Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC346ALC3BTR-R5

HMC346ALC3BTR-R5

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR VVA 12SMD

0

HMC470LP3

HMC470LP3

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB-31DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC425

HMC425

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC424LP3TR

HMC424LP3TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-31.5DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC540LP3ETR

HMC540LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

ATTENUATOR DGTL 4BIT 16QFN

0

HMC603MS10ETR

HMC603MS10ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR 0.4-2.5GHZ 10-MSOP

0

HMC335G16

HMC335G16

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 16LQFP

0

HMC346LP3E

HMC346LP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR DC-15GHZ 16-QFN

0

HMC273MS10G

HMC273MS10G

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1-31DB 50OHM 10SOP

0

HMC-VVD104-SX

HMC-VVD104-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 14DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC346MS8G

HMC346MS8G

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0DB-32DB 8TSSOP

0

HMC425LP3E

HMC425LP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-31.5DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC939LP4ETR

HMC939LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB-31DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC629LP4ETR

HMC629LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB-45DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC425LP3

HMC425LP3

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5DB-31.5DB 50OHM

0

HMC1019LP4ETR

HMC1019LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC306MS10ETR

HMC306MS10ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 10TFSOP

0

HMC802LP3ETR

HMC802LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR 1-BIT 20DB 16-QFN

0

HMC941LP4TR

HMC941LP4TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC230MS8E

HMC230MS8E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB-28DB 8TSSOP

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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