Knowles Expands RF Signal Chain Offering with New A-Series Attenuators
The A-Series is pin-compatible with existing industry-standard chip attenuators, offering an upgrade path with minimal PCB redesign.
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Knowles (KN) introduced its ATT A-Series attenuators, expanding its radio-frequency component portfolio with compact surface-mount devices that reduce signal levels. The company positions the launch as part of its strategy to offer a more complete RF solution.
The devices operate from DC to 20 GHz and offer standard attenuation values from 0 dB to 20 dB. Power handling is rated up to 6.5 W CW at 100°C, meaning continuous-wave operation. Custom attenuation values, power ratings and specialized configurations are also available through Knowles' design-to-spec services.
Key Figures
- Frequency range
- DC to 20 GHz
- ATT A-Series attenuators
- Power handling
- Up to 6.5 W CW at 100°C
- ATT A-Series specification
- Attenuation values
- 0 dB to 20 dB
- Standard values
- Operating temperature
- -55°C to +125°C
- ATT A-Series specification
- Package dimensions
- 0.080" × 0.065" × 0.012" (2.03 × 1.65 × 0.30 mm)
- Compact SMT package
- RF input and output impedance
- 50Ω
- Matched inputs and outputs
Key Terms
thin-film technology technical
esd technical
attenuation flatness technical
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New compact surface mount attenuators advance Knowles' strategy to provide customers with a more complete RF solution while delivering rugged, reliable performance from DC to 20 GHz.
Developed to address increasing demand for compact, rugged, and cost-effective attenuators, the ATT A-Series combines excellent attenuation accuracy, high power handling, and wideband performance in an industry-standard footprint. Utilizing precision thin-film technology, the A-Series provides stable electrical performance and repeatable attenuation from DC to 20 GHz, making it ideal for densely populated and space-constrained designs.
Attenuators are vital for aligning signal levels in multichannel systems, improving return loss, protecting sensitive components, and optimizing dynamic range throughout the RF signal path. As RF systems increase in bandwidth and operating frequency, designers need smaller, more precise components that maintain electrical accuracy and reliability in demanding environments.
"Our new A-Series attenuator product family fills a critical market gap by delivering broadband performance across DC-20GHz, high power handling, and excellent attenuation accuracy in a compact SMT package," said Robert Wagner, Vice President of RF and Microwave Products at Knowles. "Compared to many other attenuators currently available on the market, our A-Series offers a cost-effective solution with higher power handling, wider operating temperature range, MSL 1 rating, and ESD robustness."
The new A-Series attenuators utilize precision thin-film resistor technology on a ceramic substrate to deliver stable and reliable performance across frequency, temperature, and environmental extremes. The product family is well-suited for a wide range of applications including radar systems, electronically steered phased-array antennas (ESAs), electronic support measures (ESM) systems, transmit/receive (T/R) modules, wireless infrastructure (WI), satellite communications (SATCOM), and RF test and measurement (T&M).
Key features include:
- Compact SMT package measuring only 0.080" × 0.065" × 0.012" (2.03 × 1.65 × 0.30 mm)
- Standard attenuation values from 0 dB to 20 dB
- Excellent attenuation flatness and accuracy
- 50Ω matched RF inputs and outputs for seamless integration into RF signal chains
- Power handling rating up to 6.5 W CW at 100°C
- Operating temperature range of -55°C to +125°C
The compact form factor and SMT-compatible footprint enable easy integration into space-constrained assemblies in demanding defense, aerospace, industrial and communications applications. The A-Series also offers pin compatibility with existing industry-standard chip attenuators, providing a straightforward upgrade path to improve performance, expand bandwidth, and strengthen supply chain resiliency with minimal PCB redesign.
The A-Series is available in standard attenuation values from 0 dB to 20 dB, with custom attenuation values, power ratings, and specialized configurations available through Knowles' design-to-spec, full turnkey custom solutions.
For comprehensive performance data and specifications, view the ATT A-Series Datasheet.
About Knowles
Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across MedTech, Defense, and Industrial markets.
Our high-performance capacitors, RF/Microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armatures, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.
For more information, visit https://www.knowles.com.
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SOURCE Knowles Corporation