MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Features
Rev. V3
Functional Schematic
6-bit, 0.5 dB LSB, 31.5 dB range
DC to 30 GHz operation
Integrated TTL 0/+5V control
+/- 0.5 dB typical bit error
Low RMS phase 4.3° @ 20 GHz
Lead-Free 3 mm 16-lead PQFN package
ESD protection for all controls and bias
Description
The MAAD-011021 is a wide band 6-bit digital
attenuator covering DC to 30 GHz. The attenuation
bit-values are 0.5 dB LSB (least significant bit), 1, 2,
4, 8, and 16 dB for a total attenuation of 31.5 dB.
Attenuation error is typically less than +/- 0.5 dB,
RMS phase error is less than 5 degrees at 20 GHz,
and typical insertion loss is 7.2 dB at 15 GHz.
Return loss is typically 12 dB across all frequencies
and attenuation states.
The attenuator integrates an inverter to allow a
single control for series/shunt attenuation. Inverter
requires a -5 V supply (VCC) and 17 mA typical, logic
is 0 V / +5 V.
Pin Configuration3
Pin No.
Function
Pin No.
Function
1
Ground
9
V6 (16 dB)
2
RF Input
10
Ground
3
Ground
11
RF Output
4
V1 (0.5 dB)
12
Ground
5
V2 (1 dB)
13
No Connection
6
V3 (2 dB)
14
No Connection
7
V4 (4 dB)
15
VCC -5 V Bias
8
V5 (8 dB)
16
No Connection
17
Pad4
The device is also available as bare die; order part
number MAAD-011021-0GPDIE.
Ordering Information1,2
Part Number
Package
MAAD-011021
Bulk Part
MAAD-011021-TR0500
500 piece reel
MAAD-011021-SMB
Sample Board
1. Reference Application Note M513 for reel size information.
2. All sample boards include 3 loose parts.
3. MACOM recommends connecting unused package pins to
ground.
4. The exposed pad centered on the package bottom must be
connected to RF, DC and thermal ground.
* Restrictions on Hazardous Substances, European Union Directive 2011/65/EU.
1
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport
MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
Electrical Specifications:
TA = +25°C, VCC = -5 V, Z0 = 50 Ω (unless otherwise specified)
Parameter
Test Conditions
Units
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Insertion Loss
DC - 15 GHz
15 - 30 GHz
1 GHz
10 GHz
15 GHz
dB
—
6.0
8.0
5.0
7.0
7.5
—
—
5.5
8.0
8.5
Return Loss
DC - 30 GHz
dB
—
15
—
Attenuation Bits
10 GHz
LSB: 0.5 dB
Bit 2: 1 dB
Bit 3: 2 dB
Bit 4: 4 dB
Bit 5: 8 dB
Bit 6: 16 dB
0.3
0.8
1.8
3.8
7.6
16.0
0.4
1.0
2.0
4.0
8.3
17.0
0.5
1.1
2.2
4.2
8.9
18.0
dB
Attenuation Error RMS
DC - 15 GHz
15 - 30 GHz
dB
—
0.3
1.2
—
Phase Error RMS
DC - 15 GHz
15 - 30 GHz
deg
—
2.6
7.2
—
Input P0.1dB
DC - 30 GHz
dBm
—
24
—
Input IP3
DC - 30 GHz
dBm
—
38
—
Switching Time
—
ns
—
45
—
Control Logic
—
V
—
0 / +5
—
Control Current
each control bit @ +5 V
mA
—
6
—
Supply Current
Supply = -5 V
mA
—
17
45
Absolute Maximum Ratings5,6
Parameter
Absolute Maximum
Input Power
+35 dBm
Operating Voltage
-5 V
Control Voltage
0 / +5 V
Operating Temperature
-40°C to +85°C
Storage Temperature
-65°C to +150°C
5. Exceeding any one or combination of these limits may cause
permanent damage to this device.
6. MACOM does not recommend sustained operation near these
survivability limits.
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
Class 1A devices.
2
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport
MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
Truth Table7,8
V1
0.5 dB
V2
1 dB
V3
2 dB
V4
4 dB
V5
8 dB
V6
16 dB
State
low
low
low
low
low
low
0 dB
high
low
low
low
low
low
0.5 dB
low
high
low
low
low
low
1 dB
low
low
high
low
low
low
2 dB
low
low
low
high
low
low
4 dB
low
low
low
low
high
low
8 dB
low
low
low
low
low
high
16 dB
high
high
high
high
high
high
31.5 dB
7. high = +5 V @ 5.7 mA, low = 0 V @ 1.0 mA.
