Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 1 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The F2250 is a low insertion loss Voltage Variable RF
Attenuator (VVA) designed for a multitude of wireless
and other RF applications. This device covers a broad
frequency range from 50MHz to 6000MHz. In addition
to providing low insertion loss, the F2250 provides
excellent linearity performance over its entire voltage
control and attenuation range.
The F2250 uses a single positive supply voltage of
3.15V to 5.25V. Other features include the VMODE pin
allowing either positive or negative voltage control
slope vs attenuation and multi-directional operation
meaning the RF input can be applied to either RF1 or
RF2 pins. Control voltage ranges from 0V to 3.6V
using either positive or negative control voltage slope.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
F2250 provides extremely low insertion loss and superb
IP3, IP2, Return Loss and Slope Linearity across the
control range. Comparing to the previous state-of-the-
art for silicon VVAs this device is better as follows:
Insertion Loss @ 2000MHz: 1.4dB vs. 2.8dB
Insertion Loss @ 6000MHz: 2.7dB vs. 7dB
Maximum Attenuation Slope: 33dB/Volt vs. 53dB/Volt
Minimum Return Loss up to 6000MHz: 12.5dB vs. 7dB
Minimum Output IP3: 31dBm vs. 15dBm
Minimum Input IP2: 87dBm vs. 80dBm
Maximum Operating Temperature: +105°C vs. +85°C
APPLICATIONS
Base Station 2G, 3G, 4G
Portable Wireless
Repeaters and E911 systems
Digital Pre-Distortion
Point to Point Infrastructure
Public Safety Infrastructure
WIMAX Receivers and Transmitters
Military Systems, JTRS radios
RFID handheld and portable readers
Cable Infrastructure
Wireless LAN
Test / ATE Equipment
FEATURES
Low Insertion Loss: 1.4dB @ 2000MHz
Typical / Min IIP3: 65dBm / 47dBm
Typical / Min IIP2: 95dBm / 87dBm
33.6dB Attenuation Range
Bi-directional RF ports
+34.4dBm Input P1dB compression
VMODE pin allows either positive or negative
attenuation control response
Linear-in-dB attenuation characteristic
Supply voltage: 3.15V to 5.25V
VCTRL range: 0V to 3.6V using 5V supply
+105°C max operating temperature
3mm x 3mm, 16-pin QFN package
DEVICE BLOCK DIAGRAM
ORDERING INFORMATION
PART# MATRIX
Part#
RF Freq
Range (MHz)
Insertion Loss (dB)
IIP3
(dBm)
Pinout
Compatibility
F2250
50 - 6000
1.4 (at 2GHz)
+65
RFMD
F2255
1 - 3000
1.1 (at 500MHz)
+60
F2258
50 - 6000
1.4 (at 2GHz)
+65
Hittite
F2250NLGK8
0.9 mm height
package
Green
Temp Range
Tape &
Reel
RF Product Line
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 2 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Parameter / Condition
Symbol
Min
Max
Units
VDD to GND
VDD
-0.3
5.5
V
VMODE to GND
VMODE
-0.3
Minimum ( VDD, 3.9 )
V
VCTRL to GND
VDD = 0V to 5.25V
VCTRL
-0.3
Minimum ( VDD, 4.0 )
V
RF1, RF2 to GND
VRF
-0.3
0.3
V
RF1 or RF2 Input Power applied for 24 hours maximum
(VDD applied @ 2GHz and +85°C)
PMAX24
30
dBm
RF1 or RF2 Continuous Operating Power
PMAX_OP
See Figure 1
dBm
Maximum Junction Temperature
TJMAX
+150
°C
Storage Temperature Range
TST
-65
+150
°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s)
TLEAD
+260
°C
ESD Voltage– HBM (Per ESD STM5.1-2007)
VESDHBM
Class 1C
ESD Voltage – CDM (Per ESD STM5.3.1-2009)
VESDCDM
Class C3
FIGURE 1: MAXIMUM RF INPUT POWER VS. RF FREQUENCY
Stresses above those listed above may cause permanent damage to the device. Functional operation of the device at
these or any other conditions above those indicated in the operational section of this specification is not implied.
Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
PACKAGE THERMAL AND MOISTURE CHARACTERISTICS
ΘJA (Junction – Ambient) 80.6°C/W
ΘJC (Junction – Case) The Case is defined as the exposed paddle 5.1°C/W
Moisture Sensitivity Rating (Per J-STD-020) MSL 1
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 3 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
F2250 OPERATING CONDITIONS
Parameter
Symbol
Condition
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Operating Freq Range
FRF
50
6000
MHz
Supply Voltage
VDD
3.15
5.25
V
VMODE Logic
VIH
VDD > 3.9V
1.17
3.6
2
V
VDD = 3.15V to 3.9V
1.17
VDD -0.3
VIL
0
0.63
VCTRL Range
VCTRL
VDD = 3.9V to 5.25V
0
3.6
V
VDD = 3.15V to 3.9V
0
VDD-0.3
Supply Current
IDD
0.5 1
1.17
2
mA
Logic Current
IMODE
-1
38
μA
ICTRL Current
ICTRL
-1
14
μA
RF Operating Power 3
PMAX, CW
See
Figure 1
dBm
RF1 Port Impedance
ZRF1
50
Ω
RF2 Port Impedance
ZRF2
50
Operating Temperature
Range
TCASE
Exposed Paddle
Temperature
-40
+105
°C
Operating Conditions Notes:
1 – Items in min/max columns in
bold italics
are Guaranteed by Test.
2 – Items in min/max columns that are not bold/italics are Guaranteed by Design Characterization.
3 – Refer to the Maximum Operating RF Input Power vs. RF Frequency curves in Figure 1.
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 4 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
F2250 SPECIFICATION
Refer to EVKit / Applications Circuit, VDD = +3.3V, TC = +25°C, signals applied to RF1 input, FRF = 2000MHz,
minimum attenuation, PIN = 0dBm for small signal parameters, +20dBm for single tone linearity tests, +20dBm per
tone for two tone tests, two tone delta frequency = 50MHz, PCB board traces and connector losses are de-embedded
unless otherwise noted. Refer to Typical Operating Curves for performance over entire frequency band.
Parameter
Symbol
Comment
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Insertion Loss, IL
(Minimum Attenuation)
AMIN
2GHz
1.4
1.9
1
dB
3GHz
1.6
6GHz
2.6
3.1
Maximum Attenuation
AMAX
34 2
35
dB
Insertion Phase Δ
ΦΔMAX
At 36dB attenuation
relative to Insertion Loss
27
deg
ΦΔMID
At 18dB attenuation
relative to Insertion Loss
10
Input 1dB Compression 3
P1dB
34.4
dBm
Minimum RF1 Return Loss
over control voltage range
S11
50MHz 4
16
dB
700MHz
17
2000MHz
17
6000MHz
15
Minimum RF2 Return Loss
over control voltage range
S22
50MHz 4
16
dB
700MHz
15
2000MHz
16
6000MHz
13
Input IP3
IIP3
65
dBm
Input IP3 over Attenuation
IIP3ATTEN
All attenuation settings
44
47
Minimum Output IP3
OIP3MIN
Maximum attenuation
35
Input IP2
IIP2
PIN + IM2dBC,
IM2 term is F1+F2
95
dBm
Minimum Input IP2
IIP2MIN
All attenuation settings
87
dBm
Input IH2
HD2
PIN + H2dBc
90
dBm
Input IH3
HD3
PIN + (H3dBc/2)
54
dBm
Settling Time
TSETTL0.1dB
Any 1dB step in the 0dB
to 33dB control range
50% VCTRL to RF settled to
within ± 0.1dB
15
µsec
Specification Notes:
1 – Items in min/max columns in
bold italics
are Guaranteed by Test.
2 – Items in min/max columns that are not bold/italics are Guaranteed by Design Characterization.
