Qorvo RFSA3043SR
- Part No.:
- RFSA3043SR
- Manufacturer:
- Qorvo
- Category:
- Attenuators
- Package:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
RFSA3043SR.pdf
- Description:
- CATV VOLTAGE CONTROLLED ATTENUAT
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,338
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Product details
Overview
RFSA3043SR from Qorvo is a monolithic 75 Ω voltage-controlled attenuator (VCA) operating from 5 MHz to 3000 MHz, delivering 30 dB attenuation range, +50 dBm input IP3 (typ), and linear-in-dB control with selectable slope. It serves as a high-linearity RF power control element in CATV signal paths, requiring no external matching components.
For engineers reviewing the RFSA3043SR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 3 V–5 V supply, 2 mA quiescent current, ±0.1 dB settling time of 10 µs, and guaranteed 75 Ω impedance match across full frequency and control range.
Technical Context
The RFSA3043SR implements a proprietary monolithic architecture enabling simultaneous broadband operation (5–3000 MHz), temperature-compensated linear-in-dB control, and high linearity (+50 dBm IP3, −80 dBc CSO at 132-channel 38 dBmV input). Its on-chip DC conditioning circuitry eliminates external bias networks.
Control is implemented via a single analog voltage (0–5 V) applied to VC pin, with MODE pin selecting positive or negative attenuation slope. The device maintains <1.5 dB gain variation over −40 °C to +105 °C and achieves >+30 dBm input 1 dB compression point.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 5 MHz to 3000 MHz - supports full CATV spectrum including DOCSIS 4.0 upstream/downstream bands. |
| Attenuation Range | 30 dB (typ) - enables precise RF level management across multi-stage amplifier chains without gain switching. |
| Input IP3 | +50 dBm (typ) - ensures minimal intermodulation distortion in dense multi-carrier cable systems. |
| Supply Current | 2 mA (typ) - allows integration into low-power-consumption nodes without thermal derating concerns. |
| Control Voltage Range | 0–5 V - compatible with standard DAC outputs and microcontroller GPIOs without level-shifting. |
| Insertion Loss | 1.5–2.0 dB - low baseline loss preserves system noise figure and cascaded gain budget. |
| Setting Time | 10 µs for 1 dB change - supports dynamic AGC loops in real-time signal conditioning applications. |
Pinout & Package
RFSA3043SR is housed in a 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 16-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (RoHS-compliant, matte Sn plating, MSL Level 1).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 4–9, 11–13 | GND | Multiple ground connections ensure low-impedance RF return path and thermal dissipation via exposed pad. |
| 3 | RF IN | 75 Ω matched RF input port; DC-blocking capacitor required externally to prevent control voltage leakage. |
| 10 | RF OUT | 75 Ω matched RF output port; same DC blocking requirement as RF IN for signal integrity and thermal spec compliance. |
| 14 | VC | Analog control voltage input (0–5 V); draws only 37 µA - negligible loading on DAC or op-amp drivers. |
| 15 | VDD | Single positive supply (3–5.5 V); powers internal biasing and control circuitry with no separate analog/digital rails. |
| 16 | MODE | Digital logic input (0.4 V low / 1 V high) selecting attenuation slope polarity - enables flexible system-level control mapping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Linear-in-dB control characteristic | Enables predictable, monotonic RF level adjustment across temperature and frequency without lookup tables or calibration. |
| On-chip DC conditioning circuitry | Eliminates need for external op-amps or bias tees, reducing BOM count and PCB area in CATV front-end designs. |
| 75 Ω impedance match across full control range | Maintains VSWR ≤1.4 (return loss ≥15 dB) without external matching - simplifies layout and improves repeatability. |
| Selectably positive/negative attenuation slope | MODE pin toggles between VC=0 V → min attenuation and VC=5 V → min attenuation - adapts to existing control architecture. |
| High 1 dB compression point (>+30 dBm) | Supports operation with high peak-to-average power ratio signals (e.g., OFDM, SC-QAM) without gain compression artifacts. |
Applications
| Cable Modem Upstream Path | CATV Node Amplifier AGC |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Dynamic upstream transmit power control in DOCSIS 3.1/4.0 cable modems to comply with upstream channel power limits and avoid ingress noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled RF attenuator placed after PA driver stage to adjust output level in real time based on MAC-layer feedback. Use Value: Maintains +50 dBm IP3 under varying attenuation settings, preventing upstream spectral regrowth and ensuring compliance with SCTE-174M linearity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Automatic gain control in 750 MHz–1.2 GHz hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) node amplifiers to compensate for temperature drift and fiber loss variations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision analog attenuator in feedback loop of wideband amplifier stages, responding to DC-coupled detector output. Use Value: 10 µs settling time and <1.5 dB gain tempco enable stable closed-loop control across −40 °C to +105 °C ambient conditions. |
| DOCSIS 4.0 Full-Duplex Transceiver | Headend Signal Conditioning |
|
Use Scenario: Simultaneous upstream/downstream transmission in FDX systems where upstream power must be precisely balanced against downstream leakage and echo. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity VCA in upstream transmit chain, controlled by digital baseband processor via DAC and MODE pin. Use Value: −80 dBc CSO and −75 dBc CTB at 132-channel load ensure spectral purity meets DOCSIS 4.0 full-duplex emission masks. |
Use Scenario: Programmable level setting in headend optical transmitter RF input stages to optimize laser bias and minimize clipping distortion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration-grade attenuator used during factory setup and field maintenance to align RF input levels to fixed thresholds. Use Value: 30 dB range with linear-in-dB response allows single-point calibration across entire span, reducing test time and fixture complexity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage-controlled attenuator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qorvo RFSA2013 | Narrower 50–2500 MHz range; 25 dB attenuation range; +45 dBm IP3; requires external bias network. | Limited to legacy DOCSIS 3.0 systems; not suitable for 1.2 GHz+ full-duplex upstream bands. | Lower-cost option when full 3000 MHz bandwidth and highest linearity are not required. |
| Analog Devices HMC988LP3E | DC–4000 MHz range; 31 dB range; +42 dBm IP3; 5 V-only supply; no MODE pin for slope selection. | Broadband lab instrumentation use; lacks integrated slope control and 75 Ω optimization for CATV. | Preferred for wideband test equipment where 75 Ω matching is secondary to frequency coverage. |
Compared with RFSA2013 and HMC988LP3E, the RFSA3043SR uniquely combines 75 Ω CATV-optimized matching, selectable attenuation slope, and industry-leading +50 dBm IP3 within a 3 mm × 3 mm footprint-making it the only choice for next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 upstream power control where spectral purity and thermal stability are non-negotiable.
