Programmable Attenuators
Model 150
dc to 18.0 GHz
Model 151
dc to 4.0 GHz
Model 152
dc to 26.5 GHz
Relay Switched Programmable Attenuators
RoHS
PROGRAMMABILITY:
In each programmable step
Attenuator, solenoids are used to switch the internal resistor
card of each cell into and out of the circuit. Once the cell is
switched, the solenoid is magnetically latched into position
and is able to withstand extreme shock and vibration.
Internal circuitry is included to interrupt the coil current after
switching is complete. This reduces power dissipation even
if power is continuously applied. The switching time for each
cell is rated at 20 msec maximum which includes the con-
tact settling time.
Description
The Model 150, 151 and 152 Programmable Step
Attenuators represent the widest variety of programmable
attenuators available. This attenuator design is the result of
an extensive development program and offers long reliable
operation with exceptional accuracy and repeatability.
These attenuators can 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
(Figure 1). The attenuator
elements located in the
attenuator cell are created
by a thin-film process
which provides excep-
tional long-term stability,
low power and tempera-
ture coefficients. This
series uses a reed switch-
ing structure that provides
rapid switching together
with low insertion loss.
Other features include:
o
o
o
o
Figure 1. Cell Schematic
BROADBAND ACCURACY & LOW SWR:
The use of
Aeroflex / Weinschel's proprietary thin-film resistor process
provides these programmable step attenuators with a high
degree of accuracy and the lowest possible SWR uncer-
tainty (refer to specifications for actual values). This thin film
process permits the construction of circuits which are truly
distributed and without stray reactances, even at the higher
microwave frequencies.
RELIABILITY:
Each programmable step attenuator is
composed of 3 to 5 (4 in most models) cells. As with all
mechanical designs, usable life becomes a primary concern
to the user. With this in mind Aeroflex / Weinschel backs all
these attenuators with a rated switch life of 5 million
operations per cell. Standardized testing is also performed
on each programmable step attenuator over its operating
frequency range by a computer controlled Aeroflex /
Weinschel Attenuation Measurement System which is
traceable to NIST standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
These Model 150 Programmable Step
Attenuators have undergone an extensive environmental
qualification program and have been subjected to
temperature, shock, vibration, and humidity conditions per
MIL-STD-202F. These programmable step attenuators
operate within these specifications at an ambient
temperature of -20° to +75°C. Operating beyond these
limits will adversely affect the accuracy and could damage
the internal circuitry.
Broadband Frequency Coverage
High Accuracy and Repeatability
Long Life, 5 Million Cycles Per Cell
3, 4, and 5 Cell Configurations
For additional information on the 150 Series, visit our website @ www.aeroflex.com/AW/programmables.htm
112
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: 2/12/10
Programmable Attenuators
150 Series Cell Configurations...
ATTN
Value
11 dB
15 dB
31 dB
62 dB
55 dB
70 dB
Cells
No.
4
4
5
5
4
4
3
4
4
4
PIN #
Cell 1
Cell 2
ATTN
ATTN
Bypass Element Bypass Element
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
5
1 dB
1 dB
1 dB
2 dB
5 dB
10 dB
10 dB
5 dB
10 dB
10 dB
6
Yellow
White
2
Yellow
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
9
4 dB
8 dB
8 dB
32 dB
10 dB
20 dB
40 dB
40 dB
30 dB
40 dB
10
Blue
Orange
9
Brown
Cell 3
Bypass
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
7
ATTN
Element
2 dB
2 dB
2 dB
16 dB
20 dB
20 dB
20 dB
20 dB
20 dB
20 dB
8
Cell 4
Bypass
0 dB
0 dB
0 dB
0 dB
0 dB
0 dB
---
0 dB
0 dB
0 dB
11
ATTN
Element
4 dB
4 dB
16 dB
4 dB
20 dB
20 dB
---
10 dB
30 dB
40 dB
12
Cell 5
ATTN
Bypass
Element
---
---
0 dB
0 dB
---
---
---
---
---
---
3
---
---
4 dB
8 dB
---
---
---
---
---
---
4
Power
+Vdc
75 dB
90 dB
110 dB
Round
Conn.
3 & 4 Cell Wire
5 Cell
Color
Ribbon
Cable
Conn.
