Attenuators

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	E-TA2012 T 4DB N7 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 4DB N2 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 6DB N3 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 9DB N1 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA3216 T 3DB N6 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 1206	0
	E-TA2012 T 1DB N2 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 10DB N2 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 2DB N6 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 5DB N1 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 9DB N2 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA3216 5DB N8 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM 1206	0
	E-TA2012 T 2DB N4 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 10DB N1 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA3216 T 2DB N6 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 1206	0
	E-TA3216 2DB N8 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 1206	0
	E-TA3216 T 2DB N8 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 1206	0
	E-TA3216 T 2DB N7 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 1206	0
	E-TA2012 T 2DB N2 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA2012 T 2DB N7 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 0805	0
	E-TA3216 5DB N5 Nidec Copal Electronics	RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM 1206	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

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Fixed Attenuators	Provide constant attenuation across defined frequency bands	Signal leveling in base stations
Variable Attenuators	Adjustable attenuation via manual/electronic control	Calibration in test instruments
Digital Step Attenuators (DSA)	Programmable attenuation steps with digital interfaces	5G beamforming systems
Surface Mount Attenuators	Miniaturized SMD packages for PCB integration	IoT module signal conditioning
Waveguide Attenuators	High-power handling for microwave frequencies	Satellite 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

Parameter	Description	Importance
Frequency Range	Operational bandwidth (e.g., 0.1 6 GHz)	Determines application compatibility
Attenuation Range	Signal reduction capacity (e.g., 0 30 dB)	Defines dynamic range control
Power Handling	Max average/Peak power (e.g., 2W/10W)	Prevents thermal damage
VSWR	Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (e.g., <1.5:1)	Indicates impedance matching quality
Insertion Loss	Passive signal loss at minimum attenuation	Affects system efficiency
Temperature Stability	Attenuation 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

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Specifications
Keysight Technologies	8491B Waveguide Attenuator	2.6 40 GHz, 10W average power
Analog Devices	ADL5240 DSA	0.1 4 GHz, 31.5 dB range (0.5 dB steps)
Mini-Circuits	VAT-2+	DC 8 GHz, 0 20 dB manual attenuation
Bourns Inc.	RCAT2450	2.4 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