8. Any combination of the above states will provide attenuation approximately equal to the sum of the bits selected.
Evaluation Board
PCB Layout
Application Schematic
Parts List
VCC = -5 V
Part
Value
Case Style
J1, J2
0Ω
0201
RFIN
RFOUT
V1
V2
V3
V4
V5
V6 = 0 / +5 V
3
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport
MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
Typical Performance Curves
P0.1dB Compression
Insertion Loss
0
30
+25°C
-40°C
+85°C
-4
+25°C
-40°C
+85°C
28
26
-8
24
-12
-16
22
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
20
0
5
Frequency (GHz)
15
20
25
30
25
30
25
30
Frequency (GHz)
Maximum Output Return Loss (all states)
Maximum Input Return Loss (all states)
0
0
+25°C
-40°C
+85°C
-4
-8
-12
-12
0
5
10
+25°C
-40°C
+85°C
-4
-8
-16
10
15
20
25
30
-16
0
5
Frequency (GHz)
10
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
Input IP3 (reference states)
Noise Figure (reference states)
60
12
+25°C
-40°C
+85°C
50
10
8
40
6
30
4
20
10
4
2
0
5
10
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
25
30
0
0
5
10
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport
MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
Typical Performance Curves
Attenuation
Relative Attenuation
0
0
-5
-4
-10
-8
-15
-20
REF
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
-12
-25
REF
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
-30
-35
0
-16
Bit 4
Bit 5
Bit 6
5
Bit 4
Bit 5
Bit 6
10
15
20
25
30
-20
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
25
30
25
30
Frequency (GHz)
Frequency (GHz)
RMS Phase Error
RMS Attenuation Error
4
25
20
3
15
2
10
1
0
5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0
0
5
10
Frequency (GHz)
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
Relative Phase Error
Relative Attenuation Error
2
40
REF
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
1
20
0
Bit 4
Bit 5
Bit 6
0
-1
-2
REF
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
-3
-4
0
5
-20
Bit 4
Bit 5
Bit 6
10
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
25
30
-40
0
5
10
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
5
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport
MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
Typical Performance Curves
Relative Attenuation Error (Bit 1, 2)
Relative Phase Error (Bit 1, 2)
2
40
30
1
Bit 1
Bit 2
20
0
10
-1
0
-10
Bit 1
Bit 2
-2
-20
-3
-4
-30
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
-40
0
5
10
Frequency (GHz)
15
20
25
30
25
30
25
30
Frequency (GHz)
Relative Phase Error (Bit 3, 4)
Relative Attenuation Error (Bit 3, 4)
2
40
30
1
Bit 3
Bit 4
20
0
10
-1
0
-10
Bit 3
Bit 4
-2
-20
-3
-4
-30
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
-40
0
5
10
Frequency (GHz)
20
Relative Phase Error (Bit 5, 6)
Relative Attenuation Error (Bit 5, 6)
2
40
30
1
Bit 5
Bit 6
20
0
10
-1
0
-2
-10
Bit 5
Bit 6
-20
-3
-4
15
Frequency (GHz)
-30
0
5
10
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
25
30
-40
0
5
10
15
20
Frequency (GHz)
6
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
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MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
Typical Performance Curves
Step Error Between Successive States
Switching Time
2.0
2 GHz
5 GHz
10 GHz
20 GHz
1.5
1.0
7
0
6
-5
5
-10
0.5
4
0.0
3
-0.5
2
-25
-1.0
1
-30
-1.5
0
-35
-2.0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Attenuation State (dB)
-1
-100
-15
Control Voltage (L)
-20
S21 (R)
-50
0
50
100
150
200
250
-40
300
Time (ns)
Phase Error over Attenuation States
20
15
10
5
0
-5
1 GHz
3 GHz
5 GHz
10 GHz
20 GHz
-10
-15
-20
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Attenuation State (dB)
7
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport
MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
Lead-Free 3 mm 16-Lead PQFN†
†
Reference Application Note S2083 for lead-free solder reflow recommendations.
Meets JEDEC moisture sensitivity level 1 requirements.
Plating is 100% matte tin over copper.
Application Information
The MAAD-011021 is designed for extremely wide band and robust attenuation applications. It uses a
combination of series and shunt cold channel, multiple-gate FETs to achieve high linearity and accurate
attenuation repeatability. We recommend using double bonds at both RF input and output, as well as keeping
bondwires as short as possible. This part is the most accurate for X-band applications.
The MAAD-011021 has a built in inverter function which allows a single +5 V / 0 V single control for each bit.
This is useful if you require very fast switching times and have +5 V / 0 V available.
The MAAD-011021 is DC-coupled at both RFIN and RFOUT. If operation at DC is desired, 0 Ω jumpers (or
continuous 50 Ω RF lines) should be used in series with RF IN and RFOUT. Customer should take extra care to
ensure that the voltage at both RFIN and RFOUT are 0 V; excess voltage can damage the part. If operation at DC
is not required, simply use series blocking capacitors.
8
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport
MAAD-011021
Digital Attenuator, 6-Bit, 0.5 dB LSB step
DC - 30 GHz
Rev. V3
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is provided in connection with M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc ("MACOM")
products. These materials are provided by MACOM as a service to its customers and may be used for
informational purposes only. Except as provided in MACOM's Terms and Conditions of Sale for such products or
in any separate agreement related to this document, MACOM assumes no liability whatsoever. MACOM
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in these materials. MACOM may make changes to
specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice. MACOM makes no commitment to update
the information and shall have no responsibility whatsoever for conflicts or incompatibilities arising from future
changes to its specifications and product descriptions. No license, express or implied, by estoppels or otherwise,
to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document.
THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF MACOM PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY OR
WARRANTIES RELATING TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, MERCHANTABILITY, OR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR
OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT. MACOM FURTHER DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY
OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION, TEXT, GRAPHICS OR OTHER ITEMS CONTAINED WITHIN
THESE MATERIALS. MACOM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST REVENUES OR LOST PROFITS,
WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS.
MACOM products are not intended for use in medical, lifesaving or life sustaining applications. MACOM
customers using or selling MACOM products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to
fully indemnify MACOM for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
9
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macomtech.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macomtech.com/content/customersupport