What is a digital attenuator?

Digital attenuators employ semiconductor devices to achieve each attenuation step. Some of the semiconductor devices employed for this purpose include: PIN diodes, MOSFETs, and GaAs MESFET. Digital attenuators are capable of achieving switching rates that are comparable to the speeds of solid-state switches.

How does a digital attenuator work?

An attenuator is an electronic device that reduces the power of a signal without appreciably distorting its waveform. An attenuator is effectively the opposite of an amplifier, though the two work by different methods. While an amplifier provides gain, an attenuator provides loss, or gain less than 1.

What are the different types of attenuators?

RF attenuators are generally used in electronic circuitry, while optical ones are used in fiber optics. There are essentially six different kinds of RF designs: fixed, step, continuously variable, programmable, dc bias and dc blocking.

What is programmable attenuator?

In a programmable or step attenuator, the attenuation is controlled externally by an external analog or digital signal, either manually or via a computer. The attenuator is controlled by a combination of digital inputs, an analog voltage or via USB, RS-232, Ethernet or GPIB.

Where attenuators are mainly used?

Applications: Attenuators are generally used in radio, communication and transmission line applications to weaken a stronger signal. Resistive attenuators are used as volume controls in broadcasting stations and also can be used for matching circuits of different resistive impedances.

What is a variable attenuator?

A variable attenuator is a circuit that decreases the strength of the input signal either continuously or step by step without appreciable signal distortion while substantially maintaining constant impedance match. Mechanically variable attenuators are usually adjusted with a tuning screw or control knob.

Why do we use attenuators?

The attenuator is highly used after signal generator circuits. It helps in attenuating or reducing the strength of high-level signals before applying them to the Antenna circuits. An attenuator is a two-port electronic device It is designed using resistors to weaken or attenuate a signal.

Why do we use variable attenuator?

Waveguide attenuators can deliver that means of control, with fixed attenuators providing a single value attenuation setting and variable attenuators providing a range of attenuation control across a desired frequency range. The motor controlled version uses voltage to adjust the attenuator and attenuation value.

Are there any digitally controlled programmable attenuators?

Digitally Controlled Programmable Attenuators. Broadband frequencies ranging from 30 MHz to 40 GHz. High attenuation levels up to 60 dB. PIN diode designs exhibit extremely fast attenuation step switching performance. Attenuation step size ranges from 0.03 dB to 1 dB.

Are there any digitally controlled microwave attenuators?

Digitally Controlled Programmable Attenuators from Fairview Microwave. Our line of digitally controlled programmable attenuators perform up to 40 GHz and up to 60 dB attenuation range with 0.03 dB minimum step size. These attenuators perform the important function of adjusting the amplitude of signal levels in RF, microwave,…

Which is wideband attenuators use silicon on insulators?

We also have a family of wideband fixed attenuators sold in die form that operate to 50 GHz. These attenuators use silicon on insulator (SOI) or pHEMT technologies to provide a wide selection of performance in frequency range, linearity, switching speed and robustness.

Where can I buy an attenuator for my home?

While we offer many standard models, various options are available. If you do not see exactly what you require on this web site please contact [email protected] because we offer attenuators designed and built to your specifications at catalog prices.

What is a digital attenuator? Digital attenuators employ semiconductor devices to achieve each attenuation step. Some of the semiconductor devices employed for this purpose include: PIN diodes, MOSFETs, and GaAs MESFET. Digital attenuators are capable of achieving switching rates that are comparable to the speeds of solid-state switches. How does a digital attenuator work? An…