IDT releases 3 new low-loss ultra-linear RF variable attenuator products

Integrated Device Technology Inc. (IDT®) announced that it has expanded its advanced RF silicon solutions with the addition of two new Glitch-FreeTM digital step attenuators (DSAs), as well as its first product in a new family of voltage variable attenuators (VVAs). These next-generation attenuators feature wide bandwidths, low insertion loss, high linearity, pinpoint attenuation accuracy, and a wide temperature range. Pin compatible with competitor devices, these products are designed to meet the stringent demands of wireless infrastructure, point-to-point microwave, satellite communications systems and general purpose communication infrastructure applications.

The F2250 is the first in a new family of VVAs and features a frequency range of 50 – 6000MHz, an insertion loss of 1.4dB at 2GHz, high IP3I linearity of 65dBm and wide temperature range of -40 to 105C. The Vmode feature allows customers to select either positive or negative attenuation control with a highly linear-in-dB attenuation characteristic.The 6-bit F1912 and 7-bit F1956 DSAs feature IDT’s industry-first breakthrough Glitch-Free technology, which eliminates attenuation setting overshoot (glitches) from the transmit and/or receive paths by reducing transient “glitches” during most significant bit (MSB) transitions by up to 95 percent. Glitch-Free response enables customers to simplify their software interface, improve reliability, prevent damage to expensive sub-assemblies such as power amplifiers, and limit over-ranging of data converter inputs.

“Continuously evolving system requirements have driven the rapid expansion of IDT’s RF product portfolio. These new attenuator products offer customers a compelling upgrade path toward better linearity, higher reliability, and lower solution cost,” said Chris Stephens, general manager of IDT’s RF division. “These new drop-in compatible attenuators allow development engineers to exceed evolving system requirements with maximum re-use of existing printed circuit boards.”

Pricing and Availability

The 1000 unit prices are: F1912 = $2.03, F1956 = $2.54 and F2250 = $2.59. Samples and evaluation kits are available for all products immediately. Production quantities for F1912 and F1956 will be available June 23, 2015 and F2250 production quantities will be available on May 22, 2015.