JFW Industries Presents "An Introduction to Programmable Attenuator Systems"

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Combining multiple attenuators into a single unit gives a more compact design and saves cost.

Note: This is a sampling of the beginning of an application note by JFW Industries titled "An Introduction to Programmable Attenuator Systems." Please click the hyperlink for the complete document.

An attenuator is an electrical component that reduces the amplitude of a signal passing through it without significantly degrading the integrity of that signal. In a programmable or step attenuator, the attenuation is controlled externally by an external analog or digital signal, either manually or via a computer. Depending on the model, the maximum attenuation ranges from 0 dB to 127 dB, in steps as small as 0.1 dB. The attenuator is controlled by a combination of digital inputs, an analog voltage or via USB, RS-232, Ethernet or GPIB. These devices are bi-directional, so either port can act as an input or an output.

JFW produces many programmable attenuators and attenuator systems for different applications. This article will review the key components of a programmable attenuator system and discuss the best choices for some common applications. Figure 1 shows several JFW programmable attenuators.

Applications for Programmable Attenuator Systems

Programmable attenuators test and evaluate the performance of many wireless applications:

• Military radios
• First responder networks
• Wi-Fi/MU-MIMO • Cellular networks
• Mesh networks (ZigBee, LoRa, etc.)
• Emerging IoT/5G systems

Key Specifications

The key specifications of a programmable attenuator include:

• The frequency range

• The VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio), a measure of how efficiently RF power is transmitted through the attenuator

• The attenuation range and step size

• The characteristic impedance (usually 50 or 75 Ω)

Click here for the entire "An Introduction to Programmable Attenuator Systems" application note.

About JFW Industries

Founded in 1979 in Beech Grove, Indiana, JFW Industries Inc. is a world leader in designing and manufacturing passive RF components and application specific test systems. These components include attenuators, RF switches, and specialized test systems for use in the cellular, telecommunications, OEM test equipment, medical, automotive, defense, and automated test markets. Innovative new designs and a focus on customer requirements have allowed JFW to maintain steady growth in many key market segments.

JFW has over 100 dedicated employees, diligently working to ensure quality assembly and on-time delivery. Each one of our dedicated employees represents our over 30-year commitment to providing reliable RF solutions. Beginning with an industry renowned Customer Service Department, everyone at JFW strives for complete customer satisfaction by responding to the needs of each customer individually and providing the RF component or system that best suits that customer's application.

JFW is an ISO-9001:2008 registered company. We have over 14,000 square feet of design and manufacturing space, located in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) with a European office located in England. JFW is equipped for most facets of the design, assembly, integration and testing of RF technologies

Contact Info:

Connie Ventress

JFW Industries, Inc.

5134 Commerce Square Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46237

Phone: 317 887-1340

Web: www.jfwindustries.com

Posted December 6, 2017