Broadband Miniature Variable Attenuator Provides Great Linearity

( 1 Nov 2009 )

Avago Technologies has announced a fully matched wideband variable attenuator module for use in a wide range of broadband system applications. The ALM-38140, which is a 50MHz to 4GHz PIN diode attenuator module, is a fully integrated solution that uses low distortion silicon PIN diodes housed in a miniature 3.8mm x 3.8mm x 1.0mm multiple-chip-on board (MCOB) package with 6-pin configuration pads. This module is ideal for use in wireless infrastructure applications such as CATV, W-CDMA, VSAT, WiMAX and cellular basestation applications. Designed with broadband input and output match, it does not require any external RF matching component to operate. Additionally, narrowband performance enhancement can be easily achieved by applying a single external inductor. The ALM-38140 also features high power handling capabilities (P1dB>30dBm at 1,900MHz), great linearity performance (IIP3: 60dBm at 1,900MHz) and superior dynamic range (35dB at 1,900MHz). With broadband coverage, this miniature variable attenuator module is ideal for use in automatic gain control (AGC) and temperature compensation circuitry applications which operate within the 50 – 4,000MHz frequency range.