Chip Attenuators
Powerfilm™ Chip Attenuators - Precision Surface-Mount RF Attenuation Solutions
Spectrum Control’s Powerfilm chip attenuators are miniature surface-mount devices designed for applications requiring low VSWR performance (as low as 1.1:1) and ultra-flat attenuation (as tight as ±0.3 dB). Used in wireless infrastructure, radar subsystems, phased arrays, up/down converters, and space or military electronics, these attenuators support high-frequency operation up to 40 GHz with tight tolerances for precise signal control. Spectrum Control’s low-VSWR chip attenuators provide excellent reflection characteristics and minimal return loss across the RF path. They operate over an extended temperature range of -55°C to +150°C, delivering stability as low as 0.0001 dB/dB/°C.
Spectrum’s ultra-flat chip attenuators are available on alumina, aluminum nitride, and BeO substrates, with plating options including tin-lead, lead-free, and gold. These attenuators are offered in both standard discrete and fractional non-standard dB values, providing one of the industry’s widest selections. Power handling reaches up to 2 watts in ultra-small packages (30 x 60 mil) with frequency performance up to 40 GHz, exceeding many competing designs. Spectrum Control designs and manufactures its chip attenuators at its Ann Arbor, Michigan facility under ISO 9001:2015 certification. Recognizing the importance of prototyping, Spectrum Control also offers design kits to support experimentation and rapid development.
For higher power applications, Spectrum Control provides flange attenuators, including PowerFilm attenuators capable of handling from 100 milliwatts to 1,000 watts. Spectrum Control continues to lead the industry in small-signal, low-reflection, ultra-flat attenuator solutions.
Other Attenuators
Other SMT Attenuators
Step and Programmable
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About Spectrum Control's Chip Attenuators
Spectrum Control’s Powerfilm™ chip attenuators deliver high-performance RF and microwave signal attenuation in compact, surface-mount (SMD/SMT) packages. Designed for precision 50 Ω impedance matching, our thin-film and thick-film chip attenuators provide broadband frequency coverage from DC to 18 GHz, exceptional VSWR performance, and reliable operation in aerospace, defense, wireless communication, and test & measurement systems. Each RF chip attenuator offers stable attenuation, low reflection loss, and high power handling, ensuring consistent signal control in demanding environments. Explore our full line of RoHS-compliant, high-reliability, and custom chip attenuators engineered for microwave circuits, amplifiers, phased arrays, and satellite applications.