![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The level can be changed in stages, and they can often be used in test equipment where the signal level needs to be varied at certain intervals. Switched RF attenuatorsĪs the name suggests, these are made up of switches which allow varying levels of attenuation. They can either be analog or digital, depending on their function. By altering the voltage, the attenuation can be changed and set to a specific level, allowing for continuous change. These attenuators allow for adjustment of the attenuation level. Levels can range from 0.4dB up to 20dB with a 10dB RF attenuator being one of our main attenuator products. ![]() There are various attenuation levels available for these products, depending on your electronic attenuator requirements. These are made to attenuate a specific amount of signal which will stay fixed. RF attenuators can be fixed, variable or switched and the type will depend on the attenuator function. Read on to discover more about the different types of RF attenuators and isolators. It can isolate power at the second port whilst making sure the power is transmitted from port one to port two. They are also used to optimize the power transfer from source to load by reducing signal strength and converting energy into heat.Īn RF isolator, also a two-port device, protects RF equipment or components in a system from signal reflection and isolates one part of a circuit from the other. Some RF attenuators can be simple devices, while others are more complex. Often used to stop a circuit from receiving too high a signal, they can be an important part of many electrical applications, including testing equipment. With a quality termination attached (having a VSWR of about 1.05:1 or better) isolation of 24-26 dB can be achieved for narrowband units, and 15-20 dB can typically be achieved for broadband units.įor further reading, see the in depth explanation by Kevin Obyrne of Ditom:įor design and distribution support, please contact Powell.RF attenuators are two-port electrical components that reduce the level of the signal in radio frequency applications, also known as 'attenuating'. Isolation is dependent on two things primarily: the quality of the termination on the isolator, and the VSWR of port 3 on the isolator. When matched well to the isolator, this element will dissipate any energy it encounters as heat, stopping it in its tracks. This termination has an element inside its shell called the load element. An isolator has isolation because a termination is attached to port 3 of the device, not a connector. Isolation is a measure of how well an isolator can carry out its main purpose of decoupling energy entering port 2 from whatever is attached to port 1. This behavior heavily attenuates any signal entering port 2 before it reaches port 1, yet allows almost all of a signal entering port 1 to reach port 2. Any energy that enters port 2 will be routed to the matched termination on port 3, and quickly dissipated as heat. Energy can only enter port 1 and travel to port 2. The device has only 2 ports, and as a result, has only one path for energy to flow without significant attenuation. This article is extracted from information written by Kevin Obyrne of Ditom.Īn RF isolator can be thought of as a diode for RF energy (See diagram above).Īn isolator is simply a circulator with one of its ports terminated with a matched 50Ω load. ![]()
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