The MAX19793 dual general-purpose analog voltage variable attenuator (VVA) is designed to interface with 50Ω systems operating in the 1500MHz to 6000MHz frequency range. The device includes a patented control circuit that provides 23.3dB of attenuation range (per attenuator) with a typical linear control slope of 8.4dB/V.Both attenuators share a common analog control and can be cascaded together to yield 46.6dB of total attenuation range with a typical combined linear control slope of 16.8dB/V (5V operation).Alternatively, the on-chip 4-wire SPI-controlled 10-bit DAC can be used to control both attenuators. In addition, a step-up/down feature allows user-programmable attenuator stepping through command pulses without reprogramming the SPI interface.The MAX19793 is a monolithic device designed using one of Maxim's proprietary SiGe BiCMOS processes. The part operates from a single +5V supply or alternatively from a single +3.3V supply. It is available in a compact 36-pin TQFN package (6mm x 6mm x 0.8mm) with an exposed pad. Electrical performance is guaranteed over the -40°C to +100°C extended temperature range.ApplicationsAutomatic Level Control (ALC)Broadband System Applications, Including Wireless Infrastructure Digital and Spread-Spectrum Communication SystemsGeneral Test EquipmentLineup Gain TrimMicrowave Point-to-Point SystemsReceiver Gain ControlTemperature-Compensation CircuitsTransmitter Gain ControlVSAT/Satellite ModemsWCDMA/LTE, TD-SCDMA/TD-LTE, WiMAX®, cdma2000®, GSM/EDGE, and MMDS Base Stations