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This section provides an overview for step attenuators as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 35 step attenuator manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked step attenuator companies as of December, 2024: 1.MECA electronics, 2.Viavi Solutions, Inc., 3.Fairview Microwave, Inc..
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Categories Related to Step Attenuators
An attenuator is a circuit or device that can attenuate a signal by a specified amount without distorting it.
There are two types of attenuators: fixed and continuously variable attenuators, in addition to step attenuators.
A fixed attenuator attenuates the signal by a fixed amount, while a variable attenuator can vary the attenuation linearly, and a step attenuator can vary the attenuation in steps.
Although there are several types of attenuators, the purpose of attenuating signals remains the same. Therefore, in the following explanations, unless otherwise specified, all explanations will be common to all attenuators. Expressions such as step attenuator will only be used when necessary.
Typical applications of attenuators are signal level adjustment and impedance matching.
Suppose the signal level is too high for the input signal when connecting to a subsequent circuit or device. In that case, it is used as a signal level adjustment function to adjust the signal level to an appropriate level and send it to the subsequent stage.
If the impedances of the sender and receiver do not match when an input signal connects to a circuit in a subsequent stage, noise or signal reflection may occur, which may result in inconvenience to the expected operation. The step attenuator is used as an impedance-matching function to prevent such inconveniences.
An attenuator has a structure called a T-type circuit or N-type circuit that combines resistors.
In addition, to obtain a specified amount of attenuation, a T-type or N-type circuit may be configured by connecting multiple stages of each of these circuits in a dependent manner.
If the purpose is to attenuate the signal, the objective can be fulfilled by inserting an appropriate resistor.
For example, consider the case of a TV receiver used to measure the reception performance of TV broadcasts.
The reception conditions may be made worse by attenuating the strength of the incoming radio signal in steps using a step attenuator. The receiver evaluates the level of input signal attenuation to see if it can be received without problems and if the amount of attenuation meets the design target value.
In this case, digital terrestrial broadcasting sends broadcast signals in the 470 to 710 MHz range, and these frequencies are input to the TV set. Therefore, since it is necessary to attenuate the signal flatly at all frequencies, resistors cannot be used for this type of test, and a step attenuator is required.
Thus, attenuators in high-frequency circuits must attenuate while maintaining impedance.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Viavi Solutions, Inc. is based in Arizona, USA, and is a manufacturer of network testing and measurement products that was established in 2015 following the split of the JDS Uniphase Corporation into Viavi Solutions and Lumentum Holdings. The company produces wireless network optimization or testing tools, optical fiber inspection tools, and network performance troubleshooting software. It also offers cloud-native software platforms for automation, inventory, and quality assurance applications. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the telecom, data center, and IT industries.
OMMIC, founded in Lowell, MA, in 1950 is a manufacturer of semiconductor products for Data Center, Telecommunication and Industrial and Defense applications. The company's product portfolio includes Optical Networking Solutions, Lightwave Components, Diodes, MMICs, and SDI Products. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. They have design centers and sales offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia and have ISO9001 international quality standard and ISO14001 environmental management standard.
Qorvo, established in 2015, is a semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, that specializes in providing RF (Radio Frequency) solutions. Their range of product offerings includes RF chips, modules, amplifiers, discrete transistors, and integrated circuits, designed to enable wireless communication, enhance defense systems, support automotive applications, facilitate aerospace operations, and enable connectivity in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. Qorvo is certified with ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management.
Narda-MITEQ, established in 1973 and based in Hauppauge, New York, United States, is a manufacturer of RF/microwave components, subsystems, and spaceborne and SATCOM products. The company produces active and passive components, Satcom products, spaceborne products, and integrated microwave assemblies and supplies to military or commercial industries. The passive components made by the company are mixers, amplifiers, oscillators, fiber optics, and RF safety monitoring equipment, and all these are manufactured by abiding by the ISO 9001 certification and supplied to aviation, space, and defense industries.
