Digital step attenuator PE4302, 0–31.5 dB, module, parallel control

Product detailed description

The digital step RF attenuator featuring the PE4302 chip adjusts signal attenuation from 0 to 31.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps within the 1 MHz to 4 GHz frequency range. Attenuation is selected directly via logic levels on six control inputs V1–V6 (direct parallel mode with immediate response), allowing you to control it using switches, Arduino, ESP32, or another microcontroller without any protocol. The inputs feature pull-down resistors, so an unconnected module operates with minimum attenuation. The signal is connected via 50 Ω impedance SMA (female) connectors. It is suitable for signal level adjustment during measurement and calibration, protecting receiver and SDR inputs, sensitivity testing, or automatic gain control (AGC).

Specifications:

• Chip: pSemi (Peregrine) PE4302, 6-bit digital attenuator
• Frequency range: 1 MHz – 4 GHz (actual attenuation varies slightly with frequency)
• Attenuation range: 0–31.5 dB
• Step: 0.5 dB (64 levels)
• Insertion loss: approx. 1.2–2 dB (at 0 dB setting)
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Max. input power: +20 dBm (100 mW)
• Power supply: 3 V DC (range 2.7–3.3 V, supplied directly to the chip – the module has no regulator), current consumption approx. 5 mA
• Control:
  • parallel, instant mode (Direct parallel)
  • 6 inputs V1–V6, each activates one attenuation stage (16, 8, 4, 2, 1 and 0.5 dB), with the resulting attenuation being the sum of these
  • log. 1 = corresponding attenuation stage enabled, H level min. 0.7 × VDD
  • 10 kΩ pull-down on each input (unconnected = 0 dB)
• Connection:
  • RFin, RFout: SMA female
  • Control connector: 7-pin 2.54 mm header (GND, V1–V6)
  • Power supply: 2 solder pads on the bottom edge of the board – left (by the capacitors) VDD, right GND
• Mounting: 4 mounting holes at the corners of the board
• Compatibility: Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi and others (3.3 V logic); a PE43xx library is available for Arduino

Important wiring notice:

• The module has no voltage regulator and the PE4302 chip is powered directly by 3 V – do not connect 5 V to the power supply or control inputs. For 5V Arduino, use a logic level converter or a voltage divider.
• Do not apply power exceeding +20 dBm to the input (e.g. direct transmitter output) – the attenuator is not designed for high-power transmission paths.
• Attenuation in dB is nominal; at higher frequencies, it may differ slightly from the set value. For accurate measurements, calibrate the attenuator (e.g. NanoVNA).

Package contents:

• 1× PE4302 digital attenuator module with SMA connectors

Note:

• This product is not a standalone functional unit and may require professional installation.
• Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may sometimes differ from the actual appearance of the item. However, this does not change their basic properties.