North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
India Tel: +91.80.4155721 China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
1
Digital Attenuator
50.0 dB, 6-Bit, TTL Driver, DC-2.0 GHz
Rev. V10
AT20-0106
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Features
Attenuation: 1 dB steps to 50 dB
Temperature Stability: ± 0.18 dB from –40°C to
+85°C Typical
Low DC Power Consumption
Surface Mount Package
Integral TTL Driver
High Intercept Point
Low Cost/High Performance
50 Ohm Nominal Impedance
Lead-Free CR-13 Package
260°C Reflow Compatible
RoHS* Compliant
Description
M/A-COM’s AT20-0106 is a GaAs FET 6-bit digital
attenuator with a 1 dB minimum step size and 50 dB
total attenuation. This attenuator and integral TTL
driver is in a ceramic 24-lead surface mount pack-
age. The AT20-0106 is ideally suited for use where
accuracy, fast switching, low power consumption
and low intermodulation products are required. Typi-
cal applications include dynamic range
setting in precision receiver circuits and other gain/
leveling control circuits. Available with enhanced
performance as fully hermetic version. Environmen-
tally screenable as P/N AT-106-PIN.
Ordering Information
Part Number Package
AT20-0106-PIN Bulk Packaging
AT20-0106-TR 1000 piece reel
AT20-0106-TB Sample Test Board
Note: Reference Application Note M513 for reel size
information.
Functional Schematic
Pin Configuration
Pin No. Function Pin No. Function
1 GND 13 RF2
2 GND 14 GND
3 GND 15 GND
4 C32 16 GND
5 C16 17 GND
6 Vee (-5V to -8V) 18 GND
7 Vcc (+5V) 19 GND
8 C8 20 GND
9 C4 21 GND
10 C2 22 GND
11 C1 23 GND
12 GND 24 RF1
The metal bottom of the case must be connected to RF and DC
ground.
* Restrictions on Hazardous Substances, European Union Directive 2002/95/EC.
North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
India Tel: +91.80.4155721 China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
2
Digital Attenuator
50.0 dB, 6-Bit, TTL Driver, DC-2.0 GHz
Rev. V10
AT20-0106
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Electrical Specifications: TA = 25°C1
Parameter Test Conditio ns Frequency Units Min Typ Max
Reference Insertion Loss DC - 0.5 GHz
DC - 1.0 GHz
DC - 2.0 GHz
dB
dB
dB
3.5
3.9
4.2
3.8
4.2
4.6
Attenuation Accuracy 2 Any Single Bit
Any Combination of Bits
(For attenuation to 26 dB)
Any Combination of Bits
(For attenuation 27 to 50 dB)
DC - 2.0 GHz
DC - 2.0 GHz
DC - 1.5 GHz
dB
dB
dB
± (0.3 +4% of atten. setting)
± (0.4 +4% of atten. setting)
± (0.5 +5% of atten. setting)