3 – The input 1dB compression point is a linearity figure of merit. Refer to Absolute Maximum Ratings section.
along with Figure 1 for the maximum RF input power vs. RF frequency.
4 – Set blocking capacitors C7 & C8 to 0.01uF to achieve best return loss performance at 50MHz.
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 5 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Unless otherwise noted, the following conditions apply:
VDD = +3.3V or +5.0V
TC = +25ºC
VMODE = 0V
RF trace and connector losses are de-embedded for S-parameters
Pin = 0dBm for all small signal tests
Pin = +20dBm for single tone linearity tests (RF1 port driven)
Pin = +20dBm/tone for two tone linearity tests (RF1 port driven)
Two tone frequency spacing = 50MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 6 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS [S2P BROADBAND PERFORMANCE] (-1-)
Attenuation vs. VCTRL
Min. & Max. Attenuation vs. Frequency
Attenuation vs. Frequency
Attenuation Delta to 25C vs. Frequency
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Attenuation (dB)
VCTRL (V)
0.9GHz / Vmode = 0V
0.9GHz / Vmode = 3V
2.0GHz / Vmode = 0V
2.0GHz / Vmode = 3V
3.0GHz / Vmode = 0V
3.0GHz / Vmode = 3V
-50
-45
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Min. Attenuation (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
-40C / Vctrl = 0.0V
25C / Vctrl = 0.0V
105C / Vctrl = 0.0V
-40C / Vctrl = 3.0V
25C / Vctrl = 3.0V
105C / Vctrl = 3.0V
Max. Attenuation (dB)
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Attenuation (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
Vctrl = 0.0V
Vctrl = 0.8V
Vctrl = 1.0V
Vctrl = 1.2V
Vctrl = 1.4V
Vctrl = 1.6V
Vctrl = 1.8V
Vctrl = 2.4V
-3.00
-2.50
-2.00
-1.50
-1.00
-0.50
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
Attenuation Delta to 25C (dB)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 7 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CURVES [S2P vs. VCTRL] (-2-)
Attenuation vs. VCTRL
RF1 Return Loss vs. VCTRL
Insertion Phase vs. VCTRL
Attenuation Slope vs. VCTRL
RF2 Return Loss vs. VCTRL
Insertion Phase Slope vs. VCTRL
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
Attenuation (dB)
VCTRL (V)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
RF1 Return Loss (dB)
VCTRL (V)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
Insertion Phase (deg)
VCTRL (V)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1
Attenuation Slope (dB/V)
VCTRL (V)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
RF2 Return Loss (dB)
VCTRL (V)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2
Insertion Phase Slope (deg/V)
VCTRL (V)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
(positive phase = electrically shorter)
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 8 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS [S2P VS. VCTRL & TEMPERATURE] (-3-)
Attenuation Response vs. VCTRL
RF1 Return Loss vs. VCTRL
Insertion Phase vs. VCTRL
Attenuation Slope vs. VCTRL
RF2 Return Loss vs. VCTRL
Insertion Phase Slope vs. VCTRL
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
Attenuation (dB)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 0.9GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
RF1 Return Loss (dB)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
Insertion Phase (deg)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 0.9GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2
Attenuation Slope (dB/V)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 0.9GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6
RF2 Return Loss (dB)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2
Insertion Phase Slope (deg/V)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
(positive phase = electrically shorter)
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 9 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS [S2P VS. ATTENUATION & TEMPERATURE] (-4-)
RF1 Return Loss vs. Attenuation
RF2 Return Loss vs. Attenuation
Insertion Phase Δ vs. Attenuation
RF1 Return Loss vs. Attenuation
RF2 Return Loss vs. Attenuation
Insertion Phase Δ vs. Attenuation
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
RF1 Return Loss (dB)
Attenuation (dB)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
RF2 Return Loss (dB)
Attenuation (dB)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Insertion Phase (deg)
Attenuation (dB)
0.4GHz
0.7GHz
1.5GHz
2.7GHz
4.0GHz
5.0GHz
6.0GHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
