To provide a differentiated attenuation profile in an easy-to-implement solution, the VFVA500 series of voltage-variable attenuators has been introduced. The product family consists of six models spanning 600 MHz to 4.0 GHz. The attenuators provide a minimum of 25 dB attenuation across a 0-to-5-V control range. The VFVA502-200, for example, covers 1710 to 1990 MHz. It exhibits typical insertion loss of 1.0 dB. Attenuation for this attenuator is 19 to 21 dB at 4.7 V and a minimum of 25 dB at 5.0 V. The VFVA502-200 typically offers a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 1.1:1 with input third-order modulation performance of +45 dBm typical. The broadband version covers 1500 to 2200 MHz and provides at least 23 dB attenuation at 5 V.
All of the attenuators in this series leverage a multichip-module (MCM) design comprising a monolithic quadrature hybrid, two highly matched silicon PIN diodes, and bias and decoupling components. The control of all the critical RF components provides the user with a continuous attenuation profile at a high degree of repeatability. The VFVA500 series is offered in a 3.2-x-4.9- mm MCM surface-mount package. Samples are available upon request.
Valpey Fisher Corp., 75 South St., Hopkinton, MA 01748-2204; (508) 435-6831, FAX: (508) 497-6377, www.valpeyfisher.com.