Richardson RFPD Inc. announces immediate availability and full design support capabilities for a new high frequency, high power, 7-bit digital step attenuator (DSA) from Peregrine Semiconductor Corp. (Peregrine).

The PE43704 operates from 9 kHz to 8 GHz, offers maximum power handling of 28 dBm up to 8 GHz, and covers a 31.75 dB attenuation range in 0.25 dB, 0.5 dB, or 1.0 dB steps. It provides multiple CMOS control interfaces and an optional VssEXT bypass mode to improve spurious performance. It maintains high attenuation accuracy over frequency and temperature and exhibits low insertion loss and low power consumption. No blocking capacitors are required if DC voltage is not present on the RF ports. The PE43704 features multiple programming modes (direct parallel, latched parallel, serial, and serial addressable), making it easy to design into a wide range of systems.

The new DSA is ideally-suited for test and measurement applications, including Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), signal sources, spectrum analyzers, and communication testers.

Key features of the PE43704 include:

  • Attenuation options: covers a 31.75 dB range in 0.25 dB, 0.5 dB, or 1.0 dB steps
    • 0.25 dB monotonicity for ≤6 GHz
    • 0.50 dB monotonicity for ≤7 GHz
    • 1.00 dB monotonicity for ≤8 GHz
  • High power handling @ 8 GHz in 50Ω
    • 28 dBm continuous wave (CW)
    • 31 dBm instantaneous power
  • High linearity: IIP3 of 61 dBm
  • Safe attenuation state transitions
  • 1.8V/3.3V control logic
  • High-attenuation state @ power-up (PUP)
  • ESD performance: 1.5kV HBM on all pins
  • Package: 32-lead 5x5 mm QFN

The PE43704 is manufactured on Peregrine’s UltraCMOS® process, a patented variation of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology on a sapphire substrate, offering the performance of GaAs with the economy and integration of conventional CMOS. Peregrine’s HaRP™ technology enhancements provide for new RF architectures and unmatched linearity in RF front end solutions.

Richardson RFPD's design advisors provide extensive technical expertise and design-in assistance for Peregrine products, including the PE43704 DSA. To find more information, or to order the device today, please visit the PE43704 webpage.The device is also available by calling 1-800-737-6937 (within North America); or please find your local sales engineer (worldwide) at Local Sales Support. To learn about additional products from Peregrine, please visit the Peregrine storefront webpage.