Low-loss RF variable attenuator suits wideband comms

Pin compatible with competitor devices, these products are designed to meet the stringent demands of wireless infrastructure, point-to-point microwave, satellite communications systems and general purpose communication infrastructure applications.

The 6-bit F1912 and 7-bit F1956 feature IDT’s industry-first breakthrough Glitch-Free technology, which eliminates attenuation setting overshoot (glitches) from the transmit and/or receive paths by reducing transient 'glitches' during most significant bit transitions by up to 95%. Glitch-Free response enables customers to simplify their software interface, improve reliability, prevent damage to expensive sub-assemblies such as power amplifiers and limit over-ranging of data converter inputs.

The F2250 is the first in a new family of VVAs and features a frequency range of 50-6,000MHz, an insertion loss of 1.4dB at 2GHz, high IP3I linearity of 65dBm and wide temperature range of -40 to +105°C. The Vmode feature allows customers to select either positive or negative attenuation control with a highly linear-in-dB attenuation characteristic.

Chris Stephens, General Manager, RF division, IDT, commented: “Continuously evolving system requirements have driven the rapid expansion of IDT’s RF product portfolio. These new attenuator products offer customers a compelling upgrade path toward better linearity, higher reliability, and lower solution cost. These new drop-in compatible attenuators allow development engineers to exceed evolving system requirements with maximum re-use of existing PCBs.”

Samples and evaluation kits are available for all products immediately, with production quantities available next month. 1,000 unit pricing starts from $2.03 for the F1912, $2.54 for the F1956 and $2.59 for the F2250.