1022 Mw Mini Circuits Zx76 50 G 30 V Dsa Promo 635aaee4e7a49

50-GHz Digital Step Attenuator Ranges from 0 to 31.5 dB in 0.5-dB Steps

Oct. 27, 2022

The wideband DSA is immune to latchup, offers low insertion loss, and is broadly applicable in test applications for 5G, satcom, and electronic-warfare test sets.

David Maliniak

Related To: Microwaves & RF

The Overview

Mini-Circuits’ ZX76-50G-30-V+ digital step attenuator (DSA) is a 50-Ω device that delivers adjustable attenuation from 0 to 31.5 dB in 0.5-dB steps.

Who Needs It & Why?

The ZX76-50G-30-V+ DSA has multiple applications in communications, satcom, and defense test setups. Use cases include 5G; X-band, S-band, C-band, Ku-band, and K-band radars; and electronic-warfare test sets.

Under the Hood

With operation specified from 100 MHz to 50 GHz, the ZX76-50G-30-V+ can function at frequencies up to 55 GHz. It’s controlled through a 6-bit parallel interface with a single positive supply voltage of +2.3 to +5.5 V (+3.3 V nominal). The six control bits select the desired attenuation state (see figure). Thanks to its VSWR of just 1.5:1 (typical), the unit is easy to interface with adjacent components and provides low-amplitude ripple.

The ZX76-50G-30-V+ parallel interface consists of six control bits that select the desired attenuation state. — The ZX76-50G-30-V+ parallel interface consists of six control
bits that select the desired attenuation state.

A novel architecture reduces RF output-power spikes during attenuation to 0.3 dB (typical), which reduces system noise and eliminates risk of a transient spike that could damage sensitive components. In addition, the use of a single positive supply simplifies power-supply design. An internal negative-voltage generator supplies the desired negative voltage.

The single positive supply results in excellent spurious performance. In applications that require the lowest possible spurious performance, a negative voltage can be applied externally to bypass the internal negative-voltage generator.

Equipped with 2.4-mm coaxial connectors, the ZX76-50G-30-V+ comes packaged in a unibody case, which provides ruggedness and the ability to withstand severe environments.

About the Author

David Maliniak | Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

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About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.