Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
375375-6X50-2

375375-6X50-2

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM 300W

0

150-50TG

150-50TG

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

10-100RV-S

10-100RV-S

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 100OHM

0

30-300R-S

30-300R-S

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 300OHM

0

I100N50X4B

I100N50X4B

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

A150N50X4C

A150N50X4C

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

10-50TVR

10-50TVR

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

A500N50X4

A500N50X4

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

20-75RP

20-75RP

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 75OHM

0

C16N50Z4A

C16N50Z4A

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

A100N50X4A

A100N50X4A

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

20-120RP-S

20-120RP-S

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 120OHM 5% HALF FLG

0

A40B50X1A

A40B50X1A

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

250-50TC

250-50TC

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

100N1AF

100N1AF

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 2SMD FLAT LEAD

0

G150N50W4B

G150N50W4B

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

20-50TPR

20-50TPR

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

0

800-100R

800-100R

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 100OHM

0

D5B100Y1A

D5B100Y1A

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 100OHM

0

J100N50X4B

J100N50X4B

Anaren

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM

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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