SMA Attenuators

Managing signal levels accurately within RF and microwave systems is essential for protection, calibration and system performance optimisation. The SMA attenuator family from Amphenol RF delivers fixed-attenuation solutions designed around the industry-standard SMA 50 Ω connector interface. These attenuators provide engineers with a straightforward way to reduce power, match signal levels and maintain impedance continuity without adding significant insertion loss or distortion.

With attenuation values ranging from 1 dB to 10 dB (and beyond) in 2 W models per the standard catalogue, the SMA attenuator line supports a wide range of applications including test equipment, signal chains, calibration rigs and wireless subsystems.

Features and Benefits

• Fixed-attenuation values (such as 1 dB, 2 dB, 3 dB, 4 dB, 5 dB, 6 dB, 7 dB, 8 dB, 9 dB, 10 dB) in the standard catalogue—allowing easy selection of signal reduction without active components.
• Standard SMA interface (male/female) ensures compatibility with a wide variety of RF cable assemblies and instrumentation interfaces—minimizing mismatch or connector conversion.
• Compact form-factor and 50 Ω impedance matching helps maintain system integrity, whether integrated into lab setups, RF modules or production systems.
• Designed and documented by a trusted interconnect provider, giving clarity in specifications, sourcing and integration for procurement and engineering teams.
• Engineered to provide low-reflection attenuation, protecting downstream devices from excessive power and enabling better calibration and signal-level control.

Key Technical Details

• Impedance: 50 Ω nominal—matching the standard SMA connector interface and ensuring proper system impedance continuity.
• Frequency range: The SMA connector series supports DC to 18 GHz (and up to 34 GHz on extended-range designs) according to published specs. Because attenuators incorporate these interfaces, their usable frequency range is cable and configuration dependent; check part-specific datasheet for exact upper limit.
• Mating cycles: The SMA connector family is rated for a minimum of ~500 mating cycles under standard conditions. While attenuator modules might not be frequently mated, this gives a baseline for mechanical durability.
• Temperature range: The typical SMA connector rating is approximately –65 °C to +165 °C. Specific attenuator modules may have narrower ratings depending on materials and construction.
• Special features: Fixed-dB attenuation, standardized SMA interface, rugged mechanical format. Note: These attenuators are not described as hermetically sealed or IP67 rated unless the individual part specification explicitly states so.

Applications

• Calibration rigs and test benches where consistent attenuation between measurement stages improves accuracy and repeatability.
• RF and microwave signal chains in wireless infrastructure, where power levels must be managed or reduced prior to sensitive components.
• Production and QA environments where insertion of a standard attenuator module simplifies signal-level conditioning and protects instrumentation.
• Embedded RF modules, amplifiers or converters where inline attenuation helps match system levels or prevent overload.
• Lab instrumentation and research setups using SMA connections where ease of integration and fixed attenuation are preferred over active components.

Browse the full range of SMA attenuators from Amphenol RF to find the series and attenuation value that meets your system requirements. If you require custom attenuation values, higher power ratings, special environmental finish or non-standard connector configurations, please contact our engineering team to explore a tailored solution.