Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
HMC801LP3ETR

HMC801LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC424LH5TR

HMC424LH5TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 50OHM 12SMD

0

HMC939

HMC939

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC274QS16ETR

HMC274QS16ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR 5BIT 1DB 16-QSOP

0

HMC712

HMC712

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM DIE

0

HMC941LP4

HMC941LP4

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC542ALP4E

HMC542ALP4E

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTEN 0.5-31.5DB 50OHM 24VQFN

0

HMC473MS8

HMC473MS8

Analog Devices, Inc.

ATTENUATOR VOLT VARIABLE 8MSOP

0

HMC425ALP3ETR

HMC425ALP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 31.5DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC273MS10GTR

HMC273MS10GTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 1-31DB 50OHM 10SOP

0

HMC603QS16TR

HMC603QS16TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTEN 0.5-15.5DB 50OHM SSOP

0

HMC288MS8ETR

HMC288MS8ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC ATTENUATOR 0.7-3.7GHZ 8-MSOP

0

HMC539LP3TR

HMC539LP3TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTEN 0.25-7.75DB 50OHM 16QFN

0

HMC424LP3

HMC424LP3

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-31.5DB 16VFQFN

0

HMC629LP4

HMC629LP4

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB-45DB 24VFQFN

0

HMC346G8TR

HMC346G8TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 8SMD GW

0

HMC812LC4

HMC812LC4

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 24QFN

0

HMC812LC4TR

HMC812LC4TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 30DB 50OHM 24QFN

0

HMC541LP3ETR

HMC541LP3ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 16VFQFN

0

HMC712LP3CETR

HMC712LP3CETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

RF ATTENUATOR 50OHM 16VFQFN

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

RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top