Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CATTEN-07R0

CATTEN-07R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB 50OHM SMA

0

CATTEN-0100-BNC

CATTEN-0100-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM BNC

8

CATTEN-02R0

CATTEN-02R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM SMA

16

CATTEN-05R0

CATTEN-05R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM SMA

27

CATTEN-0200

CATTEN-0200

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB 50OHM SMA

501

CATTEN-05R0-BNC

CATTEN-05R0-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM BNC

8

CATTEN-03R0-BNC

CATTEN-03R0-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM BNC

11

CATTEN-08R0-BNC

CATTEN-08R0-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB 50OHM BNC

6

CATTEN-06R0

CATTEN-06R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM SMA

151

CATTEN-08R0

CATTEN-08R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB 50OHM SMA

24

CATTEN-01R5-BNC

CATTEN-01R5-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 1.5DB 50OHM BNC

8

CATTEN-03R0

CATTEN-03R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM SMA

125

CATTEN-0100

CATTEN-0100

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM SMA

156

CATTEN-01R5

CATTEN-01R5

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 1.5DB 50OHM SMA

10

CATTEN-0150

CATTEN-0150

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB 50OHM SMA

17

CATTEN-09R0

CATTEN-09R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM SMA

13

CATTEN-04R0

CATTEN-04R0

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM SMA

9

CATTEN-04R0-BNC

CATTEN-04R0-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM BNC

0

CATTEN-06R0-BNC

CATTEN-06R0-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM BNC

20

CATTEN-01R0-BNC

CATTEN-01R0-BNC

Crystek Corporation

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM BNC

3

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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