Octave-Band PIN Diode Attenuator

Application Notes for Microwave Attenuators

The Digitally Controlled Model 3499 Millimeter Wave Attenuator provides greater than octave-band performance and wide programming flexibility in a compact rugged package.

The Model 3499 is an integrated assembly of a balanced PIN diode attenuator and a driver circuit consisting of a PROM, a D/A converter and a current-to-voltage converter, as shown in Figure 1. This arrangement provides a high degree of accuracy and repeatability and also preserves the inherent monotonicity of the attenuator.

The Model 3499 offers attenuation range of 50dB and 60 dB repectively, 0.03 dB resolution and switching speed of no more than 500 nanoseconds. It is available with either a strobe/latch or a non-linear current or voltage controlled attenuation capability.

Frequency range: 18-40 GHz
60 dB attenuation range
500 nanosecond switching speed
11 Bit binary programming
Guaranteed monotonicity
Absorptive

Programmable RF Attenuator | Octave Band 11 Bit Digital Attenuator Model 3499

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

MODEL

FREQUENCY RANGE (GHz)

MAX INSERTION LOSS (dB)

MAX VSWR

FLATNESS (± dB) AT MEAN ATTENUATION LEVELS UP TO

10dB

20dB

40dB

50dB

60dB

3499

18 – 26.5

4.1

2.2

1.3

2.2

3.4

4.0

N/A

>26.5 – 36

4.6

>36 – 40

5.2

3499-60

18 – 26.5

4.3

2.2

1.3

2.2

3.4

4.0

5.0

>26.5 – 36

4.9

>36 – 40

5.8

Mean Attenuation Range
Model 3499……………………………………	50 dB
Model 3499-60………………………………	60 dB
Accuracy of Attenuation
0-30 dB……………………………………….	±0.5 dB
30-50 dB……………………………………..	±1.0 dB
30-60 dB (Model 3499-60)………………	±1.0 dB
Monotonicity……………………………………	Guaranteed
Temperature Coefficient……………………..	±0.03 dB/°C
Power Handling Capability
Without Performance Degradation……	10 mW cw or peak
Survival Power (from –40°C to +25°C; see Figure 2 for higher
temperatures)………………………………	0.2W average, 5W peak (1 µsec max pulse width)
Switching Time………………………………..	0.5 µsec max.
Programming……………………………………	Positive true binary. For complementary code, specify Option 2. To interface with other logic families, please contact factory.
Minimum Attenuation Step…………………	0.03 dB
Logic Input Logic “0” (Bit Off)…………………………. Logic “1” (Bit On)…………………………. Logic Input Current ………………………	-0.3 to +0.8V +2.0 to +5.0V 1 µA max
Analog Input…………………………………….	0 to 6.4V
Power Supply Requirements………………..	12V to +15V, 120 mA -12V to -15V, 50 mA
Power Supply Rejection………………………	Less than 0.1 dB/volt change in either supply

ENVIRONMENTAL RATINGS OPTION G09

Operating Temperature Range……………..

-40°C to +85°C

Non-Operating Temperature Range………

-54°C to +100°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

ACCESSORY FURNISHED
Mating power/logic connector

millimeter wave attenuator power derating factor

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Millimeter wave Attenuator dimensions | PIN Diode Attenuator Dimensions

J3 PIN FUNCTIONS
PIN NO.	BINARY
1	0.06 dB⁽¹⁾
2	0.13 dB
3	Analog Input/ Strobe Latch⁽²⁾⁽³⁾
4	GND
5	0.25 dB
6	0.5 dB
7	1 dB
8	2 dB
9	4 dB
10	8 dB
11	16 dB
12	32 dB
13	+12 to +15V
14	–12 to –15V
15	0.03 dB

Weight: 5 oz. (142 gr) approx.

Dimensions are stated in inches (mm). Tolerances,
unless otherwise indicated: .XX ±.02; .XXX ±.008


AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Option No.	Description
2	Complementary programming (logic “0” is Bit On)
4	Strobe latch for data input. Attenuator responds to data input when logic “0” is applied. Attenuator latched to data input when logic “1” is applied.
7	Two type K male RF connectors
10	One type K male (J1) and one type K female (J2) RF connector
G09	Meeting environmental conditions
G10	Glitch free driver. Recommended option. See Application Notes for Microwave Attenuators for more information
G12	RoHS & REACH Compliant
G16	RoHS & REACH compliant

NOTES

(1) The Model 3499 attenuator is an 11-bit digital attenuator. In order to use this device with a lesser number of bits (lower resolution), the user may simply ground the logic pins for the lowest order unused bits. For example, when operated as an 8-bit unit, the Model 3499 would have Pin 15, Pin 1 and Pin 2 connected to ground. All other parameters remain unchanged.
(2) Normally supplied as an Analog input. Optionally available as a strobe latch function for input data.
(3) Pin 3 is available to apply a current or voltage to control the attenuator in a non-linear fashion. leave pin as open circuit if not used.

Model 3499 Octave-Band 11 Bit Digital PIN Diode Attenuator

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

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