Description
M/A-COMs DR65-0002 is a break point free driver that produces a logarithmic output current suitable for linearizing PIN diode based shunt attenuators. This driver, in conjunction with customer defined external components, produces a linear transfer function (dB/V) between the input control voltage of the driver and the attenuation output of the PIN attenuator. The DR65-0002 has been optimized for linearizing M/A-COM’s AT10-0009 or AT10-0017 attenuators, but will function well with most types of cathode grounded, PIN attenuators. The driver is packaged in a SOW-16 package for commercial SMT applications. A typical schematic for a 30 dB, 7.5 dB/V linear attenuator is shown in Figure 1.

Features
■ Linearizes PIN Diode Attenuators Over a Wide
   Attenuation Range
■ Output Currents up to 12 mA
■ Operates with a Single Supply Voltage of +3V to +12V
■ Low Quiescent Currents
■ Single Control Voltage
■ SOW-16, Wide Body Plastic Package
■ Test Boards are Available
■ Tape and Reel Packaging Available