RF Attenuator

Attenuators are used in a wide variety of applications and can satisfy almost any requirement where a reduction in power
is needed. Attenuators are used to extend the dynamic range of devices such as power meters and amplifiers, reduce
signal levels to detectors, match circuits and are used daily in lab applications to aid in product design. Attenuators are
also used to balance out transmission lines that otherwise would have unequal signal levels.

Resistive attenuator

Features Applications

• Resistively attenuates Channel A from • Facilitates noise immunity testing of T1

+6dB to -40dB in 0.5dB steps and mixes / E1 receivers by providing:
that result with Channel B Variable S/N Ratios
Line-Input Referred Noise (Far End)
• Selectable DC current path carries up to Line-Output Referred Noise (Near
70mA continuous End)

• Selectable Input/Output impedances of • Simulates DSX-1 and E1 monitor ports

100Ω/120Ω/75Ω • Creates "Hot" and "Cold" pulse
amplitudes
• Accurate bandwidth from 10kHz to • Perform 60Hz Longitudinal Pulse
10MHz Amplitude Envelope test
• Allows automated testing of office and
• Remote control of all functions via long line repeaters, DSX channel banks,
standard RS-232 port and GPIB CSU's, DSU's, and other telecom
equipment
• Serial RS-232 port expander for use
2

with other ME&T products General Description

• Accepts BNC, Bantam, and 310 The ME-1007 is a high accuracy, wide
connectors bandwidth variable attenuator and mixer. The
• Connects directly to ME-1001/2/3/4 Line attenuator, Channel A, has 0.5dB incremental
Simulators as variable S/N ratio noise resolution from +6dB to -40dB and is resistive
 mixer or monitor port simulator
(flat frequency response) over a 10kHz to
Compatibility 10MHz bandwidth. Channel B has a flat
Used in conjunction with ME&T line frequency response over the same bandwidth.
simulators, the ME-1007 allows noise immunity The mixer combines the signal on Channel B at
testing and monitor port simulation of the 0dB, -12dB, or -18dB with the attenuator's
following standards: input/output to create variable S/N ratios. Both
channel inputs and the mixer's output have
• US and European AMI-PCM codes: selectable impedances of 100Ω/120Ω/75Ω
allowing them to connect directly with ME&T
T1 - 1.544Mb/s Line Simulators for both US and European
applications.
T1C - 3.152Mb/s The ME-1007 also includes a fully automatic
Auto Test function creating the 60Hz
T2 - 6.312Mb/s Longitudinal Pulse Amplitude Envelope test
specified in both ANSI T1.408 and CCITT
CEPT - 2.048Mb/s G.703 Section 6.

CEPT - 8.448Mb/s To facilitate use in automated test

• ISDN Primary rate standards, 1.544Mb/s
and 2.048Mb/s
• ANSI T1.408 and CCITT G.703 Sect. 6
including the 60Hz longitudinal pulse
environments, all ME-1007 functions can be
operated either by front panel controls or
through computer control via RS-232 or GPIB
ports. Designed specifically to be a companion
product to ME&T simulators, the ME-1007
features a proprietary Serial RS-232 port 2

amplitude envelope test. expander allowing a single RS-232 line to

control both the ME-1007 and an ME&T
simulator. Its versatility and functionality make
the ME-1007 ideal for both Design and Test
groups.

Input Output
Terminating Impedance ..................... 100Ω/120Ω/75Ω,
±5% Sourcing Impedance ......................... 100Ω/120Ω/75Ω,
±5%
Recommended Frequency Range ............. 10kHz to
10MHz Maximum Rise/Fall Time At 0dB,
VIN = 3VPEAK , 10% to 90% ..................... <
Maximum Balanced Input Voltage, 40nsec
Zero to Peak (At 0dB setting) ...........................
±6V Maximum Output Voltage, Zero to Peak ......................
±6V
Maximum Continuous Balanced DC Input Current,
Input Center-Tap to Output Center-Tap ...... Maximum Overshoot At 0dB,
70mA VIN = 3VPEAK .................................................. <
10%

Short Circuit Tolerance .....................................

 Continuous
Attenuation Characteristics Attenuation Accuracy
Attenuation range at 772kHz: Attenuation accuracy at 772kHz:
Channel A ..................................... +6.0dB to Channel A (any setting) ................................. ±
-40.0dB 0.25dB
Channel B ............................. 0.0dB, -12dB, or Channel A (any setting) ................................. ±
-18dB 0.25dB
-3dB Bandwidth: Attenuation accuracy at 772kHz:
Channel A .................................... <10kHz to Channel A (any setting) ................................. ±
10MHz 0.25dB
Channel B ..................................... <10kHz to Channel A (any setting) ................................. ±
10MHz 0.25dB
Attenuation tolerance at all other frequencies is given by
. the following graph:
DC Path Characteristics
Nominal Resistance ..........................................
150W
Nominal Inductance ........................................ 50
mH
DC path is user selectable to be either Channel A or B.
To avoid damaging relay contacts, current flowing in the
DC path must be brought to 0mA before switching the
path from Channel A to Channel B.
The DC path can sustain 100mA current at 50% duty
cycle over a 30sec period.