1
Red
Red
6
Red
Violet
Black
Orange
Green
3
Blue
Black
Blue
11
Purple
Green
Brown
White
---
---
WHT/BLK RED/BLK GRN/BLK ORN/BLK BLU/BLK
5
Black
4
Gray
10
White
8
Orange
7
yellow
PIN#
13
Wire Orange
Color
Table provides standard attenuation ranges, increments, and cell configurations for all Aeroflex / Weinschel Programmable Step
Attenuators (Models 150, 151, 152, & 152A)
Specifications
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
50
Ω
FREQUENCY RANGE:
Model 151: dc to 4 GHz
Model 150: dc to 18 GHz
Model 152: dc to 26.5 GHz
OPERATIONAL VOLTAGE:
+ 24V Nominal (+20V mini-
mum to +30V maximum) or +5V Nominal (+4V minimum* to
+7V maximum)
*Minimum operating voltage derated to +4.25 V @ 55°C and further
derated to +4.5 V @ 75°C
1 watt average, 100 watts peak
(5
μsec
pulse width; 0.5% duty cycle)
TEMPERATURE:
-20° to +75°C operating
-55° to +85°C nonoperating
TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT:
< 0.0001 dB/dB/°C
POWER SENSITIVITY:
< 0.001 dB/dB/ Watt
RATED SWITCH LIFE:
5 million cycles per cell
RF INPUT CONNECTORS:
Rugged female 3.5 mm
connectors which mate nondestructively with SMA male
connectors per MIL-STD-39012.
CONTROL CONNECTOR:
12 pin Viking TNP12-101
connector with 5' cable or 14 conductor 16" ribbon cable
with connector (shown below):
POWER RATING:
SWITCHING TIME:
20 msec (includes settling time)
CYCLING RATE:
4 Hz max per relay
CONTROL PULSE WIDTH:
20 msec (minimum)
SWITCHING CURRENT:
125 mA @ +24V per cell
300 mA @ +5V per cell
REPEATABILITY:
+0.1 dB typical per cell
VIBRATION:
MIL-STD-202F, Method 204D Cond B
ALTITUDE:
MIL-STD-202F, Method 105C Cond B,
50,000 Ft.
SHOCK:
MIL-STD -202F, Method 213B Cond B,
except 10G, 6 msec
HUMIDITY:
MIL-STD-202F, Method 103B,
Cond. B (96 Hrs. @ 95%, RH)
EMC:
Radiated interference is within the requirements of
MIL-STD-461 method RE02, VDE 0871 and CISPR
Publication II.
5 Cell 350 g (12 oz)
WEIGHT:
4 Cell 290 g (9.0 oz)
3 Cell 230 g (8.0 oz)
VOLTAGE/CONNECTOR OPTIONS:
VOLTAGE
+ 24 V with
Viking Connector
+ 24 V with
Ribbon Cable
+ 5 V with
Viking Connector
+ 5 V with
Ribbon Cable
MODEL(S)
150-XX, 151-XX, 152-XX,
152A-XX
150-XX-1, 151-XX-1, 152-XX-1
152A-XX-1
150-XX-2, 151-XX-2, 152-XX-2
152A-XX-2
150-XX-3, 151-XX-3, 152-XX-3
152A-XX-3
113
Ribbon Cable Models
Round (Viking)Cable Models
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: 2/12/10
Programmable Attenuators
MAXIMUM SWR (50
Ω
Characteristic Impedance):
APPLICABLE MODELS
Frequency (GHz)
dc-4
4-18 18-26.5
MAXIMUM INSERTION LOSS (dB):
APPLICABLE MODELS
Frequency (GHz)
dc-4
4-18 18-26.5
151-11, 151-15, 151-31, 150-62,
151-75, 151-110
150-11, 150-15, 150-31, 151-62,
150-75, 150-110
151-70 (3 cell)
150-70 (3 cell)
152A-70 (3 cell)
152-55, 152-70, 152-90, 152-110
1.50
1.50
1.35
1.35
1.40
1.40
---
1.90
---
1.70
1.70
1.60
---
---
---
---
1.80
1.90
151-11, 151-15, 151-75, 151-110
150-11, 150-15, 150-75, 150-110
151-31, 150-62 (5 cell)
150-31, 151-62 (5 cell)
151-70 (3 cell)
150-70 (3 cell)
152A-70 (3 cell)
152-55, 152-70, 152-90, 152-110
*4-12.4 is 1.80, 12.4-18 is 2.60
0.90
0.90
1.10
1.10
0.70
0.70
0.90
0.90
---
2.20
---
2.60*
---
1.60
2.00
2.00
---
---
---
---
---
---
2.98
2.98
ATTENUATION ACCURACY (+dB with respect to 0 dB reference):
Model 150/151/152-11 & 150/151/152-15:
