Attenuators

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
EXB-24AT6AR5X

EXB-24AT6AR5X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 50OHM 0404

260105

EXB-24AT5AR3X

EXB-24AT5AR3X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 5DB 50OHM 0404

5552

EXB-24AB6C1RX

EXB-24AB6C1RX

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 100OHM 0404

14729

EXB-24AT3AR3X

EXB-24AT3AR3X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 0404

166643

EXB-24AB1CR8X

EXB-24AB1CR8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 100OHM 0404

10000

EXB-24AB2CR8X

EXB-24AB2CR8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 100OHM 0404

24968

EXB-24AB6G1RX

EXB-24AB6G1RX

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 300OHM 0404

19850

EXB-24AT1AR3X

EXB-24AT1AR3X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 50OHM 0404

37476

EXB-24ABAG2RX

EXB-24ABAG2RX

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 300OHM 0404

18560

EXB-24ATAAR5X

EXB-24ATAAR5X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 10DB 50OHM 0404

18572

EXB-24AB1ER8X

EXB-24AB1ER8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 1DB 200OHM 0404

19518

EXB-24AT2AR3X

EXB-24AT2AR3X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 50OHM 0404

54380

EXB-24AB2ER8X

EXB-24AB2ER8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 2DB 200OHM 0404

19939

EXB-24AB00R8X

EXB-24AB00R8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 0DB 0OHM 0404

92638

EXB-24AB3CR8X

EXB-24AB3CR8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 100OHM 0404

18219

EXB-24AB3GR8X

EXB-24AB3GR8X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 300OHM 0404

19954

EXB-24AT4AR3X

EXB-24AT4AR3X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 4DB 50OHM 0404

77666

EXB-24AB6E1RX

EXB-24AB6E1RX

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 6DB 200OHM 0404

19875

EXB-14AT3AR3X

EXB-14AT3AR3X

Panasonic

RF ATTENUATOR 3DB 50OHM 0302

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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