Vaunix TS-LDA-302P-2N Compact USB-Programmable RF Digital Attenuator
| Brand | Vaunix |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | LDA-302P-2N |
| Frequency Range | DC to 20 GHz |
| Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Attenuation Range | 0–63 dB in 1-dB steps |
| Insertion Loss | < 2.5 dB (typ. at 20 GHz) |
| VSWR | < 1.5:1 (up to 20 GHz) |
| Power Handling | +27 dBm (max CW) |
| Operating Temperature | –10 °C to +60 °C |
| Connector Type | SMA Female (input/output) |
| Compliance | RoHS 2, CE, FCC Part 15 Class B |
Overview
The Vaunix TS-LDA-302P-2N is a compact, USB-controlled digital step attenuator engineered for precision RF signal conditioning in automated test environments. Operating from DC to 20 GHz, it implements solid-state PIN diode-based attenuation architecture with 64 discrete 1-dB steps (0–63 dB), enabling repeatable, low-drift amplitude control without mechanical wear. Unlike analog or manually tuned alternatives, this device delivers programmable attenuation via a vendor-supplied Windows/Linux-compatible API and SCPI command set over USB 2.0—eliminating the need for GPIB or external power supplies. Its miniature form factor (2.25″ × 1.5″ × 0.6″) and integrated thermal management support integration into dense PXIe chassis, benchtop ATE systems, and embedded R&D platforms where space, stability, and deterministic latency are critical.
Key Features
- Full DC–20 GHz operational bandwidth with VSWR ≤ 1.5:1 across the entire range, verified per IEC 61000-4-3 radiated immunity testing protocols
- High-resolution 1-dB step resolution and ±0.25 dB typical accuracy (±0.5 dB max) over temperature, traceable to NIST-traceable calibration data provided with each unit
- Low insertion loss (< 2.5 dB at 20 GHz) and high input/output return loss (> 18 dB), minimizing system-level measurement uncertainty in cascaded RF paths
- USB 2.0 interface with built-in firmware-upgradable microcontroller; no external drivers required on modern Windows 10/11 and Ubuntu LTS kernels
- Ruggedized aluminum housing with gold-plated SMA female connectors, rated for > 500,000 mating cycles and compliant with MIL-STD-810G shock/vibration profiles
- Supports both absolute and relative attenuation commands, enabling seamless integration into LabVIEW, Python (PyVISA), MATLAB, and C/C++ automated test sequences
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TS-LDA-302P-2N is compatible with all standard 50 Ω RF sources, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and signal generators equipped with SMA output interfaces. It maintains signal integrity across modulation formats including QPSK, 256-QAM, and OFDM up to 1 GHz modulation bandwidth, as validated under IEEE 802.11ac and 3GPP LTE-FDD conformance test conditions. Regulatory compliance includes full adherence to RoHS 2 Directive 2011/65/EU, CE marking per EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RED Directive 2014/53/EU, and FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B emissions limits. Device firmware supports audit-ready logging for GLP/GMP environments when used with Vaunix’s optional TraceLog software module (sold separately), providing timestamped attenuation history with user-defined metadata fields.
Software & Data Management
Vaunix provides the LDA Control Suite—a cross-platform application supporting real-time attenuation sweep, step sequencing, and batch configuration export/import in CSV/JSON format. The underlying DLL and shared library APIs expose thread-safe functions for multi-instrument synchronization, including hardware-triggered attenuation updates synchronized to external TTL clocks (via optional GPIO adapter). All communication employs packet-level CRC-16 error checking and automatic retransmission logic. For regulated laboratories, optional firmware version 2.3+ enables FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and audit trail generation—including operator ID, timestamp, commanded value, actual measured value (if calibrated sensor feedback is available), and reason-for-change annotation—when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.
Applications
- Automated receiver sensitivity testing in wireless device certification labs (e.g., Bluetooth SIG, Wi-Fi Alliance, PTCRB)
- Dynamic range verification of wideband digitizers and RFSoC-based acquisition systems
- Calibration reference path attenuation in metrology-grade VNA calibration kits (SOLT, TRL)
- EMI/EMC pre-compliance testing for intentional radiator margin analysis
- Beamforming algorithm validation in phased array antenna development using multi-channel synchronized attenuation
- Education and prototyping in university RF/microwave engineering labs requiring reproducible, scriptable signal level control
FAQ
Is the TS-LDA-302P-2N compatible with Linux operating systems?
Yes—native support for x86_64 and ARM64 Linux distributions is included via liblda.so, with documented examples for Python 3.8+ and GCC 9.3+ toolchains.
Does it require an external power supply?
No—bus-powered operation via USB 2.0 (5 V ±5%, 500 mA max draw) eliminates dependency on auxiliary power rails.
Can attenuation be controlled remotely over Ethernet or LAN?
Not natively; however, USB-over-IP solutions (e.g., VirtualHere USB Server) enable network-transparent access in secure intranet deployments.
What calibration documentation is provided?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration report listing attenuation error vs. frequency at 25 °C, traceable to NIST standards, plus a unique serial-numbered certificate of conformance.
Is there a warranty or repair service outside the EU?
Vaunix offers global warranty coverage (2 years parts/labor) and authorized service centers in the US, Singapore, and Germany, with return logistics coordinated through local distributors.
