RF Attenuators – How to choose a proper one?

RF attenuators are one of the most significant components in any RF and microwave systems. What are RF attenuators and what is the purpose of it? Here I would like to share about the basic construction, types, use and what are the important factors to choose a proper attenuator for your next RF application.

First of all, what is an RF attenuator?

RF attenuators are bidirectional two port passive devices. As its name implies, it attenuates or reduces signal power level while the signal pass through it. Basically it acts like a resistor. Apart from the attenuation, it has more important features like impedance matching, signal level control and isolation in complicated test environment.

Attenuators are classified into many types. Most common type is fixed attenuators. It has a fixed attenuation across the bandwidth.  Step attenuators offers different attenuation levels with user control. Another type is variable attenuators which allow users to change level with variable knob. Programmable attenuators are available for automated test environments.

Most of the fixed attenuator has three major parts.

Components of an SMA type RF attenuator

 Attenuation component: this part main component does the job. Usually it contains a line with resistors in series or parallel to ground. It may vary based on construction, types and application. Most common types are Pi –attenuators and T – attenuators. There are complex types like bridged T-attenuators, reflection attenuators and balanced attenuators.

Cooling pads: this part act as heat dissipation system for the attenuators. High power attenuators always get heated during operation. It also makes the attenuators physically rigid. Surface mount attenuators and low power attenuators may not have a large cooling pad.

Connectors: it makes the connection to the attenuators. All standard types are available like SMA, SMB, BNC, N-type, surface mount etc…

Main Specification – how to choose a proper attenuator?

Attenuation: most important of all is attenuation factor. Attenuators are available from 0dB to 100dB and above depend on applications.

Frequency range:  frequency is one of the important parameter in selecting an attenuator. It should behave with a flat response across the frequency range used in the system.

Power handling: power handling is a significant factor for selecting an attenuator. Power is measured in dbm or Watt. Attenuators should be able to handle required power safely. In best practice, it is recommended to pick one with higher power handling capability than your required power. It is good to have an attenuator with better heat dissipation if the application requires handling high power especially in hot environments.