VSWR 0.05 - 0.10 GHz
0.101 - 2.0 GHz
Ratio
Ratio
2.0:1
1.8:1
Trise, Tfall 10% to 90% ns 50
Ton, Toff 50% Control to 90/10% RF ns 150
Transients In-Band (peak-peak) mV 50
1 dB Compression Input Power
Input Power
0.05 GHz
0.5 - 2.0 GHz
dBm
dBm
+20
+28
Input IP3 For two-tone Input Power
Up to +5 dBm
0.05 GHz
0.5 - 2.0 GHz
dBm
dBm
+34
+46
Input IP2 For two-tone Input Power
Up to +5 dBm
0.05 GHz
0.5 - 2.0 GHz
dBm
dBm
+45
+79
Vcc V 4.5 5.0 5.5
Vee V -8.0 -5.0
Icc Vcc = 4.5 to 5.5V
Vctl = 0 to 0.8V, or Vcc –
2.1V to Vcc
mA 6.0
Iee Vee = -5.0 to -8.0V mA 1.0
1. All specifications apply when operated with bias voltages of +5V for Vcc and –5.0V for Vee.
2. This attenuator is guaranteed monotonic.
North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
India Tel: +91.80.4155721 China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
3
Digital Attenuator
50.0 dB, 6-Bit, TTL Driver, DC-2.0 GHz
Rev. V10
AT20-0106
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
Recommended PCB Configuration
Absolute Maximum Ratings 3,4
Parameter Absolute Maximum
Max Input Power
0.05 GHz
0.5 - 2.0 GHz
+27 dBm
+34 dBm
VCC -0.5V VCC +7.0V
VEE -8.5V VEE +0.5V
Operating Temperature -40°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature -65°C to +150°C
VCC - VEE -0.5V VCC - VEE 14.5V
Vin5 -0.5V Vin VCC + 0.5V
3. Exceeding any one or combination of these limits may cause
permanent damage to this device.
4. M/A-COM does not recommend sustained operation near
these survivability limits.
5. Standard CMOS TTL interface, latch-up will occur if logic
signal is applied prior to power supply.
Handling Procedures
Please observe the following precautions to avoid
damage:
Static Sensitivity
Gallium Arsenide Integrated Circuits are sensitive
to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and can be
damaged by static electricity. Proper ESD control
techniques should be used when handling these
devices.
Truth Table (Digital Attenuator)
C6 C5 C4 C3 C2 C1 Attenuation
0 0 0 0 0 0 Reference
0 0 0 0 0 1 1 dB
0 0 0 0 1 0 2 dB
0 0 0 1 0 0 4 dB
0 0 1 0 0 0 8 dB
0 1 0 0 0 0 16 dB
1 0 0 0 0 0 32 dB
1 1 1 1 1 1 63 dB
Control Inputs
Attenuation Accuracy vs. Frequency
Typical Performance Curves
Insertion Loss vs. Frequen cy
0
1
2
3
4
5
0.0 0 .5 1.0 1.5 2.0
Freq uency (GHz)
Inse rti on Loss (dB)
+8C +2C -5C
-0.60
-0.40
-0.20
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.0 0 .5 1.0 1.5 2 .0
Fre que nc y ( G H z)
Deviation from Nominal Atten
(dB)
1 dB 2 dB 4 dB 8 dB
0 = TTL Low; 1 = TTL High
North America Tel: 800.366.2266 • Europe Tel: +353.21.244.6400
India Tel: +91.80.4155721 China Tel: +86.21.2407.1588
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to make
changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
4
Digital Attenuator
50.0 dB, 6-Bit, TTL Driver, DC-2.0 GHz
Rev. V10
AT20-0106
ADVANCED: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology Solutions
is considering for development. Performance is based on target specifications, simulated results,
and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.
PRELIMINARY: Data Sheets contain information regarding a product M/A-COM Technology
Solutions has under development. Performance is based on engineering tests. Specifications are
typical. Mechanical outline has been fixed. Engineering samples and/or test data may be available.
Commitment to produce in volume is not guaranteed.
RF1 VSWR vs. Frequen cy
RF2 VSWR vs. Frequen cy
Typical Performance Curves
Attenuation Accuracy vs. Frequency
-2.00
-1.00
0.00
1. 0 0
2.00
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
Frequency (GHz)
Deviation from Nominal
Atten (dB)
16 dB 32 dB 40 dB 50 dB
1
1. 2
1. 4
1. 6
1. 8
2
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2 .0
Frequency (GHz)
VSWR
1 dB4 dB 8 & 16 dB32 dBRef Loss & 2 dB
1
1. 2
1. 4
1. 6
1. 8
2
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
Fre quency (GHz )
VSWR
1 dB2 dB8 dB 16 dB Ref Loss
& 4 d B 32 dB
Lead-Free, CR-13 Ceramic Package
Reference Application Note M538 for lead-free solder reflow
recommendations.