Glitch-free attenuators

IDT has announced that it has expanded its RF silicon range with the addition of two glitch-free digital step attenuators (DSAs), as well as a voltage variable attenuator (VVA). These products are designed for use in wireless infrastructure, point-to-point microwave, satellite communications systems and general purpose communication infrastructure applications.

IDT claims that the 6bit F1912 and 7bit F1956 DSAs reduce transient 'glitches' during most significant bit (MSB) transitions by up to 95%. 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.

The F1912 is available in a 4 x 4mm 20 pin QFN package and the F1956 is supplied in a 5 x 5mm package. Both feature 50O impedances for ease of integration.

The F2250 VVA features a frequency range of 50 to 6000MHz, an insertion loss of 1.4dB at 2GHz, IP3I linearity of 65dBm and operates in a temperature range between -40 and 105°C. It requires a single positive supply voltage of 3.15 to 5.25V with a control range from 0 to 2.8V, using either positive or negative voltage slope.