RF1 Return Loss (dB)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
RF2 Return Loss (dB)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / 0.9GHz
-40C / 2.0GHz
-40C / 3.0GHz
25C / 0.9GHz
25C / 2.0GHz
25C / 3.0GHz
105C / 0.9GHz
105C / 2.0GHz
105C / 3.0GHz
(positive phase = electrically shorter)
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 10 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS [S2P VS. FREQUENCY] (-5-)
Min. & Max. Attenuation vs. Frequency
Worst-Case RF1 Return Loss vs. Frequency
Max. Insertion Phase vs. Frequency
Min. & Max. Attenuation Slope vs. Frequency
Worst-Case RF2 Return Loss vs. Frequency
Gain Compression vs. Frequency
-39
-37
-35
-33
-31
-29
-27
-25
-23
-8
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Min. Attenuation (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
-40C / Vctrl = 0V
25C / Vctrl = 0V
105C / Vctrl = 0V
-40C / Vctrl = 3V
25C / Vctrl = 3V
105C / Vctrl = 3V
Max. Attenuation (dB)
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Worst-Case RF1 Return Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
-40C
25C
105C
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0123456
Max. Insertion Phase (deg)
Frequency (GHz)
-40C
25C
105C
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Min./Max. Atenuation Slope (dB/V)
Frequency (GHz)
Max. Slope
Min. Slope
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Worst-Case RF2 Return Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
-40C
25C
105C
-2
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38
Gain Compression (dB)
RF Input Power (dBm)
50MHz
100MHz
200MHz
400MHz
500MHz
1000MHz
2000MHz
4000MHz
6000MHz
VCTRL varied from 0.8V to 1.8V
(positive phase = electrically shorter)
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 11 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS [S2P @ LOW FREQUENCY, GROUP DELAY] (-6-)
Min. & Max. Attenuation vs. Low Frequency
Low-Frequency RF1 Return Loss vs. VCTRL
Worst-Case Return Loss vs. Low Frequency
Low-Frequency Attenuation vs. VCTRL
Low-Frequency RF2 Return Loss vs. VCTRL
Group Delay vs. VCTRL
-38
-34
-30
-26
-22
-18
-14
-10
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
0100 200 300 400 500
Min. Attenuation (dB)
Frequency (MHz)
-40C / Vctrl = 0V
25C / Vctrl = 0V
105C / Vctrl = 0V
-40C / Vctrl = 3V
25C / Vctrl = 3V
105C / Vctrl = 3V
Max. Attenuation (dB)
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
RF1 Return Loss (dB)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 43MHz
25C / 43MHz
105C / 43MHz
-40C / 128MHz
25C / 128MHz
105C / 128MHz
-40C / 255MHz
25C / 255MHz
105C / 255MHz
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0100 200 300 400 500
Worst-Case Return Loss (dB)
Frequency (MHz)
-40C /RF1
25C / RF1
105C / RF1
-40C / RF2
25C / RF2
105C / RF2
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Attenuation (dB)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 43MHz
25C / 43MHz
105C / 43MHz
-40C / 128MHz
25C / 128MHz
105C / 128MHz
-40C / 255MHz
25C / 255MHz
105C / 255MHz
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
RF2 Return Loss (dB)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / 43MHz
25C / 43MHz
105C / 43MHz
-40C / 128MHz
25C / 128MHz
105C / 128MHz
-40C / 255MHz
25C / 255MHz
105C / 255MHz
(C7,C8 set to 0.1uF)
(C7,C8 set to 0.1uF)
(C7,C8 set to 0.1uF)
(C7,C8 set to 0.1uF)
(C7,C8 set to 0.1uF)
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 12 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS 2GHZ, VDD=3.3V [IP3, IP2, IH2, IH3 VS. VCTRL, VMODE] (-7-)
Input IP3 vs. VCTRL
Input IP2 vs. VCTRL
2nd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. VCTRL
Output IP3 vs. VCTRL
Output IP2 vs. VCTRL
3rd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. VCTRL
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Input IP3 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / Vmode = 0V
25C / Vmode = 0V
105C / Vmode = 0V
-40C / Vmode= 3V
25C / Vmode= 3V
105C / Vmode= 3V
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Input IP2 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / Vmode = 0V
25C / Vmode = 0V
105C / Vmode = 0V
-40C / Vmode = 3V
25C / Vmode = 3V
105C / Vmode = 3V
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
IH2 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / Vmode = 0V
25C / Vmode = 0V
105C / Vmode = 0V
-40C / Vmode = 3V
25C / Vmode = 3V
105C / Vmode = 3V
