New compact surface mount attenuators advance Knowles’ strategy to provide customers with a more complete RF solution while delivering rugged, reliable performance from DC to 20 GHz.   

Knowles Corporation (NYSE:KN), a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components, including high performance capacitors, RF filters, advanced medtech microphones and balanced armature speakers, announced the introduction of its new ATT A-Series Attenuators. The launch broadens Knowles’ RF portfolio and the markets it can serve, advancing its strategy to become a one-stop source for high performance RF components.  

Developed to address increasing demand for compact, rugged and cost-effective attenuators, the ATT A-Series combines excellent attenuation accuracy, high power handling and wideband performance in an industry-standard footprint. Utilizing precision thin-film technology, the A-Series provides stable electrical performance and repeatable attenuation from DC to 20 GHz, making it ideal for densely populated and space-constrained designs. 

Attenuators are vital for aligning signal levels in multichannel systems, improving return loss, protecting sensitive components and optimizing dynamic range throughout the RF signal path. As RF systems increase in bandwidth and operating frequency, designers need smaller, more precise components that maintain electrical accuracy and reliability in demanding environments. 

“Our new A-Series attenuator product family fills a critical market gap by delivering broadband performance across DC-20GHz, high power handling and excellent attenuation accuracy in a compact SMT package,” said Robert Wagner, Vice President of RF and Microwave Products at Knowles. “Compared to many other attenuators currently available on the market, our A-Series offers a cost-effective solution with higher power handling, wider operating temperature range, MSL 1 rating and ESD robustness.”   

The new A-Series attenuators utilize precision thin-film resistor technology on a ceramic substrate to deliver stable and reliable performance across frequency, temperature and environmental extremes. The product family is well-suited for a wide range of applications including radar systems, electronically steered phased-array antennas, electronic support measures systems, transmit/receive modules, wireless infrastructure, satellite communications and RF test and measurement. 

Key features include: 

• Compact SMT package measuring only 0.080” × 0.065” × 0.012” (2.03 mm × 1.65 mm × 0.30 mm) 
• Standard attenuation values from 0 dB to 20 dB 
• Excellent attenuation flatness and accuracy 
• 50Ω matched RF inputs and outputs for seamless integration into RF signal chains 
• Power handling rating up to 6.5 W CW at 100°C 
• Operating temperature range of -55°C to +125°C 

The compact form factor and SMT-compatible footprint enable easy integration into space-constrained assemblies in demanding defense, aerospace, industrial and communications applications. The A-Series also offers pin compatibility with existing industry-standard chip attenuators, providing a straightforward upgrade path to improve performance, expand bandwidth and strengthen supply chain resiliency with minimal PCB redesign.  

The A-Series is available in standard attenuation values from 0 dB to 20 dB, with custom attenuation values, power ratings and specialized configurations available through Knowles’ design-to-spec, full turnkey custom solutions. 

For comprehensive performance data and specifications, view the ATT A-Series Datasheet.