Vaunix Technology Corporation, founded in 2005, is an American manufacturer based in Newburyport, Massachusetts, producing radio frequency (RF) and microwave test equipment and communications products. Adhering to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the company has developed wireless test products under the Lab Brick line, complemented by graphical user interface (GUI) software. This product line includes attenuator matrix solutions that also serve as wireless handover test systems, offering cost-effectiveness and simplicity for microwave test benches. The company extends technical support to cellular infrastructure, communication, and electronic networking companies. Its services cover radio equipment repair and testing and system integration.
Fairview Microwave was established in 1992 in Lewisville, TX, and is a manufacturer of RF and microwave components for industrial automation, military defense, telecom-broadband, commercial electronics, and building automation industries. Its RF product catalog includes RF noise source generators, RF power dividers and tappers, RF coaxial surge protector lightning, RF connector dust caps, and RF power combiners. The company also designs bias tees, calibration kits, frequency synthesizers, impedance matching pads, and hybrid couplers. It provides cable phase matching, 3D CAD drawings, and RF cable design services.
Incorporated in 1965, Analog Devices, Inc. designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. The company provides data converter products, power management and reference products for power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing, and energy management applications in the automotive, communications, industrial, and high-end consumer markets. In addition, the company provides digital signal processing and system products for high-speed numeric calculations. It serves clients in the industrial, automotive, consumer, instrumentation, aerospace, and communications markets.
NARDA-ATM, formerly known as Advanced Technical Materials Inc. and acquired by Narda-MITEQ in 2016, is an American manufacturer based in Hauppauge, New York, specializing in microwave and radio frequency (RF) components. NARDA-ATM offers a wide range of components, including coaxial, waveguide, Ka-band satellite communication (satcom), and space-qualified microwave components. These components can be manufactured to meet commercial standards or full military specifications, such as military flight and space quality standards. Equipped with microwave measurement capability up to 50 GHz, as well as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining equipment, NARDA-ATM offers custom component design and manufacturing services.
Rohde and Shwarz, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a technology business that creates, develops, and promotes innovative information and communication technology products for professionals. Customers all over the world rely on Rohde & Schwarz and its cutting-edge solutions in the test & measurement, secure communications, networks & cybersecurity, and broadcast & media areas. They were created in 1993 and have regional hubs in Asia and the United States.Rohde & Schwarz has invested heavily in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), 6G, cloud solutions, and quantum technology.
Mini-Circuits, founded in 1968 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, is a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of RF and microwave components and integrated assemblies. The company’s range of products includes adapters, amplifiers, attenuators, cables, and frequency multipliers. Mini-Circuits' products are used to provide essential components and solutions for RF and microwave communication, signal processing, and testing across industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, defense, research, and manufacturing. Their offerings enable efficient signal transmission and manipulation in diverse applications where RF and microwave technologies play a role. The company also holds ISO 9001, AS 9100, and ISO 14001 certifications.
Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc., an American company founded in 1985 and headquartered in Oriskany, New York, is a manufacturer and distributor of communication fiber optic products. The company's product portfolio includes AFL fiber optic cleaning tools, fiber optic patch cords, fiber optic cables, test equipment, and other fiber optic products. These products find applications in various industries, including telecommunications, cable television, healthcare, education, and the government and public sector. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and offers services, including technical support, training, custom manufacturing, sample requests, and product catalogs.
MECA electronics, a designer and manufacturer of microwave accessory devices, based in Denville, United States, was established in 1961 and has served the RF/microwave firm with products covering up to 50 GHz. The company provides RF/microwave components including fixed attenuators, DC blocks, directional couplers, isolators, and circulators as well as power dividers and combiners that are used in many applications such as mobile radio, satellite communications, aviation, and air traffic communications. The company has distributors including Accu-TECH, TALLEY, and PRIMUS.
