INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Rev. 1
M00000
ZX76-31R5-PN
050727
Page 1 of 10
Product Features
• Low Insertion Loss
• High IP3, +52 dBm Typ
• Excellent return loss, 20 dB Typ
• Excellent accuracy, 0.1 dB Typ
• Fast switching control frequency, 1 MHz typ.
• Dual Supply Voltage: VDD=+3V, VSS=-3V
• Control inputs buffered by Schmitt Triggers
• Rigid unibody case
• Protected by US patent 6,790,049
Typical Applications
• Lab
• Instrumentation
• Test equipment
General Description
The ZX76-31R5-PN is a 50Ω RF digital step attenuator that offers an attenuation range up to 31.5 dB
in 0.5 dB steps. The control is a 6-bit parallel interface. The model operates on a dual supply voltage:
VDD=+3V, VSS=-3V. See application note AN-70-004 for 5V supply voltage. The ZX76-31R5-PN is pro-
duced using a unique case package for ruggedness and operation in tough environments.
Digital Step Attenuator
31.5 dB, 0.5 dB Step, 6 Bit, Parallel Control Interface
Dual Supply Voltage
50Ω DC-2400 MHz
Simplified Schematic
RF Input
16dB
8dB
4dB
2dB
1dB
Parallel Control
Internal Control Logic Interface
Latch Enable
0.5dB RF Out
REV. OR
M101068
ZX76-31R5-PN
EDR-7464/2
051228
page 1 of 10
Connectors Order P/N Price Qty.
SMA ZX76-31R5-PN-S $79.95 ea. (1-9)
ZX76-31R5-PN
CASE STYLE: HK1149
Page 2 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
RF Electrical Specifications, DC-2400 MHz, TAMB=25°C, VDD=+3V, VSS=-3V
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Ratings
Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C
Storage Temperature -55°C to 100°C
VDD,
Supply Voltage
-0.3V Min., 4V Max.
VSS,
Supply Voltage
-4V Min., 0.3V Max.
Voltage on Control Input -0.3V Min., 5V Max.
ESD, HBM 500V
ESD, MM 100V
Input Power +24dBm
Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Units
VDD, Supply Voltage 2.7 3 3.3 V
VSS, Supply Voltage -3.3 -3 -2.7 V
IDD, Supply Current — — 3 mA
ISS, Supply Current — — 100 µA
Control Input Voltage Low 0 — 0.3xVDD V
Control Input Voltage High 0.7xVDD — VDD V
Control Current — — 400 µA
DC Electrical Specifications
Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Units
Switching Speed, 50% Control to 0.5dB
of Attenuation Value — 1.0 —
µ
Sec
Switching Control Frequency — 1.0 — MHz
Switching Specifications
Parameter Freq. Range
(GHz) Min. Typ. Max. Units
Accuracy @ 0.5 dB Attenuation Setting DC-1 — 0.03 0.1 dB
1-2.4 — 0.05 0.15 dB
Accuracy @ 1 dB Attenuation Setting DC-1 — 0.02 0.1 dB
1-2.4 — 0.05 0.15 dB
Accuracy @ 2 dB Attenuation Setting DC-1 — 0.05 0.15 dB
1-2.4 — 0.15 0.25 dB
Accuracy @ 4 dB Attenuation Setting DC-1 — 0.07 0.2 dB
1-2.4 — 0.15 0.25 dB
Accuracy @ 8 dB Attenuation Setting DC-1 — 0.03 0.2 dB
1-2.4 — 0.15 0.3 dB
Accuracy @ 16 dB Attenuation Setting
DC-1 — 0.1 0.3 dB
1-2.4 — 0.15 0.5 dB
Insertion Loss @ all attenuator set to 0dB DC-1 — 1.5 2.2 dB
1-2.4 — 2.0 3.0 dB
IP3 Input* (at Min. and Max. Attenuation) DC-2.4 — +52 — dBm
Input Power @ 0.2dB Compression*
(at Min. and Max. Attenuation) DC-2.4 — +24 — dBm
VSWR DC-1 — 1.2 1.5 —
1-2.4 — 1.2 1.5 —
* IP3 and 1dB compression degrade below 1 MHz
Page 3 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Pin Description Pin Configuration
Function Pin
Number Description
LE J1-1 Latch Enable Input
C1 J1-2 Control for attenuation bit, 1 dB
C0.5 J1-3 Control for attenuation bit, 0.5 dB
N/C J1-4 Not Connected
C16 J1-5 Control for attenuation bit, 16 dB
GND J1-6 Ground connection
GND J1-7 Ground connection
C4 J1-8 Control for attenuation bit, 4 dB
C8 J1-9 Control for attenuation bit, 8 dB
C2 J1-10 Control for attenuation bit, 2 dB
RF in J2 RF in port (Note 1)
RF out J3 RF out port (Note 1)
GND P1 Ground connection
VDD P2 Positive Supply Voltage
GND P3 Ground connection
VSS P4 Negative Supply Voltage
Note 1: Both RF ports must be held at 0VDC or DC blocked with an external
series capacitor.
