Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Digital RF attenuators

4 November 2015 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

At the heart of Weinschel’s digital attenuation solution is a series of USB/TTL controlled MMIC digital attenuators and Ethernet controlled, rack mountable subsystems that is suitable for a multitude of RF and microwave applications up to 6 GHz.

Designed with budget and performance concerns in mind, these devices offer superior RF characteristics and performance suitable for automated bench testing in wireless backhaul, fading simulation and other high-performance wireless applications. All models are RoHS compliant.

The Model 4205 series is available in three attenuation configurations up to 95,5 dB in 0,5 dB steps, and operates over the 0,2 to 6 GHz frequency range. The attenuators offer uninterrupted RF when changing attenuation dB values, with excellent solid-state repeatability and performance. They are supplied with both parallel TTL and USB 2.0 interfaces, with the mode of operation determined by the source of DC power to the unit.

In USB mode, DC power to the attenuator is provided by the host USB connection. The attenuator operates as a USB CDC device and accepts simple ASCII text commands, allowing it to be controlled from any system capable of sending data via a standard COM port-style interface. The USB port is a 5-pin female B mini socket and mates with most standard USB 5-pin male B mini plug connectors.

Control software is also included with each device; Weinschel’s LabVIEW based USB Control Centre Software (AUCS) can also be used in the operation of this series of digital attenuators. The AUCS will allow the user to set up, control and perform test and measurements over a standard USB 2.0 communication interface.

The low-profile design of the Model 4205 series and convenient 12 mounting holes on the front, sides, top and bottom allow for mounting in any subsystem or rack configuration. With this in mind, Weinschel offers a standard line of half-rack (Model 8320) and full 19” rack turnkey solutions (Model 8321 and 8331) containing these devices that offer USB, Ethernet control or front panel operation. Attenuation matrices and custom configurations can also be designed using these building block components. These units are also supplied with LabVIEW-based control software.

These devices are already employed in specific applications that include simulation of the cellphone-to-base station RF link; simulation of the Wi-Fi client to access point RF link; precise power level control of RF and microwave signal generators.

For more information contact Andrew Hutton, RF Design, +27 (0)21 555 8400, [email protected], www.rfdesign.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Power amps for portable radio comms systems
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
CML Micro expands its SµRF product portfolio with a pair of high efficiency single- and two-stage power amplifiers that offer outstanding performance for a wide range of dual-cell lithium battery-powered wireless devices.

Read more...
RF agile transceiver
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The AD9361 is a high performance, highly integrated RF Agile Transceiver designed for use in 3G and 4G base station applications.

Read more...
Choosing a GNSS receiver
RF Design Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Applications requiring sub-ten-meter positioning accuracy today can choose between single-band or dual-band technology. While this decision might seem as simple as flipping a coin, it is far from that.

Read more...
Tri-Teq’s latest range of filters
RFiber Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Tri-Teq recently presented its latest filter products, which included passive and co-site mitigation filters (lumped element and suspended substrate technologies) and tunable filters (bandpass and harmonic switched filters).

Read more...
Why GNSS positioning precision is enabling the next wave of IoT applications
iCorp Technologies Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
While high-performance GNSS implementations are achievable with few limitations, most real-world applications must balance power consumption, form factor and accuracy requirements.

Read more...
The evolution of 4D imaging radar
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
4D imaging radar is redefining automotive sensing with unmatched precision, scalability and resilience and, as global adoption accelerates, this technology is poised to become a cornerstone of autonomous mobility.

Read more...
Links Field Networks: The perfect fit for telematics in Africa
Links Field Networks Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Operating at the intersection of global SIM innovation and local market intelligence, Links Field Networks has emerged as a premier provider of telematics-oriented connectivity across Africa and beyond.

Read more...
RF direct conversion receiver
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The CMX994 series from CML Micro is a family of direct conversion receiver ICs with the ability to dynamically select power against performance modes.

Read more...
Bridging the future with RAKWireless WisNode devices
Otto Wireless Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The WisNode Bridge series by RAKWireless is designed to convert traditional wired industrial protocols like RS485 and Modbus into LoRa-compatible signals.

Read more...
Mission-critical RF transceiver
Vepac Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Iris SQN9506 from Sequans Communications is a wide-band RF transceiver that operates from 220 MHz to 7,125 GHz.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved