IM-275

INSTALLATION & OPERATING

INSTRUCTIONS

Models 150T, 151T, & 152T

SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators

This documentation may not be reproduced in any form, for any

purpose unless authorized in writing by Aeroflex / Weinschel, Inc.

© Aeroflex / Weinschel, Inc.

Frederick, Maryland
1997 - 2010

REV. 3-10
This datasheet has been downloaded from http://www.digchip.com at this page
IM-275

GENERAL
This manual provides general installation instructions and
wiring data to be used as an aid in installing the Aeroflex /
Weinschel Model 150T, 151T and 152T Series SmartStep
Programmable Attenuators into any subsystem or applica-
tion. Also included are specifications and other technical
data to help in the installation and operation of your 150T Series
Programmable Attenuator.
Each attenuator consists of a cascaded assembly of switched attenuator cells
(Figure 1) and a internal TTL interface. The attenuator elements located in the
attenuator cell are created by a thin-film process which provides exceptional long-
term stability, low power and temperature coefficients. This series of step
attenuators uses a reed switching structure that provides rapid switching togeth-
er with low insertion loss.

Figure 1. SmartStep Driver Circuitry

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 150 T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators

BUILT-IN SMARTSTEP DRIVER CIRCUITRY: These SmartStep® attenuators feature an

internal microcontroller-based driver that provides a TTL-level digital interface for control of
the attenuator relays. This card simplifies operation and interfacing requirements, while at
the same time providing for greatly enhanced flexibility over past designs. User-selectable
modes of operation include both parallel and serial Smartstep bus. The parallel mode pro-
vides a simple, one-bit per relay on/off control with internal pullups for use primarily in
single attenuator applications. This mode allows the attenuator to be controlled via a vari-
ety of methods, such as a TTL-level digital output port, or mechanical toggle switches. The
Smartstep mode provides a two-wire serial bus structure and protocol for connecting a
number of devices to a single host control interface, suitable for use in larger system and
sub-system applications.
The SmartStep contains non-volatile configuration memory that is used to hold a wide vari-
ety of attenuator and driver-dependant parameters, including serial number, attenuator cell
dB values, relay configurations, and switching requirements, which are all accessable via
the Smartstep interface. This frees the system designer from such low-level details, allow-
ing faster integration. In either operational mode, the microcontroller enters an idle
condition during periods of inactivity, turning off all on-board clocks, reducing EMI con-
cerns, and lowering power consumption. On-board regulation for the digital circuitry allows
the SmartStep to operate from a single input supply voltage.

CELL CONFIGURATION
The table below list all the standard attenuation ranges and cell configurations for
Aeroflex / Weinschel 150T Series Smartstep Programmable Attenuators (Models
150T, 151T, 152T). Note the dash number is the attenuation value of your atten-
uator.

Cell Range/ Data Bit-Cell Value (dB)

Model No. No. Step Size
D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
15XT-11 4 0-11/1 4 2 4 1
15XT-15 4 0-15/1 4 2 8 1
15XT-31 5 0-31/1 4 16 2 8 1
15XT-55 4 0-55/5 20 20 10 5
15XT-62 5 0-62/2 8 16 4 32 2
15XT-70* 3 0-70/10 20 40 10
152T-70 4 0-70/10 20 20 20 10
15XT-75 4 0-75/5 10 20 40 5
15XT-90 4 0-90/10 30 20 30 10
15XT-110 4 0-110/10 40 20 40 10
* Model 152AT-70 also!

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IM-275

INSTALLATION
MOUNTING: Each Programmable Step Attenuator is supplied with two mounting
screws (P/N MS35335-57). These screws will fit any of the mounting holes (4-40
UNC-2B x 0.22 MIN DP) located on either side of the attenuator.
RF CABLE INSTALLATION: Care should be taken to prevent strain on the inter-
connecting cables, since damage here may not always be apparent. Check the
attaching RF cables and the SMA connectors for signs of cracked insulation
and/or bent or worn pins prior to connection. Tests show that connectors must be
clean for accuracy and stability. This requires an inspection and cleaning of each
connector immediately before use. When cleaning precautions are observed reg-
ularly, connectors can maintain their stability for over several thousand
connection cycles. Weinschel recommends a torque value of 7 to 10 inch pounds
when connecting any RF cable to the attenuator's RF connectors.
DEVICE INTERFACE BUS (DIB) CONNECTOR WIRING: Figure 2 shows the
connectors contact pin numbering scheme and the signal designator for signal
present at each contact pin.

