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, andrew@rfdesign.co.za, www.rfdesign.co.za



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