Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC425LP3ETR

HMC425LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-31.5DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC656

HMC656

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM DIE

250

HMC470ALP3E

HMC470ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 16VFQFN

2670

HMC658

HMC658

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM DIE

50

HMC939A-SX

HMC939A-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB DIE

2

HMC468ALP3ETR

HMC468ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

2207

HMC346AMS8GETR

HMC346AMS8GETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 27DB-32DB 8TSSOP

245

HMC657-SX

HMC657-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC472ALP4ETR

HMC472ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

1080

HMC939-SX

HMC939-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 50OHM DIE

3

HMC653LP2E

HMC653LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 6TDFN

843

HMC1119LP4METR

HMC1119LP4METR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.75DB 24VFQFN

1915

HMC1019LP4E

HMC1019LP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 24VFQFN

1

HMC346ALP3ETR

HMC346ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC653-SX

HMC653-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC470ALP3ETR

HMC470ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 16VFQFN

1037

HMC624ALP4ETR

HMC624ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

3564

HMC654

HMC654

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM DIE

550

ADRF5731BCCZN

ADRF5731BCCZN

Analog Devices, Inc.

16 LEAD LGA

65

HMC654LP2ETR

HMC654LP2ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 6VDFN

5

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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