25 August 2011

M/A-COM Tech launches 1-bit digital attenuator for CATV applications

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes semiconductors, components, and subassemblies for RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) has launched the MAAD-010305, a 15dB step GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) 1-bit digital attenuator for CATV and set-top box (STB) front-end applications.

Designed to condition cable input signals to the STB, the device is suited to use where high accuracy, very low power consumption, and low intermodulation products are required.

“We are very pleased to continue the expansion of our 75Ω product portfolio with the introduction of this highly linear, 15dB digital attenuator,” says product manager Graham Board. “This device is ideally suited for use in high-volume, cost-sensitive customer premises equipment,” he adds. 

The MAAD-010305 is fabricated as a monolithic GaAs integrated circuit using a mature pHEMT process that features full chip passivation for performance and reliability. Available in an RoHS-compliant, lead-free SOT-25, five-lead surface-mount plastic package, the attenuator is designed for operation from DC to 1.1GHz, and is characterized by low insertion loss of 0.3dB and allows for positive and negative voltage control, complemented by 75Ω impedance. Input and output return losses are both 14dB, input IP3 is 46 dBm, and P1dB is 20dBm. Composite triple beat (CTB) performance is 70dBc and composite second order (CSO) performance is 66dBc (157 channels, PIN = 35dBmV/Ch).

Tags: M/A-COM Attenuator CATV applications

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