M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes analog semiconductors, components and subassemblies for analog, RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) has launched a wideband 6-bit digital attenuator that is suitable for broadband applications, such as military radar and radio systems, test equipment, and commercial microwave radio and satellite links.
The 6-bit digital attenuator is offered as both bare die (MAAD-011021-DIE) and in a 3mm PQFN package (MAAD-011021), operating from DC-40GHz and DC-30GHz, respectively. It provides up to 31.5dB of attenuation range in 0.5dB steps with attenuation error of typically less than +/-0.5dB and phase accuracy of 4 degrees RMS error at 20GHz. The device integrates TTL digital control and is fully matched across the bandwidth of operation, enabling simple and fast implementation. Switching time is 45ns.
"The new digital attenuator offers the industry's widest-bandwidth 6-bit digital attenuator with the lowest phase variation performance available," claims product manager Paul Beasly. "In combination with the 3mm PQFN option, the product offers customers a high-frequency, small-size digital attenuator solution for applications that demand the greatest accuracy performance."
Samples of the MAAD-011021-000DIE and MAAD-011021 are available from stock.