Fixed chip attenuators ease installation in commercial applications
Smiths Interconnect has released the AT series of RF chip attenuators from DC to 20GHz.
RF chip attenuators are used in communication systems to reduce the strength of a signal passing through it. They play a crucial role in protecting systems from receiving a signal with a power level that is too high to process. The AT series offers a high frequency of DC to 20GHz which is required for use in key commercial and space applications, advised Smiths.
“The single-chip design of the AT Series replaces an array of resistors, saving valuable board space and allowing an easy installation in the customer’s circuit”, said Tullio Panarello, vice president and general manager of the fibre optics and RF components business unit at Smiths Interconnect. “The customer’s cost of ownership is decreased by reducing the bill of material and eliminating tuning of the circuit while adding more reliability,” he added.
The AT Series is available in various styles from DC-6GHz for lower frequency requirements up to DC-20GHz for the broadband requirements of higher frequency commercial high-volume applications. Features include “excellent attenuation accuracy” and flatness, said Smiths, by maintaining an efficient RF power transmission. The robust, thick film construction is a cost-effective, easy to implement solution, said Smiths.
The chip attenuators are supplied fine-tuned to meet performance specifications. This eliminates any fine-tuning, or reworking that would have to be done by the customer, added the company.
The chip attenuators are characterised by a thick film process technology on an alumina substrate and are designed for surface mount configuration. The compact and light attenuators have repeatable VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) and are RoHS-compliant.
Smiths Interconnect provides technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, microwave, optical and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical applications in the commercial aviation, defence, space, medical, rail, semiconductor test, wireless telecommunications, and industrial market segments.
Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group, which was established over 170 years ago and serves customers in four major global markets – energy, general industry, security and defence and aerospace.