RF Attenuator Product Overview

 Click on Connector to view fully tabulated electrical specifications

Connector
Power Ratings

N-Type
Attenuator

2 watt
5 watt
10 watt
20 watt
50 watt
100
watt
150
watt

SMA
Attenuator
Specifying Tip:
For best results when selecting an RF attenuator for a given connector style, make sure to consider the amount of
power being absorbed and the acceptable level of reflection (VSWR) that can be tolerated over the operating
frequency range.
 Input Power Attenuated

dB
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
20
30
40

%
20.57
36.90
49.88
60.19
68.38
74.88
80.05
84.15
87.41
90.00
99.00
99.90
99.99

Convenient Electrical Conversions

VSWR
1.05:1
1.10:1
1.15:1
1.20:1
1.25:1
1.30:1
1.35:1
1.40:1
1.50:1
2.00:1

Return Loss (-dB)

32.256
26.444
23.127
20.828
19.085
17.692
16.540
15.563
 N-Type Attenuator Series

Average Peak Length (in)

Catalog Attenuation Freq. VSWR Attenuation
Model Power Power Diameter (in)
Number Value (dB) (GHz) (Max) Tolerance
(Watts) (Watts) Weight (g)

DC-2.0 1.15:1 ± 0.6 dB

612-dB-1 3, 6, 10, 20 dB
2.0-4.0 1.25:1 ± 0.8 dB L=2.20
2 2000 D=0.82
DC-2.0 1.25:1 ± 1.0 dB W=80
30 dB**
2.0-4.0 1.35:1 ± 1.5 dB

605-dB-1 1, 6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=1.76

DC-4.0 1.15:1
2 250 10, 20 dB ± 0.50 dB D=0.62
4.0-6.0 1.20:1
30 dB ± 0.80 dB W=48

603-dB-1 1, 6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=1.90

DC-4.0 1.15:1
5 125 10, 20 dB ± 0.50 dB D=0.62
4.0-6.0 1.20:1
30 dB ± 0.75 dB W=48

3, 6, 10 & 20 dB ± 0.25 dB
606-dB-1F4 30 dB DC-1.0 1.15:1 ± 0.50 dB L=3.15
10 1000 D=1.25
3, 6, 10 & 20 dB 1.0-4.0 1.35:1 ± 0.50 dB W=109
30 dB ± 0.75 dB

3, 6, 10 & 20 dB ± 0.25 dB
630-dB-1F4 30 dB DC-1.0 1.15:1 ± 0.50 dB L=3.71
20 1000 D=1.75
3, 6, 10 & 20 dB 1.0-4.0 1.35:1 ± 0.50 dB W=140
30 dB ± 0.75 dB

3, 6, 10 & 20 dB ± 0.25 dB
650-dB-1F4 30 dB DC-1.0 1.15:1 ± 0.50 dB L=3.71
50 1000 D=2.25
3, 6, 10 & 20 dB 1.0-4.0 1.35:1 ± 0.50 dB W=180
30 dB ± 0.75 dB

690-dB-1 L=8.00
3, 6, & 10 dB DC-2.0 1.20:1 ± 0.30 dB
100 1000 D=3.50
20, 30 dB 2.0-3.0 1.30:1 ± 0.50 dB
W=3.5 lbs

697-dB-1 L=7.97
3, 6, & 10 dB DC-2.0 1.30:1 ± 0.30 dB
150 1000 D=5.00
20, 30 dB 2.0-3.0 1.40:1 ± 0.50 dB
W=5.1 lbs

** All other Values from 1-32 dB follow 30dB specs

SMA Attenuator Series

Average Peak Length (in)

Catalog Attenuation Freq. VSWR Attenuation
Model Power Power Diameter (in)
Number Value (dB) (GHz) (Max) Tolerance
(Watts) (Watts) Weight (g)
 DC-2.0 1.15:1 ± 0.6 dB
3, 6, 10, 20 dB
662-dB-1 2.0-4.0 1.25:1 ± 0.8 dB L=1.31
2 2000 D=11/35 Hex
DC-2.0 1.25:1 ± 1.0 dB W=62
30 dB**
2.0-4.0 1.35:1 ± 1.5 dB

665-dB-1 DC-4.0 1.15:1 L=0.87

0-6 dB ± 0.30 dB
4.0-8.0 1.20:1 D=0.28
2 250 7-20 dB ± 0.50 dB
8.0-12.4 1.25:1 W=4.5 (1-20 dB)
21-30 dB ± 0.75 dB
12.4-18.0 1.35:1 5.0 (30 dB)