Name Pin Description

PIN 14 PIN 13 VIN 1 dc Supply Voltage, +12 to 15 V (1)

VIN 2 dc Supply Voltage, +12 to 15 V (1)
GND 3,4 dc Return

D0/SDA 7 Data Bit 0 (lsb)/I2C SDA

D1/SCL 8 Data Bit 1//I2C SCL
D2 5 Data Bit 2
D3 6 Data Bit 3
D4 11 Data Bit 4
D5 12 Data Bit 5
D6 9 Data Bit 6
D7 10 Data Bit 7 (msb)
Mode 13 Parallel/Serial Mode Select
Select 1=Parallel
0=I2C
This pin has a 22K resistive pull-up to 5 V.
Leave unconnected for parallel mode operation.
/RST 14 Reset Input, low active
This pin has a 22K resistive pull-up to 5 V
Leave unconnected if not used.

PIN 2 PIN 1 Note: D0-D7 pins contain weak active pullups, capable of sourcing
approximately 150 mA.
(1) Voltage may be applied to either PIN 1 or 2 or both.

Figure 2. DIB Connector Wiring

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 150 T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators

PARALLEL MODE OPERATION:

In the parallel mode of operation, the Smartstep attenuator accepts TTL-level
parallel data on the D0-D7 input data lines. Each data line controls a separate
attenuation cell, where a logic 1 input (TTL high) engages the attenuation cell, and
a logic 0 input (TTL low) bypasses the cell, providing a through path. The data
lines have a weak active pull-up to +5V, and therefore if the pin is left unconnect-
ed (or floating), will engage the attenuation cell. The on-board microcontroller
debounces the data lines and generates the proper timing and control sequence
for operation of the relays. The data line inputs are not latched, and must be driv-
en with a constant level to keep the desired attenuation setting.

SERIAL MODE OPERATION:

In the serial mode of operation, the Smartstep attenuator communicates over a
two-wire serial bus to the Aeroflex / Weinschel Model 8210A Smartstep Interface.
The bus uses a clock (SCL) and data (SDA) line to send and receive program-
ming and configuration information. The messages sent over the bus use the
software protocol as defined in the ACCESS.bus™ V2.2 specification (Base
Protocol) with Weinschel-specific extensions to support the control of step atten-
uators (StepAttn Protocol). These protocols and operating instructions can be
located in the Model 8210A instruction manual (IM-288). The ACCESS.bus™
messages have the following format:

Byte# D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Description

1 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 0 Destination address
2 S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1 0 Source address
3 P L6 L5 L4 L3 L2 L1 L0 Protocol flag & Msg Length
4 msg body- 0 to 127 bytes
Length+4 X7 X6 X5 X4 X3 X2 X1 X0 Checksum

For an indepth discussion of the hardware and software operation, refer to the
ACCESS.bus™ specification.

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IM-275

SPECIFICATIONS
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 50 Ω
FREQUENCY RANGE: Model 151T: dc to 4 GHz
Model 150T: dc to 18 GHz
Model 152T: dc to 26.5 GHz
DRIVER INTERFACE:
Input Supply Voltage: +12.0 to +15.0V
Control Signals: TTL/CMOS compatible
Interface Modes: parallel/ I2C serial
DC Characteristics (at 25 °C):
Digital Interface:
Parameter Specification
VIL Low Level input: -0.5 min, 0.8V max
VIH High Level input: 2.0 min, 5.25V max
IPU Pullup Current 50 μA min, 400 μA max
Power Supply:
VIN Supply Voltage: +12.0 to +15.0V
IIN Supply current: 25 mA
ICELL Supply Current: 150 mA (per cell, switching)
POWER RATING: 1 watt average, 100 watts peak
(5 μsec pulse width; 0.5% duty cycle)
TEMPERATURE: -20° to +70°C operating
-55° to +85°C nonoperating
TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT: <0.0001 dB/dB/C
POWER SENSITIVITY: <0.001 dB/dB/ Watt
RATED SWITCH LIFE: 5 million cycles per cell
RF INPUT CONNECTORS: Rugged female 3.5 mm which mate nondestructively with
SMA male connectors per MIL-STD-39012.
INTERFACE CONNECTOR: 14 pin .025 square post header on .1 center. Mates with Amp
connector 746285-2 or equivalent (one mating connector included with each unit).
SWITCHING SPEED: 20 msec (includes settling time)
CONTROL PULSE WIDTH: 20 msec (minimum)
REPEATABILITY**: +0.1 typical per cell
VIBRATION*: MIL-STD-202F, Method 204D Cond B
ALTITUDE*: MIL-STD-202F, Method 105C Cond B, 50,000 Ft.
SHOCK*: MIL-STD -202F, Method 213B Cond B, except 10G, 6 msec
HUMIDITY*: MIL-STD-202F, Method 103B, Cond. B (96 Hrs. @ 95%, RH).