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Output IP3 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / Vmode = 0V
25C / Vmode = 0V
105C / Vmode = 0V
-40C / Vmode= 3V
25C / Vmode= 3V
105C / Vmode= 3V
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Output IP2 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / Vmode = 0V
25C / Vmode = 0V
105C / Vmode = 0V
-40C / Vmode = 3V
25C / Vmode = 3V
105C / Vmode = 3V
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
IH3 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / Vmode = 0V
25C / Vmode = 0V
105C / Vmode = 0V
-40C / Vmode = 3V
25C / Vmode = 3V
105C / Vmode = 3V
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 13 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS 2GHZ, VDD=3.3V [IP3, IP2, IH2, IH3 VS. VCTRL, RF1/RF2 DRIVEN] (-8-)
Input IP3 vs. VCTRL
Input IP2 vs. VCTRL
2nd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. VCTRL
Output IP3 vs. VCTRL
Output IP2 vs. VCTRL
3rd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. VCTRL
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Input IP3 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Input IP2 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
IH2 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Output IP3 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
Output IP2 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6
IH3 (dBm)
VCTRL (V)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 14 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS 2GHZ, VDD=3.3V [IP3, IP2, IH2, IH3 VS. ATTENUATION] (-9-)
Input IP3 vs. Attenuation
Input IP2 vs. Attenuation
2nd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. Attenuation
Output IP3 vs. Attenuation
Output IP2 vs. Attenuation
3rd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. Attenuation
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
04812 16 20 24 28 32 36
Input IP3 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C
25C
125C
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Input IP2 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C
25C
105C
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
04812 16 20 24 28 32 36
IH2 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C
25C
105C
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Output IP3 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C
25C
105C
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Output IP2 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C
25C
105C
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
IH3 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C
25C
105C
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 15 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS 2GHZ, VDD=3.3V [IP3, IP2, IH2, IH3 VS. ATTEN, RF1/RF2 DRIVEN] (-10-)
Input IP3 vs. Attenuation
Input IP2 vs. Attenuation
2nd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. Attenuation
Output IP3 vs. Attenuation
Output IP2 vs. Attenuation
3rd Harm Input Intercept Point vs. Attenuation
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Input IP3 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Input IP2 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
04812 16 20 24 28 32 36
IH2 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Output IP3 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Output IP2 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
IH3 (dBm)
Attenuation (dB)
-40C / RF1 Driven
25C / RF1 Driven
105C / RF1 Driven
-40C / RF2 Driven
25C / RF2 Driven
105C / RF2 Driven
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 16 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
PACKAGE DRAWING (3X3 16 PIN)
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 17 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
PINOUT & BLOCK DIAGRAM
GND 1
4
3
2
NC
NC
RF1 RF2
12
9
10
NC
11 NC
GND
Control
GND
GND
GND
5 6 7 8
GND
13
GND
141516
VDD
VMODE
VCTRL
E.P.
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 18 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
PIN DESCRIPTION
Pin
Name
Function
1, 5, 6, 7, 8,
12, 13
GND
Ground these pins as close to the device as possible.
2, 4, 9, 11
NC
No internal connection. These pins can be left unconnected or
connected to ground (recommended).
3
RF1
RF Port 1. Matched to 50 ohms. Must use an external AC
coupling capacitor as close to the device as possible. For low
frequency operation increase the capacitor value to result in a
low reactance at the frequency of interest.
