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Step attenuator selection guide
Attenuators
Programmable and Manual Step
Manual
Programmable
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Agilent 355 series specifications
Manual
Programmable
Step Attenuation
size range dc to 1000 MHz dc to 4 GHz dc to 18 GHz dc to 26.5 GHz dc to 40 GHz
1 dB
10 dB
1 dB
10 dB
0 to 11 dB 8494A 8494B
0 to 12 dB 355C
0 to 70 dB 8495A 8495B 8495D
0 to 110 dB 8496A 8496B
0 to 120 dB 355D
0 to 11 dB 8494G 8494H 84904K 84904L
0 to 12 dB 355E
0 to 70 dB 8495G 8495H 8495K
0 to 90 dB 8497K
0 to 110 dB 8496G 8496H
0 to 120 dB 355F
Frequency range
84907K 84907L
84906K 84906L
The manual and programmable Agilent 355
Agilent 355C (0 to 12 dB, 1 dB steps)
Agilent 355D (0 to 120 dB, 10 dB steps)
Agilent 355E (0 to 12 dB, 1 dB steps)
Agilent 355F (0 to 120 dB, 10 dB steps)
series attenuators offer exceptional attenuation
accuracy to 1 GHz; 0.1 dB to 1 kHz, 0.25 dB to 500
MHz, 0.35 dB to 1 GHz. They feature BNC(f) RF
connectors, with optional type-N (Option 001)
and TNC (Option 005) also available. To achieve
1 dB steps up to a range of 132 dB, serially
connect two attenuators using a standard
Agilent 355C/D
UG-491A/U BNC (m)-to-BNC (m) adapter.
Programmable Agilent 355EF models feature
a 7-pin connector. To protect your transistor
driver against transients during the switching
cycle, order Option 007 to install a protective
diode between each solenoid and driver.
Programmable and Manual Step
Agilent 84904L
Agilent 8494/95/96A/B/D
Agilent 8494/95/96G/H/K
Attenuators
Agilent 84904/906/907 series
This family of programmable step attenuators offers
unmatched attenuation performance to 40 GHz. The K models
brings superior accuracy and reliability to 26.5 GHz, and the
L models offers unparalleled performance to 40 GHz.
Agilent step attenuators consist of 3 or 4 cascaded sections
of specific attenuation values; e.g., 1, 2, 4, or 10, 20, 30, or
40 dB. Both families offer the selection, performance, accuracy,
and reliability expected from Agilent: attenuation ranges of 11,
70, or 90 dB, 1 dB, and 10 dB step sizes, 5 million cycles per
section and better than 0.03 dB repeatability. RF connector
choices include precision 3.5 mm on the 26.5 GHz K models,
and precision 2.4 mm or 2.92 mm on the L models. While the
2.92-mm connector format is compatible with both 3.5-mm
and SMA connectors, Agilent Technologies recommends the
more rugged 2.4-mm connectors.
Agilent programmable step attenuators feature electromechanical designs that achieve 20 milliseconds switching
time, including settling time. The permanent magnet latching
allows automatic interruption of the dc drive voltage to cut
power consumption and simplify circuit design. They are
equipped with 10-pin DIP sockets (m) and have optional
interconnect cables available.
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Attenuators
Programmable and Manual Step
Agilent 8494/95/96/97 series
This family of manual step attenuators offers fast, precise
signal-level control in three frequency ranges, dc to 4 GHz,
dc to 18 GHz, and dc to 26.5 GHz. They feature exceptional
repeatability and reliability in a wide range of frequency,
attenuation, and connector options.
Attenuation repeatability is specified to be less than 0.03 dB
(0.05 dB, 18 to 26.5 GHz) for 5 million cycles per section. This
assures low-measurement uncertainty when designed into
automatic test systems. Electromechanical step attenuators
offer low SWR, low-insertion loss, and high-accuracy required
by high-performance test and measurement equipment.
Precision-plated, leaf-spring contacts insert/remove attenuator
sections (miniature tantalum nitride thin-film T-pads on sapphire
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and alumina substrates) from the signal path. Unique process
controls and material selection ensure unmatched life and
contact repeatability.
Programmable models
Miniature drive solenoids in the programmable models keep
switching time, including settling, down to less than 20 milliseconds. Once switched, strong permanent magnets hold the
solenoids (and attenuation value) in place. Current interrupts
automatically disconnect solenoid current, simplifying driver
circuit design, and minimizing heat dissipation. Programming is
done through a 12-pin Viking socket or optional ribbon cables
with DIP plugs. Automatic drive control is easy using the GPIB
compatible Agilent 11713A or 87130A attenuator/switch driver
and an external controller.
Programmable driver instruments
Programmable drive options for step attenuators include the
Agilent 11713A attenuator/switch driver, which permits
users to easily integrate the attenuator into GPIB compatible
automatic test systems. Also, see page 179 for product
descriptions of the Agilent 87130A and 70611A (MMS)
attenuator/switch drivers.
Interconnect cable selections include various connector and
ribbon cable configurations to match user applications.
Standard interconnect cables are described in the Attenuator
Cables table on page 53.
Manual models
These models provide excellent performance with the simplicity
and convenience of positive manual switching. A low-torque
camshaft activates the insertion and removal of the attenuation
sections. Positive detents and an attenuation-level indicator
ensures quick and accurate control.
Attenuator interconnecting kits
To achieve 1 dB step resolution up to 81 dB, 101 dB or 121 dB,
combine the Agilent 8494 with 8495/96/97 using the Agilent
11716A,B,C interconnect kits to cascade attenuators in series.
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