Availability
RFSA3043SR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cable modem design, CATV node deployment, and DOCSIS 4.0 full-duplex transceiver development requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for RFSA3043SR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Qorvo is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in RF solutions for infrastructure, defense, and mobile applications, with leadership in GaAs and SOI process technologies.
The RFSA3043SR belongs to Qorvo's CATV-focused RF front-end portfolio, engineered specifically for high-linearity, temperature-stable attenuation in 75 Ω broadband cable systems operating up to 3 GHz.
FAQ
What is the recommended DC blocking configuration for RFSA3043SR RF IN and RF OUT pins?
External DC blocking capacitors are mandatory on both RF IN (Pin 3) and RF OUT (Pin 10) to prevent control voltage leakage into the RF path and maintain specified linearity and thermal resistance. A 1000 pF 0402 X7R capacitor (e.g., Murata GRM155R71H102KA01D) is validated per the RFSA3043 evaluation board schematic. RFSA3043SR performance degrades if DC blocking is omitted.
Does RFSA3043SR require external matching components for 75 Ω operation?
No. RFSA3043SR is internally matched to 75 Ω across its full 5–3000 MHz frequency range and 30 dB attenuation range. No external baluns, transformers, or discrete matching networks are needed - simplifying layout and improving production yield. This 75 Ω match is verified in the RFSA3043SR datasheet's S-parameter plots and return loss specification (≥15 dB).
How does the MODE pin affect RFSA3043SR control behavior?
The MODE pin selects attenuation slope polarity: logic HIGH (≥1 V) enables positive slope (higher VC = higher attenuation), while logic LOW (≤0.4 V) enables negative slope (higher VC = lower attenuation). This dual-mode capability allows RFSA3043SR to interface directly with existing control architectures without inverting DAC outputs. RFSA3043SR retains full 30 dB range in either mode.
What is the maximum safe RF input power for continuous operation of RFSA3043SR?
RFSA3043SR supports up to +27 dBm RF input power at T ≤ +85 °C, derating linearly to +26 dBm at +100–105 °C. Exceeding these limits risks permanent degradation of linearity specs (IP3, CSO) and thermal reliability. The +30 dBm 1 dB compression point is a small-signal metric - sustained operation above +27 dBm requires active thermal management. RFSA3043SR thermal resistance is 46 °C/W.
Is RFSA3043SR compatible with lead-free reflow processes?
Yes. RFSA3043SR is qualified for lead-free soldering with a maximum reflow temperature of 260 °C (per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020). Its matte tin contact plating and MSL Level 1 rating allow floor-life unlimited storage and single-reflow compatibility. The device also supports tin/lead processes (245 °C max). RFSA3043SR meets RoHS 2011/65/EU and SVHC-free requirements.
RFSA3043SR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Qorvo
- Package/Case:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Attenuation Value:
- 0dB
- Frequency Range:
- 5 MHz ~ 3 GHz
- Power (Watts):
- 500mW
- Impedance:
- 75 Ohms
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
RFSA3043SR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for RFSA3043SR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for RFSA3043SR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for RFSA3043SR reliable?
The price and inventory of RFSA3043SR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for RFSA3043SR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for RFSA3043SR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for RFSA3043SR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for RFSA3043SR?
RFSA3043SR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your RFSA3043SR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for RFSA3043SR?
For technical support, including RFSA3043SR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your RFSA3043SR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that RFSA3043SR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All RFSA3043SR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that RFSA3043SR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of RFSA3043SR?
All RFSA3043SR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with RFSA3043SR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The RFSA3043SR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for RFSA3043SR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
RFSA3043SR Tags

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PAT0510S-C-3DB-T10
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