Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC650-SX

HMC650-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM DIE

0

HMC-C025

HMC-C025

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM SMA MODULE

2

HMC655LP2E

HMC655LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 6TDFN HMC655LP2E

3092

HMC424A-SX

HMC424A-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB DIE

50

HMC939ALP4ETR

HMC939ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 24VFQFN

423

HMC801LP3E

HMC801LP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC468ALP3E

HMC468ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

86

HMC657

HMC657

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC1019ALP4E

HMC1019ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB 24VFQFN

117

HMC1122LP4ME

HMC1122LP4ME

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

4553

HMC792ALP4E

HMC792ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.75DB 24VFQFN HMC792ALP4E

1000

HMC651

HMC651

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM DIE

100

HMC656-SX

HMC656-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC629ALP4E

HMC629ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 45DB 50OHM 24VFQFN

295

HMC985ALP4KE

HMC985ALP4KE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 40DB 24VFQFN

9

HMC346ALC3B

HMC346ALC3B

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 26DB 50OHM 12CLCC

68

HMC939ATCPZ-EP-PT

HMC939ATCPZ-EP-PT

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB-31DB 24VFQFN

15

HMC1122LP4METR

HMC1122LP4METR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

1515

HMC624ACPSZ-EP-PT

HMC624ACPSZ-EP-PT

Analog Devices, Inc.

EP VARIABLE GAIN ATTENUATOR

31

HMC8073LP3DE

HMC8073LP3DE

Analog Devices, Inc.

CUSTOM 0.6-3.0GHZ, 6-BIT DIG ATT

305

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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