J2 J3
P2
P1
GND
+VDD
RF OUTRF IN
J2 J3
SIDE VIEW
TOP VIEW
J1-10
J1-1
J1
J1
P3
P4
GND
-VSS
J3 J2
P2
P1
GND
+VDD
RF OUTRF IN
J3 J2
SIDE VIEW
TOP VIEW
J1-10
J1-1
J1
J1
Cable Pin Description
J1-Pin
Number
J4-Pin
Number Function Description Wire Color
J1-1 J4-8 LE Latch Enable Input WHITE
J1-2 J4-3 C1 Control for attenuation bit, 1 dB YELLOW
J1-3 J4-2 C0.5 Control for attenuation bit, 0.5 dB GREEN
J1-5 J4-7 C16 Control for attenuation bit, 16 dB BLUE
J1-6 J4-20 GND Ground connection BLACK
J1-8 J4-5 C4 Control for attenuation bit, 4 dB ORANGE
J1-9 J4-6 C8 Control for attenuation bit, 8 dB BROWN
J1-10 J4-4 C2 Control for attenuation bit, 2 dB RED
W1P1
1
2
3
5
6
9
7
8
10
W1P2*
18
2
19
4
3
20
4
N/C
* 25 pin D-type connector, other pins are N/C.
N/C
N/C
N/C
J1J4
Note: Other pins not connected. Cable shield connected to case ground.
Page 4 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Typical Performance Curves
INSERTION LOSS (Ref)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
INSERTION LOSS (dB)
-40ºC
+25ºC
+85ºC
ATTENUATION (0.5 dB)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
ATTENUATION (dB)
-40ºC
+25ºC
+85ºC
ATTENUATION (1 dB)
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
ATTENUATION (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
ATTENUATION (2 dB)
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.6
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
ATTENUATION (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
ATTENUATION (4 dB)
3.0
3.2
3.4
3.6
3.8
4.0
4.2
4.4
4.6
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
ATTENUATION (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
ATTENUATION (8 dB)
7.0
7.2
7.4
7.6
7.8
8.0
8.2
8.4
8.6
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
ATTENUATION (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
Page 5 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Typical Performance Curves
ATTENUATION (16 dB)
14.0
14.5
15.0
15.5
16.0
16.5
17.0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
ATTENUATION (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
ATTENUATION (31.5 dB)
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
ATTENUATION (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
RETURN LOSS IN (Ref)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
RETURN LOSS OUT (Ref)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
-40°C
+25°C
+85°C
RETURN LOSS IN (Major Atten. Steps)
@ +25oC
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
RETURN LOSS OUT (Major Atten. Steps)
@ +25oC
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
Page 6 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Typical Performance Curves
IP3 (Major Atten. Steps) @ -40oC
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
FREQUENCY (MHz)
IP3 (dBm)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
IP3 (Major Atten. Steps) @ +25oC
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
FREQUENCY (MHz)
IP3 (dBm)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
IP3 (Major Atten. Steps) @ +85oC
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
FREQUENCY (MHz)
IP3 (dBm)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
COMPRESSION @ INPUT POWER=+24dBm
(Major Atten. Steps) @ -40oC
-0.8
-0.7
-0.6
-0.5
-0.4
-0.3
-0.2
-0.1
0.0
0.1
0.2
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
FREQUENCY (MHz)
COMPRESSION (dB)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
COMPRESSION @ INPUT POWER=+24dBm
(Major Atten. Steps) @ +25oC
-0.8
-0.7
-0.6
-0.5
-0.4
-0.3
-0.2
-0.1
0.0
0.1
0.2
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
FREQUENCY (MHz)
COMPRESSION (dB)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
COMPRESSION @ INPUT POWER=+24dBm
(Major Atten. Steps) @ +85oC
-0.80
-0.70
-0.60
-0.50
-0.40
-0.30
-0.20
-0.10
0.00
0.10
0.20
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
FREQUENCY (MHz)
COMPRESSION (dB)
0 dB
0.5 dB
1 dB
2 dB
4 dB
8 dB
16 dB
31.5 dB
Page 7 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Outline Drawing
Outline Dimensions ( )
inch
mm
A B C D E F G H J K L M N P Q R S WT.
GRAMS
1.20 .75 .46 1.18 .04 .17 .45 .59 .33 .21 .22 .18 1.00 .50 .35 .18 .09 35.0
30.5 19.1 11.6 30.0 1.0 4.3 11.4 14.9 8.3 5.3 5.6 4.6 25.4 12.7 8.9 4.6 2.3
Recommended Mounting Hardware:
Use UNC#2 pan head screws with internal tooth lock washers for unit mounting.
Page 8 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
The parallel interface timing requirements are defined by Figure 1 (Parallel Interface Timing Diagram) and
Table 2 (Parallel Interface AC Characteristics), and switching speed.
For latched parallel programming the Latch Enable (LE) should be held LOW while changing attenuation
state control values, then pulse LE HIGH to LOW (per Figure 1) to latch new attenuation state into device.
For direct parallel programming, the Latch Enable (LE) line should be pulled HIGH. Changing attenuation
state control values will change device state to new attenuation. Direct mode is ideal for manual control of
the device (using hardwire, switches, or jumpers).
