Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC306AMS10ETR

HMC306AMS10ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB 10TFSOP

279

HMC652-SX

HMC652-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM DIE

0

ADRF5720BCCZN-R7

ADRF5720BCCZN-R7

Analog Devices, Inc.

0.5DB LSB,6-BIT,SILICON DIGITAL

0

HMC346ALP3E

HMC346ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC658-SX

HMC658-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC941ALP4E

HMC941ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB 24VFQFN

198

HMC-C584

HMC-C584

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB DIE

0

HMC424AG16

HMC424AG16

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 16LQFP

2

ADRF5720BCCZN

ADRF5720BCCZN

Analog Devices, Inc.

0.5DB LSB,6-BIT,SILICON DIGITAL

347

HMC1095LP4ETR

HMC1095LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 75OHM 24QFN

0

HMC424ALP3E

HMC424ALP3E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 16VFQFN

1054

HMC1018ALP4E

HMC1018ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 24VFQFN

188

HMC656LP2E

HMC656LP2E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 6TDFN

580

HMC985A

HMC985A

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 40DB

75

HMC291SETR

HMC291SETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB SOT23-6

0

HMC291SE

HMC291SE

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB

525

HMC941A-SX

HMC941A-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB DIE

2

HMC424LP3ETR

HMC424LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-31.5DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC-VVD102-SX

HMC-VVD102-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 18DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC307QS16GETR

HMC307QS16GETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR DC-4GHZ 16-QSOP

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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