Pasternack headquartered in Irvine, California, is part of the Infinite Electronics family of brands, established in 1972 by Murray Pasternack, as a supplier of RF and Microwave components. The company retails various types of products, including connectors, switches, cables, couplers, and filters. They have over 40,000 in-stock products and have partnered with 19 international distributors serving customers in over 35 countries. The company offers contract assembling, where they assemble custom Cables for same-day shipping. The company earned the ISO 9001 certification in 2015 and offers expert technical support and 24/7 customer service.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, pSemi is a designer and manufacturer, and distributor of application-specific semiconductors. The company was founded in 1990 and shipped over 10 billion chips as of 2022. pSemi customers can purchase tuning control switches, digital attenuators, and tunable capacitors. The company also produces power limiters, mixers, prescalers, and converters. Their worldwide marketing partner is Peregrine Semiconductor. Products manufactured by pSemi are used in several industries such as automotive, internet of things, cable broadband, and communication infrastructure.
Keysight Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1939 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California. Keysight is a global developer and manufacturer of electronic design and test solutions to communications, networking, aerospace, defense, and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries. Keysight’s communications solutions group solutions include electronic design automation software; radio frequency and microwave test solutions, hardware and virtual network test platforms and software applications, as well as optical laser source solutions. Keysight’s electronic industrial solutions group offers various design tools and verification tools. Keysight offers product support, technical support, and training and consulting services. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, resellers, and manufacturer's representatives.
JFW Industries Inc. designs and manufactures passive RF components and application-specific test systems. Established in 1979, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The company's main activities encompass manufacturing a wide range of RF and microwave components, including attenuators, switches, power dividers, and custom RF solutions. These components are essential for various industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and defense, enabling seamless communication and signal processing. JFW Industries Inc. also offers services such as custom design and engineering solutions for different RF challenges.
KYOCERA SOC Corporation, a company established in January 1954 and headquartered in Kanagawa Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of lasers, optical units, and special lenses. The company offers a wide range of products, including optical elements, excimer laser mirrors, and UV objective lenses, which find applications in various industries, such as automotive, telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics. The company also provides technical support, customization options, and design consultation to meet customers’ needs.
Yantel, based in Shenzhen, China, is a company that operates as a manufacturer and supplier of telecommunication equipment and solutions. Established in 2003, the company specializes in designing and producing telecommunication equipment for various industries and application. The company's product includes various telecommunication equipment, including base station antennas, microwave antennas, and small cell solutions. These products are essential for enabling wireless communication and network connectivity in various environments. Additionally, the company has gained the ISO9001:2008 Quality Management System Certificate, the ISO14000 Environmental Management System Certificate, and GJB9001B-2009 Military Standard of Quality Management System Certificate.
Shenzhen Tianruitong Microwave Devices Co., Ltd (also known as Shenzhen BECENRF Communication Technology Co., Ltd) is a Chinese manufacturer based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, specializing in radio frequency (RF) and microwave (MV) components. The company’s RF and MW products include a selection of attenuators, typically installed to reduce signal strength, step attenuators that maintain waveform integrity while reducing signal power, and connectors, primarily used for signal transmission. The company also offers dummy loads for simulating electrical loads, direct current (DC) blocks to prevent DC flow through RF circuits, as well as surge arrestors to safeguard radio and antenna installations from power surges.
Anritsu Corporation, established in 1931 and based in Atsugi, Japan, is a manufacturer of electronic measuring instruments, quality assurance systems, and Information and Telecommunication equipment and devices. Its test and measurement products include power meters, power sensors, and conformance test systems, while X-ray inspection systems, metal detectors, and checkweighers ensure food safety and security. Other products like instrumentation-grade adapters and optical sensing equipment are used in IT. The company’s stock was listed in the 2nd section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1961, and in 1968, it was listed in the 1st section.
Atlantic Microwave, founded in 1989 and currently a subsidiary of ETL Systems Ltd., is a British manufacturer and supplier of radio frequency (RF) and microwave components and equipment located in Braintree, Essex. The company’s product portfolio covers high-frequency RF components, RF research and development tools, and RF testing and measurement equipment, along with custom-built RF test equipment, components, and waveguides. These products are utilized in various applications, including cryogenic temperature and quantum computing as well as RF signal testing. The company caters to industries like aerospace, satellite communications, government and defense, test and measurement, as well as wireless, radio links, and telecommunications.
