10

Quantum Microwave Components

10 DB V-BAND 1 INCH FIXED ATTENU

3

M3933/30-05S

M3933/30-05S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM SMA

0

R412710124

R412710124

Radiall USA, Inc.

ATT N 10DB 6 GHZ 1W

8

AT-100-(1.5)(40)

AT-100-(1.5)(40)

Hirose

RF ATTENUATOR 1.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

SF0915-6200-00

SF0915-6200-00

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-69S

M3933/25-69S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 5.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/17-11N

M3933/17-11N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB SMA MODULE

0

M3933/30-31N

M3933/30-31N

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 18DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/16-19S

M3933/16-19S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 2.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/16-30S

M3933/16-30S

SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

MAAD-007081-000100

MAAD-007081-000100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

RF ATTEN 15.5DB 50OHM 32PWRVFQFN

2582700

HMC346ALC3B

HMC346ALC3B

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 26DB 50OHM 12CLCC

68

YAT-5A+

YAT-5A+

5 DB SMT FIXED ATTENUATOR, DC -

0

HMC939ATCPZ-EP-PT

HMC939ATCPZ-EP-PT

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB-31DB 24VFQFN

15

CATTEN-05R0

CATTEN-05R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM SMA

27

MAT10120

MAT10120

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB DIE

2003900

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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