Weinschel 150T-11

Aeroflex API Weinschel  150T-11 Programmable Step Attenuator.  DC-18 GHz.  0-11 dB.  1 dB/Step.  3.5 mm connectors. 12V drive.

Description

API / 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.

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 structure 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 interfacing
requirements, while at the same time providing for greatly enhanced flexibility over past designs. User selectable
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 protocol 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 parameters, 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 integration.

In either operational mode, the microcontroller enters an idle condition during periods of inactivity, turning off all on-board clocks, reducing EMI concerns, and lowering power consumption. On-board regulation for the digital circuitry allows the programmable attenuator to operate from a single input supply voltage.