The Agilent HP 8494G and 8495G are 50-ohm coaxial programmable step attenuators engineered for precise RF and microwave signal level control from DC to 4 GHz. Built with precision thin-film attenuator cards, lossless thru-lines, and solenoid-actuated slab line transmission lines, these units deliver exceptional repeatability and reliability across millions of operating cycles.
Technical Specifications
Attenuation Performance
• 8494G: 0 to 11 dB in 1 dB steps
• 8495G: 0 to 70 dB in 10 dB steps
• Insertion loss at 0 dB: 8494G 0.96 dB typical (0.6 dB + 0.09 dB/GHz), 8495G 0.68 dB
• Maximum SWR: 8494G 1.50, 8495G 1.35
• Repeatability: ±0.03 dB maximum (typically 0.01 dB) for 5 million cycles per section
• Switching time: Less than 20 milliseconds including settling
Power and Electrical
• Maximum input average power: 1 W
• Maximum input peak power: 100 W
• Solenoid drive voltage: 24 Vdc (Option 024) or 5 Vdc (Option 011)
• Solenoid coil current: 125 mA (110 mA for serial numbers below 1722A)
– Key Features
• Operating life rated to 5 million cycles per attenuator section
• Gold-plated leaf spring solenoid contacts ensure long-term stability
• Option 001 provides Type-N female RF connectors; SMA female and APC-7 available
• 12-pin Viking socket or 14-pin DIP plug programming interface
• Series connection capability using Keysight 11716A/B/C kits for expanded dynamic range
– Compatibility & Integration
Connector options span Type-N (001), SMA (002), and APC-7 (003, 8494G only). Drive voltage selection accommodates standard 24 Vdc or logic-compatible 5 Vdc supplies. Ribbon cable assemblies with 14-pin DIP connectors and 12-pin Viking harnesses simplify integration into automated test systems. Commercial calibration with test data certification available via Option UK6.
