Model 3250B Ultra-Broadband 6-Bit Digital PIN Diode Attenuator

Application Notes for Microwave Attenuators

The Model 3250B digitally programmable attenuator provides excellent performance characteristics over the frequency range of 0.2 to 18 GHz. Attenuation levels up to 60 dB are programmable in increments of 1 dB.

The unit is an integrated assembly of a dual T-pad PIN diode attenuator and a driver consisting of a D/A and an I/V Converter. See figures 1 and 2.

The Model 3250B operates as a bilaterally-matched device at all attenuation levels. It is supplied in a compact rugged package.

Frequency range: 0.2 to 18 GHz
Attenuation range: Up to 60 dB
6 Bit Binary or BCD programming
Absorptive
Guaranteed Monotonicity

Model 3250A ultra-broadband 6-bit digital pin diode attenuator

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

Frequency Range………………..….	0.2 to 18 GHz
Mean Attenuation Range
0.2 to 18 GHz……………………..	60 dB
Insertion Loss (max.)
0.2 to 8 GHz……………………….	3.5 dB
>8 to 12.4 GHz……………………	4.0 dB
>12.4 to 18 GHz………………….	5.0 dB
VSWR (max.)
0.2 to 8 GHz………………………	1.75
>8 to 18 GHz……………………..	2.0
Accuracy of Attenuation
0 to 30 dB…………………………	± 0.5 dB
>30 to 50 dB……………………..	± 0.75 dB
>50 to 60 dB……………………..	± 1.5 dB
Flatness of Attenuation
0 to 30 dB…………………………	±1.0 dB
>30 to 40 dB………………………	±1.5 dB
>40 to 50 dB……………………….	±2.0 dB
>50 to 60 dB……………………….	±3.0 dB
Temperature Coefficient ………….	0.02 dB/°C max

Power Handling Capability

Without Performance Degradation…….

Up to 50 mW cw or peak (see Figure 3)

Survival Power……………………………….

2W average or peak

(from -54°C to +25°C; see Figure 4 for higher temperatures)

Switching Time…………………………………

2 µsec max.

Programming……………………………………

Positive true binary standard or BCD (Option 1). For complementary code, specify Option 2.

Minimum Attenuation Step………………….

1.0 dB

Logic Input

Logic “0” (Bit Off)……………………………

-0.3 to +0.8 V@500 µA max

Logic “1” (Bit On)…………………………….

+2.0 to +5.0 V@100 µA max

Power Supply

Requirements…………………………………

+5V ±5%, 250 mA
+15V ± 5%, 75 mA
– 15V, ± 5%, 75 mA

OPTION (G09) ENVIRONMENTAL RATINGS
Operating Temperature Range……………………..	-54°C to 110°C
Non-Operating Temperature Range………………	-65°C to +125°C
Humidity………………………………………………….	MIL-STD-202F, Method 103B, Cond. B (96 hrs. at 95%)
Shock……………………………………………………..	MIL-STD-202F, Method 213B, Cond. B (75G, 6 msec)
Vibration…………………………………………………	MIL-STD-202F, Method 204D, Cond. B (.06″ double amplitude or 15G, whichever is less)
Altitude…………………………………………………..	MIL-STD-202F, Method 105C, Cond. B (50,000 ft.)
Temp. Cycling………………………………………….	MIL-STD-202F, Method 107D, Cond. A, 5 cycles
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Option No.	Description
1	BDC programming (Binary is standard)
2	Complementary programming (positive true is standard)
7	Two SMA male RF connectors
10	One SMA male (J1) and one SMA female (J2) RF connectors
5002*	8-Bit Resolution 1 µsec switching time
G09	Guaranteed to meet Environmental Ratings
G12	RoHS & REACH Compliant
G18	REACH Compliant
*Special order product. Consult factory before ordering. In addition, consult factory for impact on specifications; i.e., VSWR and Insertion loss and availability.

PIN FUNCTIONS

PIN NO.

BINARY

BCD (Opt. 1)

SPARE

+5V

Digital & POWER GND

GND

1 dB

GND

2 dB

1 dB

4 dB

2 dB

8 dB

4 dB

10 dB

8 dB

20 dB

16 dB

40 dB

32 dB

OPEN (NO CONNECTION)

+ 15V

– 15V

SPARE

ACCESSORY FURNISHED
Mating power/logic connector

Dimensions in mm (Inches) Tolerances, unless otherwise indicated: .XX ±.02; .XXX ±.005

Model 3250B Ultra-Broadband 6-Bit Digital PIN Diode Attenuator

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

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