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 150 T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators

MAXIMUM SWR (50 Ω Characteristic Impedance):

Frequency (GHz)
APPLICABLE MODELS dc-4 4-18 18-26.5
151T-11, 151T-15, 151T-62, 1.50 --- ---
151T-75, 151T-110
150T-11, 150T-15, 150T-62, 1.50 1.90 ---
150T-75, 150T-110
151T-70 (3 cell) 1.35 --- ---
150T-70 (3 cell) 1.35 1.70 ---
152AT-70 (3 cell) 1.40 1.70 1.80
152T-11, 152T-15, 152T-55, 1.40 1.60 1.90
152T-70, 152T-75, 152T-90

MAXIMUM INSERTION LOSS (dB):

Frequency (GHz)
APPLICABLE MODELS dc-4 4-18 18-26.5
151T-11, 151T-15, 151T-75, 0.90 --- ---
151T-110
150T-11, 150T-15, 150T-75, 0.90 2.20 - - -
150T-110
151T-62 (5 cell) 1.10 ---- ----
150T-62 (5 cell) 1.10 2.60* ----
151T-70 (3 cell) 0.70 --- ---
151T-70 (3 cell) 0.70 1.60 ---
152AT-70 (3 cell) 0.90 2.00 2.98
152T-11, 152T-15, 152T-55, 0.90 2.00 2.98
152T-70, 152T-75, 152T-90
*4-12.4 is 1.80, 12.4-18 is 2.60

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IM-275

Specification (con’t):
Model 150T/151T/152T-11 & 150T/151T/152T-15:
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
dc-4 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
4-12.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
12.4-18 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
18-26.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

Model 150T/151T-75:
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
dc-4 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.4
4-12.4 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.8 1.8 2.1 2.1 2.1
12.4-18 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.8 1.2 1.2 1.6 1.6 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.4 2.8 2.8 2.8
Model 150T/151T-31:
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
dc-4 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
4-12.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
12.4-18 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
8 0.8
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
dc-4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8
4-12.4 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1
12.4-18 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3
Model 150T/151T-62:
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
dc-4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6
4-12.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
12.4-18 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.2
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62
dc-4 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.2
4-12.4 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.8 1.8 1.8
12.4-18 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.8 1.8 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.4 2.4 2.4

Model 150T/151T/152T-75:
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
dc-4 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.4
4-12.4 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.8 1.8 2.1 2.1 2.1
12.4-18 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.8 1.2 1.2 1.6 1.6 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.4 2.8 2.8 2.8
18 - 26.5 0.5 0.5 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.2 1.6 1.6 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.4 2.8 2.8 2.8

Model 150T/151T-70, 150T/151T-110, 152AT-70:

Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
dc-4 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.9
4-12.4 0.4 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.0 3.0
12.4-18 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0 4.0
18-26.5 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.5 1.6 2.2 2.9 --- --- --- ---

Model 152T-55:
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
dc-4 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.0
4-12.4 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.3
12.4-18 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.6
18-26.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.5 2.0
Model 152T-70, 152T- 90:
Frequency Attenuation Setting (dB)
Range (GHz) 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
dc-4 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2
4-12.4 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.7
12.4-18 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.8 2.1
18-26.5 0.5 0.6 0.9 1.4 1.5 1.8 2.3 2.4 2.8

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 150 T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS:

DIM A B C
3 cell 83.0 (3.27) 76.2 (3.0) 101.6 (4.00)
4 cell 110.7 (4.36) 103.6 (4.06) 129.2 (5.09)
5 cell 136.9 (5.39) 129.8 (5.11) 156.2 (6.15)

NOTE: All dimensions are given in mm (inches) and are maximum, unless otherwise specified.

