The HP/Agilent 8493C is a precision coaxial fixed attenuator engineered for signal conditioning, power leveling, and impedance matching across DC to 26.5 GHz. Built on a thin-film tantalum nitride resistive element mounted on sapphire substrate, it delivers stable attenuation with exceptional repeatability. The attenuator features APC-3.5 mm connectors in stainless steel construction, providing superior durability and connection reliability compared to standard SMA alternatives. Each unit is swept-frequency tested across its full operating range, with calibration points stamped on the body for traceability.
## Technical Specifications
• **Frequency Range:** DC to 26.5 GHz
• **Attenuation Values:** 3 dB, 6 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB, 30 dB, 40 dB, 50 dB, 60 dB
• **Accuracy:** ±2% of value in dB at 26.5 GHz; 3 dB unit ±0.3 dB (typical ±0.20 dB DC to 18 GHz); 30 dB unit ±1.0 dB (typical ±0.75 dB DC to 18 GHz)
• **SWR:** 1.1 to 8 GHz; 1.15 to 12.4 GHz; 1.25 to 26.5 GHz
• **Maximum Input Power:** 2 W average, 100 W peak
• **Temperature Stability:** 0.0002 dB/dB/°C
• **Power Sensitivity:** 0.001 dB/W
• **Resonance-Free Performance:** Up to 34 GHz
## Key Features
• Thin-film tantalum nitride resistive element on sapphire substrate ensures high accuracy and repeatability
• APC-3.5 mm connectors with stainless steel construction withstand hundreds of connections without degradation
• Compact form factor: 33.8 × 8 mm (3–20 dB); 36.8 × 8 mm (30–40 dB)
• