Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC424ALP3ETR

HMC424ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 16VFQFN

442

HMC939A

HMC939A

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB DIE

100

HMC8074LP6GETR

HMC8074LP6GETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

DRT WIDEBAND VCO, MULTI-BAND

0

HMC540SLP3E

HMC540SLP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 16VFQFN

1369

HMC539ALP3TR

HMC539ALP3TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB

0

MAX19792ETX+

MAX19792ETX+

Analog Devices, Inc.

MAX19792 500MHZ TO 4000MHZ DUAL

7272

HMC629ALP4ETR

HMC629ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 45DB 50OHM 24VFQFN

266

HMC657LP2ETR

HMC657LP2ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

DC-25 GHZ, WIDEBAND FIXED ATTENU

674

HMC8073LP3DETR

HMC8073LP3DETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

CUSTOM 0.6-3.0GHZ, 6-BIT DIG ATT

0

HMC542BLP4ETR

HMC542BLP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 24QFN

5777

HMC540SLP3ETR

HMC540SLP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 16VFQFN

911

HMC656LP2TR

HMC656LP2TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

DC-25 GHZ, WIDEBAND FIXED ATTENU

4618

HMC812ALC4TR

HMC812ALC4TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 35DB 24CLCC

26

HMC1119LP4ME

HMC1119LP4ME

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.75DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC273AMS10GE

HMC273AMS10GE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 10TFSOP 10SOP

524

HMC424A

HMC424A

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB DIE

100

HMC653

HMC653

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM DIE

1450

HMC792ALP4ETR

HMC792ALP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.75DB 24VFQFN

877

HMC1095LP4E

HMC1095LP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 75OHM 24QFN

0

HMC973ALP3E

HMC973ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 28DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

737

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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