Simplified Schematic
Figure 1: Parallel Interface Timing Diagram
The ZX76-31R5-PN parallel interface consists of 6 control bits that select the desired attenuation state, as
shown in Table 1: Truth Table
Table 1. Truth Table
Attenuation
State C16 C8 C4 C2 C1 C0.5
Reference 0 0 0 0 0 0
0.5 (dB) 0 0 0 0 0 1
1 (dB) 0 0 0 0 1 0
2 (dB) 0 0 0 1 0 0
4 (dB) 0 0 1 0 0 0
8 (dB) 0 1 0 0 0 0
16 (dB) 1 0 0 0 0 0
31.5 (dB) 1 1 1 1 1 1
Note: Not all 64 possible combinations of C0.5 - C16 are shown in table
Table 2. Parallel Interface AC Characteristics
Symbol Parameter Min. Units
tLEPW LE minimum pulse width 10 ns
tPDSUP
Data set-up time before
clock rising edge of LE 10 ns
tPDHLD
Data hold time
after clock falling edge of LE 10 ns
t
PDSUP
t
PDHLD
Parallel Data
C16:C0.5
LE
t
LEPW
RF Input
16dB
8dB
4dB
2dB
1dB
Parallel Control
Internal Control Logic Interface
Latch Enable
0.5dB
RF Out
Power-up State
When the attenuator powers up and LE is logic low, the nominal attenuation is set on 0 dB. When LE is logic high,
the nominal attenuation selected upon control logics ( see Table 1 ).
Control cables for programming and CD with software can be ordered separately. For details see page 9.
Page 9 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Recommended Accessories
Two optional cable accessories with and without interface connector are available with ZX76-31R5-PN, the ZX76-CP
and ZX76-WP.
ZX76-CP shielded cable with interface 25 pin D-type connector J4 and supplied software are used to control the
ZX76-31R5-PN digital attenuator from a computer, using LPT port.
ZX76-WP shielded cable without interface 25 pin D-type connector enables customer to use the ZX76-31R5-PN
digital attenuator in his own application. Cable length is 4.9 feet / 1.5 meters.
Note: Mini-Circuits can supply control cables with other options for the J4 connector and/or different cable lengths.
Consult factory with your specific requirements.
ZX76-CP Control Cable
J1-Pin
Number
J4-Pin
Number Function Description Wire Color
J1-1 J4-8 LE Latch Enable Input WHITE
J1-2 J4-3 C1 Control for attenuation bit, 1 dB YELLOW
J1-3 J4-2 C0.5 Control for attenuation bit, 0.5 dB GREEN
J1-5 J4-7 C16 Control for attenuation bit, 16 dB BLUE
J1-6 J4-20 GND Ground connection BLACK
J1-8 J4-5 C4 Control for attenuation bit, 4 dB ORANGE
J1-9 J4-6 C8 Control for attenuation bit, 8 dB BROWN
J1-10 J4-4 C2 Control for attenuation bit, 2 dB RED
ZX76-CP wiring information
W1P1
1
2
3
5
6
9
7
8
10
W1P2*
18
2
19
4
3
20
4N/C
* 25 pin D-type connector, other pins are N/C.
N/C
N/C
N/C
J1 J4
Note: Other pins not connected. Cable shield connected to case ground.
Page 10 of 10
ZX76-31R5-PN
Digital Step Attenuator
INTERNET http://www.minicircuits.com
P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, New York 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 Fax (718) 332-4661
Distribution Centers NORTH AMERICA 800-654-7949 • 417-335-5935 • Fax 417-335-5945 • EUROPE 44-1252-832600 • Fax 44-1252-837010
Mini-Circuits®
Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Certified
Pin
Number Function Description Wire Color
J1-1 LE Latch Enable Input WHITE
J1-2 C1 Control for attenuation bit, 1 dB YELLOW
J1-3 C0.5 Control for attenuation bit, 0.5 dB GREEN
J1-5 C16 Control for attenuation bit, 16 dB BLUE
J1-6 GND Ground connection BLACK
J1-8 C4 Control for attenuation bit, 4 dB ORANGE
J1-9 C8 Control for attenuation bit, 8 dB BROWN
J1-10 C2 Control for attenuation bit, 2 dB RED
ZX76-WP wiring information
Ordering Information
ZX76-WP Control Cable
*Note: To receive the CD, request when placing order.
Model Number Description
Quantity
Min.
No. of Units
Price
$
Ea.
ZX76-31R5-PN Digital attenuator - Parallel interface
Dual Voltage (Negative and Positive) 1-9 79.95
ZX76-CP Cable accessory with interface connector 1 19.95
ZX76-WP Cable accessory without interface connector 1 15.95
ZX76-CD* CD ROM ZX76 programming software 1 No Charge
W1P1
1
2
3
5
6
9
7
8
10
W1P2*
18
2
19
4
3
20
4 N/C
* 25 pin D-type connector, other pins are N/C.
N/C
N/C
N/C
J1
Note: Other pins not connected. Cable shield connected to case ground.
