Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC973LP3ETR

HMC973LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

ATTENUATOR VOLT VARIABLE 16QFN

0

HMC603QS16

HMC603QS16

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTEN 0.5-15.5DB 50OHM SSOP

0

HMC306AMS10TR

HMC306AMS10TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB 10VFSOP

0

HMC539LP3E

HMC539LP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTEN 0.25-7.75DB 50OHM 16QFN

0

HMC346C8TR

HMC346C8TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 8SOIC

0

HMC290ETR

HMC290ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB-6DB SOT23-6

0

HMC624LFLP4E

HMC624LFLP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-31.5DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC306AMS10

HMC306AMS10

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB 10TFSOP

0

HMC346LP3

HMC346LP3

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0DB-30DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC424LP3E

HMC424LP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-31.5DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC539LP3

HMC539LP3

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTEN 0.25-7.75DB 50OHM 16QFN

0

HMC939LP4

HMC939LP4

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB-31DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC-VVD104

HMC-VVD104

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 14DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC305ALP4ETR

HMC305ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC306MS10E

HMC306MS10E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 10TFSOP

0

HMC470LP3E

HMC470LP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB-31DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC346LC3BTR

HMC346LC3BTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR VVA 12SMD

0

HMC603MS10

HMC603MS10

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 10TFSOP

0

HMC468LP3

HMC468LP3

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC473MS8ETR

HMC473MS8ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

ATTENUATOR VOLT VARIABLE 8MSOP

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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