Wireless data requires frequency bandwidth, and the promise of emerging Fifth Generation (5G) wireless communications networks is that bandwidth will be available to transfer data within local area networks via millimeter-wave frequencies. Frequency bands above the microwave range are also being used for automotive radar systems. Such frequencies above 30 GHz now represent the part of the spectrum that can provide the bandwidth for these applications.
In support of millimeter-wave applications, Mini-Circuits has been cultivating a variety of affordable component families for frequency coverage to 40 GHz and beyond, including coaxial cable assemblies, power dividers/combiners, terminations, and adapters. In addition, for those faced with regulating signal power levels at these higher frequencies, the firm offers the BW-VX-1W54+ series of fixed attenuators, with available attenuation values of 3, 6, 10, and 20 dB for a broad bandwidth of dc to 50 GHz.
The precision coaxial attenuators (see figure) are well-suited for impedance-matching and level-setting applications in measurement systems. Each attenuator is equipped with a 2.4-mm male connector and a 2.4-mm female connector, with passivated stainless-steel connectors used for low loss and long-term durability. All of the attenuators typically handle maximum input power of 1 W (+30 dBm) at room temperature (+25ºC), with the power-handling capability derated linearly with temperature to 0.1 W at +100ºC. All are designed for an operating temperature range of ‒55 to +100ºC.