As the concerns for spectrum cluttering persist in the sub-6 GHz frequency range, there is a greater demand for new applications and stifled applications to shift toward higher frequencies. The most accessible frequencies for many applications beyond 6 GHz are between 20 GHz and 50 GHz. This is due to spectrum assignments for military radar/sensing and satellite communications between 8 GHz and 18 GHz (the X-band and Ku-band). There are also many commercial satellite communication systems that are becoming more available that operate between 18 GHz and 40 GHz (the K-band and Ka-band). Many telecommunication organizations and government spectrum regulatory agencies are also working toward opening up additional spectrum between 20 GHz and 50 GHz available for cellular wireless communication and other applications.
With the rise of technologies being explored in the spectrum up to 50 GHz, there is a need for devices and components to test and develop these systems, as well as components and devices used in production of these new technologies. This is why there is a growing demand for test and system components like 2.4mm Coaxial Fixed Attenuators. The relatively small geometry of coaxial transmission lines that can operate to 50 GHz and the high conductive and dielectric losses in the millimeter-wave frequencies mean there is a scarcity of high-power millimeter-wave systems at these frequencies. However, to test high power amplifiers, antenna systems, and other hardware at these millimeter-wave frequencies high power test components are needed. Fixed attenuators at various values are critical for performance of a variety of measurements, and to reduce the standing waves developed between nodes with some impedance mismatch. Fixed attenuators may also be used to adjust the attenuation of the transmission lines in systems that have several signal paths, so that the signal strength at the ports is equalized. Phase shifters may also be used in this application so that the phase and amplitudes of the several transmission paths are all equalized.
These types of use cases are becoming more common as many systems in the millimeter-wave spectrum are making use of advanced/active antenna systems (AAS) with several, tens, and even hundreds of transmission paths to the array antennas. These types of systems are used in terrestrial and satellite communications. Moreover, advanced radar and millimeter-wave sensing systems use similar AAS technology. Hence, the need for a wide range of 2.4 mm coaxial fixed attenuators is growing as efforts are made to increase the utilization of spectrum above 6 GHz.