CONTACTING Aeroflex / Weinschel

In the event you're having difficulty or believe that the components are defective,
please contact Weinschel immediately. An apparent malfunction may be correct-
ed over the phone by contacting the Customer Service Department at Weinschel.
DO NOT send the product back to the factory without prior authorization (RMA
number). When it is necessary to return an item, state the symptoms or problems,
catalog and type number of the attenuator, and date of original purchase. Also
write the company name, your name, and phone number on an index card. Then
attach the card to the attenuator to be returned.
For more information or any questions about your Programmable Step
Attenuators and/or other Weinschel products, contact the Sales Department at
Aeroflex / Weinschel.

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IM-275

ACCESSORIES
Model 8210 Smartstep Interface: The Model 8210 Smartstep Interface provides a flexi-
ble, low cost solution for the operation of programmable step attenuators and other
electromechanical devices under computer control. Designed to interface to Weinschel's
new line of Smartstep Programmable Attenuators, the 8210 represents a new concept in
device control applications for bench test and subsystem designs. The 8210 provides a
high-level interface from various industry standard communications interfaces, including
IEEE-488/RS232/RS422/RS485, to the Smartstep's serial Device Interface Bus. Typical
Setup shown below:

PC Controller Smartstep Programmable Attenuators

Device Interface
Bus (I2C)

IEEE-488/RS232/
RS422/RS485 Bus 8210
Smartstep
Interface

OPTIONAL CALIBRATION DATA: Calibration Data is available at an additional cost for all
programmable step attenuator models. This calibration data is generated using a comput-
er controlled Weinschel Attenuation Measurement System. Standard calibration data can
be provided in 250 MHz steps for all dc-4 GHz models and in 500 MHz steps for dc-18 and
dc-26.5 GHz models. The measurements are traceable to NIST Standards.

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 150 T Series SmartStep® Programmable Attenuators

Other 150T SmartStep Programmable...

Frequency NO. Attenuator Range/Step Size
Range (GHz) Cells 11/1 dB 15/1 dB 55/5 dB 62/2 dB 70/10 dB 75/5 dB 90/10 dB 110/10 dB
dc-4 GHz 4 151T-11 151T-15 N/A 151T-75 N/A 151T-110
3 151T-70
5 151T-62
dc-18 GHz 4 150T-11 150T-15 N/A 150T-75 N/A 150T-110
3 150T-70
5 150T-62
dc-26.5 GHz 4 152T-11 152T-15 152T-55 NA 152T-70 152T-75 152T-90 152T-110
3 152AT-70
N/A=No Standard Model Available.

Aeroflex / Weinschel Warranty

PRODUCTS: Aeroflex / Weinschel warrants each product it manufactures to be
free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service any-
where in the world. Aeroflex / Weinschel's only obligation under this Warranty is
to repair or replace, at its plant, any product or part thereof that is returned with
transportation charges prepaid to Aeroflex / Weinschel by the original purchaser
within ONE YEAR from the date of shipment.
The foregoing Warranty does not apply to, and in Aeroflex / Weinschel's sole opin-
ion, products that have been subject to improper or inadequate maintenance,
unauthorized modifications, misuse, or operation outside the environmental spec-
ifications for the product.
SOFTWARE PRODUCTS: Aeroflex / Weinschel software products are supplied
without representation or Warranty of any kind. Aeroflex / Weinschel, therefore,
assumes no responsibility and will not accept liability (consequential or otherwise)
arising from the use of program materials, disk, or tape.
The Warranty period is controlled by the Warranty document furnished with each
product and begins on the date of shipment. All Warranty returns must be author-
ized by Aeroflex / Weinschel prior to their return.
Aeroflex / Weinschel's Quality System Certified to:

Certificate No. 94-289j

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 5305 Spectrum Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21703-7362
TEL: (301) 846-9222, 800-638-2048, FAX: (301) 846-9116
Web: www.aeroflex-weinschel.com, e-mail: weinschel-sales@aeroflex.com

© 1997-2010, Aeroflex / Weinschel, Inc.