665-dB-1H DC-4.0 1.15:1

0-6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=0.86
4.0-8.0 1.20:1
2 250 7-20 dB ± 0.50 dB D=.312 Hex
8.0-12.4 1.25:1
21-30 dB ± 0.75 dB W=4.6
12.4-18.0 1.35:1

602-dB-1 3, 6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=1.20

DC-4.0 1.15:1
5 125 10, 20 dB ± 0.50 dB D=0.61
4.0-6.0 1.20:1
30 dB ± 0.75 dB W=8.3

604-dB-1 3, 6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=1.70

10 500 10, 20 dB DC-6.0 1.20:1 ± 0.50 dB D=1.00
30 dB ± 0.70 dB W=26

631-dB-1 3, 6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=2.33

20 500 10, 20 dB DC-6.0 1.20:1 ± 0.50 dB D=1.49
30 dB ± 0.75 dB W=74

BNC Fixed Attenuator Series

Average Peak Length (in)

Catalog Attenuation Freq. VSWR Attenuation
Model Power Power Diameter (in)
Number Value (dB) (GHz) (Max) Tolerance
(Watts) (Watts) Weight (g)

DC-2.2 1.25:1 ± 0.75 dB

612-dB-2 3, 6, 10, 20 dB
2.0-4.0 1.45:1 ± 1.25 dB L=1.82
2 2000 D=0.57
DC-2.2 1.25:1 ± 1.25 dB W=~
30 dB**
2.0-4.0 1.45:1 ± 1.50 dB

TNC Attenuator Series

Average Peak Length (in)

Catalog Attenuation Freq. VSWR Attenuation
Model Power Power Diameter (in)
Number Value (dB) (GHz) (Max) Tolerance
(Watts) (Watts) Weight (g)

611-dB-3 1-20 dB DC-2.2 1.40:1 ± 0.80 dB L=1.93

1 1000 D=0.63
21-40 dB DC-1.0 1.20:1 ± 0.50 dB W=~

DC-2.2 1.25:1 ± 0.75 dB

612-dB-3 3, 6, 10, 20 dB
2.0-4.0 1.45:1 ± 1.25 dB L=1.93
2 2000 D=0.63
DC-2.2 1.25:1 ± 1.25 dB W=~
30 dB**
2.0-4.0 1.45:1 ± 1.50 dB
** All other Values from 1-32 dB follow 30dB specs

7/16 DIN Attenuator Series

Average Peak Length (in)

Catalog Attenuation Freq. VSWR Attenuation
Model Power Power Diameter (in)
Number Value (dB) (GHz) (Max) Tolerance
(Watts) (Watts) Weight (g)

603-dB-11 3, 6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=2.98

5 250 10, 20 dB DC-2.5 1.20:1 ± 0.50 dB D=7/16 DIN
30 dB ± 0.75 dB W=220

606-dB-11 3, 6 dB ± 0.30 dB L=3.48

10 2000 10, 20 dB DC-2.5 1.20:1 ± 0.50 dB D=7/16 DIN
30 dB ± 0.75 dB W=213

QMA Attenuator Series

Average Peak Length (in)

Catalog Attenuation Freq. VSWR Attenuation
Model Power Power Diameter (in)
Number Value (dB) (GHz) (Max) Tolerance
(Watts) (Watts) Weight (g)

DC-2.0 1.15:1 ± 0.60 dB

3, 6, 10, 20 dB L=1.63
663-dB-1 2.0-4.0 1.25:1 ± 0.80 dB
D=0.41
2 500
11/32 HEX
DC-2.0 1.25:1 ± 1.00 dB
30 dB** W=~
2.0-4.0 1.35:1 ± 1.50 dB
** All other Values from 1-32dB follow 30dB specs

RF Splitters/Combiners

Passive splitters for distributing the output of a single antenna to multiple receivers, or for combining multiple
antennas to feed a single receiver. Typical Values are show. L=low range, M=midrange, U=upper range.

ZSC24
Two-way passive RF splitter
10-1000 MHz
Isolation dB (L=25, M-35, U=25)
Loss at each output dB (L=3.2, M=3.5, U=3.7)

ZFSC41
Four-way passive RF splitter
1-1000 MHz
Isolation dB (L=25, M-23, U=20)
Loss at each output dB (L=6.4, M=6.6, U=7.6)
 ZFSC843
Eight-way passive RF splitter
10-1000 MHz
Isolation dB (L=23, M-25, U=26)
Loss at each output dB (L=10.0, M=10.4, U=11.1)

Pocket RF Signal Divider Module

Key Specifications/Special Features:

• Used in digital color TVs for RF front end signal processing

• Microstructure
• 5VDC power supply
• One way or two way input, two way output
• Receive frequency (MHz): 54 to 806
Input impedance (Ohm): 75 unbalanced
• Output impedance (Ohm): 75 unbalanced
Terminal currents (mA): 108 to 128
• VSWR: IN1 <=3, OUT1 <=2.5, OUT2 <=2.5