Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
ATT-0298-15-HEX-02

ATT-0298-15-HEX-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB HEX MODULE

0

ATT-0276-08-SMA-02

ATT-0276-08-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB SMA MODULE

0

ATT-0291-04-HEX-02

ATT-0291-04-HEX-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB HEX MODULE

0

M3933/17-19N

M3933/17-19N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB SMA MODULE

0

M3933/25-21N

M3933/25-21N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 21DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATT-0294-04-SMA-02

ATT-0294-04-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB SMA MODULE

0

ATT-0640-06-HEX-02

ATT-0640-06-HEX-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB HEX MODULE

0

ATT-0298-15-SMA-02

ATT-0298-15-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 15DB SMA MODULE

0

M3933/16-46S

M3933/16-46S

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 20.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/14-14N

M3933/14-14N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 40DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATT-0298-08-SMA-02

ATT-0298-08-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB SMA MODULE

0

ATT-0238-09-SMA-02

ATT-0238-09-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 9DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/17-15N

M3933/17-15N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 7DB SMA MODULE

0

M3933/25-17S

M3933/25-17S

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 17DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATT-0291-02-SMA-02

ATT-0291-02-SMA-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB SMA MODULE

0

ATT-0298-08-HEX-02

ATT-0298-08-HEX-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 8DB HEX MODULE

0

M3933/25-12N

M3933/25-12N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 12DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/25-39S

M3933/25-39S

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 13DB 50OHM SMA

0

M3933/16-37N

M3933/16-37N

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 15.5DB 50OHM SMA

0

ATT-0292-20-HEX-02

ATT-0292-20-HEX-02

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

RF ATTENUATOR 20DB HEX MODULE

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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