10
RF2
RF Port 2. Matched to 50 ohms. Must use an external AC
coupling capacitor as close to the device as possible. For low
frequency operation increase the capacitor value to result in a
low reactance at the frequency of interest.
14
VCTRL
Attenuator control voltage. Apply a voltage in the range as
specified in the Operating Conditions. See application section for
details about VCTRL.
15
VDD
Power supply input. Bypass to GND with capacitors close as
possible to pin.
16
VMODE
Attenuator slope control. Set to logic LOW to enable negative
attenuation slope. Set to logic HIGH to enable positive
attenuation slope.
— EP
Exposed Pad. Internally connected to GND. Solder this exposed
pad to a PCB pad that uses multiple ground vias to achieve the
specified RF performance.
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 19 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Default Start-up
VMODE must be tied to either GND or Logic HIGH. If VCTRL pin is left floating, the part will power up in the
minimum attenuation state when VMODE = GND, or the maximum attenuation state when VMODE = High.
VCTRL
The VCTRl pin is used to control the attenuation of the F2250. With VMODE set to a logic low (high) this places
the device in a negative (positive) slope mode where increasing (decreasing) voltage produces an increasing
(a decreasing) attenuation from min attenuation (max attenuation) to max attenuation (min attenuation)
respectively. The VCTRl pin has an on-chip pullup ESD diode so VDD should be applied before VCTRl is applied.
If this sequencing is not possible, then resistor R2 should be set for 1kΩ to limit the current into the VCTRL pin.
VMODE
The VMODE pin is used to set the attenuation vs. VCTRl slope. With VMODE set to logic low (high) this will set the
attenuation slope to be negative (positive). A negative (positive) slope is defined as increased (decreased)
attenuation with increasing (decreasing) VCTRl voltage. The EVKIT provides and on-board jumper to manually
set the VMODE. Installing a jumper on header J2 from VMODE to GND (VHI) to set the device for a negative
(positive) slope.
RF1 and RF2 Ports
The F2250 is a bi-directional device thus allowing RF1 or RF2 to be used as the RF input. As displayed in the
Typical Operating Conditions curves, RF1 shows some enhanced linearity performance and therefore should
be used as the RF input, if possible, for best results. This F2250 has been designed to accept high RF input
power levels, therefore VDD must be applied prior to the application of RF power to ensure reliability. DC
blocking capacitors are required on the RF pins and should be set to a value that results in a low reactance
over the frequency range of interest.
Power Supplies
The supply pin should be bypassed with external capacitors to minimize noise and fast transients. Supply noise
can degrade noise figure and fast transients can trigger ESD clamps and cause them to fail. Supply voltage
change or transients should have a slew rate smaller than 1V/20uS. In addition, all control pins should remain
at 0V (+/-0.3V) while the supply voltage ramps or while it returns to zero.
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 20 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
Control Pin Interface
If control signal integrity is a concern and clean signals cannot be guaranteed due to overshoot, undershoot,
ringing, etc., the following circuit at the input of control pins 14 and 16 is recommended as shown below.
1
4
3
2
12
9
10
11
Control
5 6 7 8
13141516
VMODE
2pf
5Kohm
2pf
5Kohm VCTRL
VDD
RF1 RF2
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 21 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
EVKIT/ APPLICATIONS CIRCUIT
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 22 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
EVKIT PICTURE / LAYOUT (TOP SIDE)
RF2
RF1
VCTRL
VDD
Short GND pin to VMODE pin to set
for negative attenuation slope. For
positive attenuation slope move
shorting shunt from VMODE to VHI
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 23 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
EVKIT PICTURE / LAYOUT (BOTTOM SIDE)
RF2
VDD
RF1
VCTRL
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 50MHz to 6000MHz
Voltage Variable RF Attenuator 24 REV 4, January 2017
F2250NLGK
Datasheet
EVKIT BOM
TOP MARKINGS
04Y
446L
F2250
Part Number
Date Code [YWW]
(Week 46 of 2014)
Lot Code
Assembler
Code