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
18-26.5
1
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.5
2
0.2
0.3
0.6
0.6
3
0.3
0.4
0.6
0.7
4
0.3
0.4
0.6
0.8
Attenuation Setting (dB)
5
6
7
8
9
0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4
0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6
0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.1
10
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.1
11
0.5
0.7
0.8
1.1
12
0.5
0.7
0.8
1.1
13
0.5
0.7
0.8
1.1
14
0.5
0.7
0.8
1.1
15
0.5
0.7
0.8
1.1
Model 150/151-75:
Frequency
Range (GHz) 5
dc-4
0.2
4-12.4
0.3
12.4-18
0.4
10
0.2
0.3
0.4
15
0.4
0.6
0.8
20
0.4
0.6
0.8
Attenuation Setting (dB)
25 30 35 40 45
0.5 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.9
0.9 0.9 1.2 1.2 1.5
1.2 1.2 1.6 1.6 2.0
50 55 60 65
0.9 1.1 1.1 1.2
1.5 1.8 1.8 2.1
2.0 2.4 2.4 2.8
70
1.2
2.1
2.8
75
1.4
2.1
2.8
Model 150/151-31:
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
Frequency
Rang (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
1
2
3
0.2 0.2 0.3
0.3 0.3 0.4
0.5 0.5 0.6
17
0.5
0.8
0.9
18
0.6
0.8
0.9
19
0.6
0.9
1.0
Attenuation Setting (dB)
4
5
6
7
8
9 10
0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4
0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6
0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8
20
0.6
0.9
1.0
21
0.6
0.9
1.0
Attenuation Setting (dB)
22 23 24 25 26
0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7
0.9 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.0
1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2
11 12 13
0.5 0.5 0.5
0.7 0.7 0.7
0.8 0.8 0.8
27 28 29
0.7 0.7 0.7
1.0 1.0 1.0
1.2 1.2 1.2
14
0.5
0.7
0.8
30
0.8
1.1
1.3
15
0.5
0.7
0.8
31
0.8
1.1
1.3
16
0.5
0.7
0.8
Model 150/151-62:
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
2
4
6
0.3 0.3 0.3
0.4 0.4 0.4
0.5 0.5 0.5
34
0.6
1.0
1.4
36
0.6
1.0
1.4
38
0.7
1.1
1.6
8
0.4
0.5
0.6
40
0.7
1.1
1.6
10
0.4
0.5
0.6
42
0.7
1.3
1.8
Attenuation Setting (dB)
12 14 16 18 20
0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7
0.6 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
e
Attenuation Setting (dB)
44 46 48 50 52
0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9
1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.6
1.8 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.2
22 24 26
0.5 0.5 0.5
0.7 0.8 0.8
0.8 1.0 1.0
54 56 58
0.9 1.0 1.0
1.6 1.6 1.8
2.2 2.2 2.4
28
0.5
0.8
1.0
60
1.0
1.8
2.4
30
0.6
0.8
1.2
62
1.2
1.8
2.4
32
0.6
0.8
1.2
Model 150/151-70, 150/151/152-110, 152A-70:
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
18-26.5
Model 152-55:
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
18-26.5
Frequency
Range (GHz)
dc-4
4-12.4
12.4-18
18-26.5
5
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
10
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
15
0.4
0.5
0.5
0.6
20
0.4
0.5
0.5
0.6
Attenuation Setting (dB)
25 30 35 40 45
0.4 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7
0.5 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9
0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.1
0.6 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.4
50
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.5
55
1.0
1.3
1.6
2.0
10
0.2
0.4
0.4
0.5
20
0.3
0.7
0.8
0.9
30
0.5
0.9
1.2
1.3
.
