Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC939ALP4E

HMC939ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 24VFQFN

182

HMC712ALP3CETR

HMC712ALP3CETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 28DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC973ALP3ETR

HMC973ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 28DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

168

HMC658LP2E

HMC658LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM 6TDFN

388

HMC657LP2E

HMC657LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM 6TDFN

65

HMC712ALP3CE

HMC712ALP3CE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 28DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

ADRF5731BCCZN-R7

ADRF5731BCCZN-R7

Analog Devices, Inc.

16 LEAD LGA

0

HMC424ALH5

HMC424ALH5

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 12CLCC

5

HMC305SLP4ETR

HMC305SLP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 24VFQFN

380

HMC346ALC3BTR

HMC346ALC3BTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 26DB 50OHM 12CLCC

100

HMC652

HMC652

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC802ALP3ETR

HMC802ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 16VFQFN

1870

HMC651-SX

HMC651-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM DIE

0

HMC346AMS8GE

HMC346AMS8GE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 32DB 50OHM 8TSSOP

1345

HMC1019ALP4ETR

HMC1019ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC654LP2E

HMC654LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 6VDFN

344

HMC655LP2ETR

HMC655LP2ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 6TDFN

1107

HMC305SLP4E

HMC305SLP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 24VFQFN

129

HMC542BLP4E

HMC542BLP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

49

HMC-C018

HMC-C018

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM SMA MODULE

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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