Hefei Maniron Electronic and Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2002 and headquartered in Hefei, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of RF (Radio Frequency) and microwave components and solutions based in China. The company specializes in designing and producing quality components for industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. Devoted to engineering excellence, Hefei Maniron Electronic and Technology aims to provide cutting-edge RF and microwave solutions that meet the complex demands of modern technology.
Renesas Electronics Corporation was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Renesas is a global research, design, and manufacturer of semiconductors used in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, the internet of things, power & energy, and industrial sectors. Renesas manufactures both analog and digital products. Analog products include amplifiers, audio & video devices, data converters, PLC, and switches & multiplexers. Digital products include microcontrollers, memory components, sensors, wireless connectivity products, and others. Renesas also offers design resources such as kits, development tools, partner programs, and design tools.
Amphenol, a company founded in 1948 and headquartered in North Carolina, USA, and Amboise, France, is a manufacturer of interconnect solutions and antennas. The company offers base stations, railway antennas, transmission antennas, and RF conditioning products. These products cater to various industries, including aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and industrial. Its diverse range of products finds applications in environments, facilitating data transmission and power distribution. The company holds ISO certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949, ensuring its products meet industry standards.
DS Instruments, founded in 2012 and based in Gardenville, Nevada, US, is a manufacturer of compact and economical Microwave Test Equipment. The company offers a wide range of products including Microwave & RF Signal Generators, Digital RF Step Attenuators, Power Meters, Phase Shifters, and Gain Blocks among others. The company’s products are controllable via USB PC GUI, automated SCPI COM port commands, Ethernet connection, and front push buttons. Its products serve various fields including aerospace, military, communications, education, and more.
Micronics is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of measurement systems, ultrasonic sensors, and flow meters that was established in Tokyo, Japan, in 1984. The company produces a broad range of measurement systems, parts, and components. These products include fixed flow meters, clamp-on flow meters, and portable flow meters. It also offers product testing, calibration, and troubleshooting services for customers requiring additional support. The company’s products are commonly used in water processing, energy management, and environmental protection operations.
Photonic Solutions Ltd, founded In 1999 and based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, is the independent distributor of photonics and associated technologies to the UK scientific and industrial market. It is a supplier to more than forty global manufacturers of optical components and laser systems. The company's wide range of products include, laser detectors, diagnostics and safety equipment, microscopes, spectrometers, custom-designed systems and related accessories. Its photonic products are backed up by unrivalled support and services.
TelecomTest Solutions (TTS), founded in 2006, is an Australian supplier headquartered in Moorabbin, Victoria, engaging in the telecommunications sector. The company specializes in test and measurement solutions for telecommunication or information and communications technology (ICT). Some of the offerings include 3-in-1 devices featuring spectrum analyzers, continuous wave (CW) receivers, and cable or antenna sweepers. It also offers products for network synchronization and assurance, including multi-constellation and multi-frequency ground network scheduling system (GNSS) simulators as well as underground global positioning system (GPS) positioning devices. For access systems and solutions for carriers, mobile operators, and service providers, the company offers Ethernet demarcation devices.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MECA electronics |
5.4%
|
| 2 | Viavi Solutions, Inc. |
5.4%
|
| 3 | Fairview Microwave, Inc. |
4.5%
|
| 4 | MACOM |
4.5%
|
| 5 | Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. |
4.5%
|
| 6 | Vaunix Technology Corporation |
4.1%
|
| 7 | Formerly Advanced Technical Materials Inc. |
4.1%
|
| 8 | Amplical Corporation |
3.6%
|
| 9 | Shenzhen Tianruitong Microwave Devices Co., Ltd |
3.6%
|
| 10 | pSemi |
3.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the step attenuator page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
19 | 59.4% |
|
China
|
6 | 18.8% |
|
Japan
|
4 | 12.5% |
|
United Kingdom
|
2 | 6.3% |
|
Australia
|
1 | 3.1% |
56 products found
56 products
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