40
0.7
1.2
1.6
2.0
Attenuation Setting (dB)
50 60 70 80 90
0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6
1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7
2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
2.2 2.6 3.2 3.6 4.0
100
1.7
3.0
4.0
4.2
110
1.9
3.0
4.0
4.6
Model 152-70 & 152-90:
10
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.5
20
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.6
Attenuation Setting (dB)
30 40 50 60 70
0.6 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.1
0.7 0.9 1.0 1.3 1.5
0.8 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.7
0.9 1.4 1.5 1.8 2.3
80
1.1
1.6
1.8
2.4
90
1.2
1.7
2.1
2.8
114
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: 2/12/10
Programmable Attenuators
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS:
Models 150, 151, & 152:
DIM
3 cell
4 cell
5 cell
NOTE:
A
82.3 (3.28)
110.7 (4.36)
136.1 (5.36)
B
76.2 (3.0)
103.7 (4.08)
129.1 (5.08)
C
104.6 (4.12)
133.6 (5.25)
159.5 (6.28)
1. All dimensions are given in mm (inches) and are maximum, unless otherwise specified.
2. Unit available with RoHS compliant materials, specify when ordering.
115
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: 2/12/10
Programmable Attenuators
150 Series Ordering Guide...
Frequency Range/
Voltage/Connector
dc-4 GHz/+24 V/
Viking Connector
dc-18 GHz/+24 V/
Viking Connector
dc-26.5 GHz/+24 V/
Viking Connector
dc-4 GHz/+24 V/
Ribbon Cable
dc-18 GHz/+24 V/
Ribbon Cable
dc-26.5 GHz/+24 V/
Ribbon Cable
dc-4 GHz/+5 V/
Viking Connector
dc-18 GHz/+5 V/
Viking Connector
dc-26.5 GHz/+5 V/
Viking Connector
dc-4 GHz/+5 V/
Ribbon Cable
dc-18 GHz/+5 V/
Ribbon Cable
dc-26.5 GHz/+5 V/
Ribbon Cable
NO.
Cells
4
3
5
4
3
5
4
3
4
3
5
4
3
5
4
3
4
3
5
4
3
5
4
3
4
3
5
4
3
5
4
3
11/1 dB
151-11
15/1 dB
NA
Attenuator Range/Step Size
55/5 dB 31/1 dB 62/2 dB
70/10 dB
N/A
N/A
151-31
150-11
150-15
N/A
150-70
150-31
N/A
151-11-1
N/A
NA
152-55
N/A
N/A
N/A
151-31-1 151-62-1
150-11-1
150-15-1
N/A
150-70-1
150-31-1 150-62-1
N/A
151-11-2
N/A
151-15-2
152-55-1
N/A
N/A
151-31-2 151-62-2
150-11-2
150-15-2
N/A
150-70-2
N/A
151-11-3
N/A
N/A
150-31-2 150-62-2
152-55-2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
151-31-3 151-62-3
150-11-3
150-15-3
N/A
150-70-3
150-31-3 150-62-3
N/A
N/A
152-55-3
N/A
N/A
N/A
152-90-3
152-110-3
150-75-3
N/A
150-110-3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
152-90-2
152-110-2
150-75-2
N/A
150-110-2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
151-75-2
152-90-1
N/A
152-110-1
151-110-2
N/A
N/A
150-110-1
N/A
151-75-1
N/A
151-110-1
150-62
N/A
N/A
152-90
N/A
151-62
150-75
N/A
150-110
75/5 dB
151-75
90/10 dB
N/A
110/10 dB
151-110
N/A = Not Available
ACCESSORIES
OPTIONAL TEST Data:
Test Data is available at an addi-
tional cost for all programmable step attenuators models.
Standard test date is sweep measurements which magitude
and VSWR for each primary cell'.
MODELS WITH BUILT-IN TTL/CMOS INTERFACE\
DRIVER CIRCUIT:
Aeroflex / Weinschel offers versions of
the 150 series with built-in TTL/CMOS interfaces. This gen-
eration of intelligent attenuators will greatly simplify as well
as provide an economical solution to 150 series driver prob-
lems. Refer to Model 150T, 151T, and 152T data sheet for
more information.
116
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: 2/12/10
