Programmable Attenuators
Model 150T
dc to 18.0 GHz
Model 151T
dc to 4.0 GHz
Model 152T
dc to 26.5 GHz
SmartStep
®
Relay Switched Programmable Attenuators,
with built-in Microprocessor-Based Driver
For Use with Weinschel 8210A Controller
RoHS
The attenuator elements located in the attenuator cell are
created by a thin-film process which provides exceptional
long-term stability, low power and temperature coefficients.
This series of step attenuators uses a reed switching struc-
ture that provides rapid switching together with low insertion
loss.
BUILT-IN DRIVER CIRCUITRY:
These programmable
attenuators feature an internal microcontroller-based driver
that provides a TTL-level digital interface for control of the
attenuator relays. This card simplifies operation and inter-
facing requirements, while at the same time providing for
greatly enhanced flexibility over past designs. User-selec-
table modes of operation include both parallel and serial
bus. The parallel mode provides a simple, one-bit per relay
on/off control with internal pullups for use primarily in single
attenuator applications. This mode allows the attenuator to
be controlled via a variety of methods, such as a TTL-level
digital output port, or mechanical toggle switches. The
device bus provides a two-wire serial bus structure and pro-
tocol for connecting a number of devices to a single host
control interface, suitable for use in larger system and sub-
system applications. The driver interface contains
non-volatile configuration memory that is used to hold a
wide variety of attenuator and driver-dependent parame-
ters, including serial number, attenuator cell dB values,
relay configurations, and switching requirements, which are
all accessible via the digital interface. This frees the system
designer from such low-level details, allowing faster inte-
gration. In either operational mode, the microcontroller
enters an idle condition during periods of inactivity, turning
off all on-board clocks, reducing EMI concerns, and lower-
ing power consumption. On-board regulation for the digital
circuitry allows the programmable attenuator to operate
from a single input supply voltage.
Other features include:
Relay
Drivers
+5 V
Regulator
+12 to
+15 V
Input
EMI
Filters
To
Attenuator
Relays
Description
Aeroflex / Weinschel’s line of intelligent programmable step
attenuators with a built-in TTL interface (Figure 1). These
models are designed to simplify the control and integration
of these devices into subsystem and bench applications.
These intelligent attenuators offer the same long reliable
operation with exceptional accuracy and repeatability as
with our other 150 Series Programmable Attenuators. They
provide programmable adjustments of RF signal levels in
precise steps of 1 dB, 5 dB, 10 dB, or with custom steps
available. Each attenuator consists of a cascaded assembly
of switched attenuator cells and a internal TTL interface.
Non-Volatile
Configuration
Memory
TTL/CMOS
Compatible
Digital Interface
Single-Chip
Microcontroller
DC-DC
Converter
Figure 1. Built-In Driver Circuitry
108
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o
o
o
o
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Wide Variety of Frequency & Attenuation Ranges
Broadband Frequency Coverage
High Accuracy and Repeatability
Long Life, 5 Million Cycles Per Cell
Common 14 pin Interface Connector
Custom Attenuation Ranges
For additional information on the 150 Series, visit our website @ www.aeroflex.comw/AW/programmables.htm
5305 Spectrum Drive, Frederick, MD 21703-7362 TEL: 301-846-9222, 800-638-2048 Fax: 301-846-9116
web: www.aeroflex.com/weinschel email: weinschel-sales@aeroflex.com
Revision Date: 3/4/09
APITECH [ API Technologies Corp ]
