Emerson Network Power's new SMA Fixed Attenuators Commercial Series

Among the many passive components found in any electronic-based network (attenuators, detectors and adaptors, couplers, power dividers, phase shifters, terminations), the little, humble attenuator has many uses.

 

In terms of function, attenuators are essentially the opposite of an amplifier, reducing the amplitude or power of a signal (a “gain” of less than 1) without appreciably distorting its waveform. Attenuators tend to be of far simpler construction than many electronic devices, often made from simple voltage divider networks wherein switching between different resistances forms adjustable stepped attenuators and continuously adjustable ones using potentiometers. Fixed attenuators in circuits are used to lower voltage, dissipate power, and to improve impedance matching of sources and loads.

 

In measuring signals, attenuator pads (PI pads and T pads) or adaptors are used to lower the amplitude of the signal a known amount to enable measurements, or to protect the measuring device from signal levels that might damage it.

 

SMA (News - Alert) attenuators, as their name implies, have SMA (SubMiniature version A) connectors, familiar to any owner of a cable TV hookup. SMA RF connectors were developed in the 1960s as a minimal connector interface for coaxial cable with a screw-type coupling mechanism.

 

And now, Emerson (News - Alert) Network Power (www.emersonnetworkpower.com), a business of Emerson, announces the Johnson product line of SMA fixed commercial, rugged stainless steel fixed attenuators. This range of attenuators is manufactured from non-inductive resistors, making it a suitable choice for customers who need to precisely adjust signal levels in applications under 2 Watts. These attenuators are currently available in stock in 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 db, and are available in other values on a made-to-order basis.

 

The important parameters associated with these fixed restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) compliant attenuators include the level of attenuation, the flatness over a specified frequency range, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), power-handling capability, package size and performance over a given temperature range. The average power limit decreases linearly as temperature increases.

 

Any one of the Johnson line of rugged fixed attenuators should soon find a home on a cable near you.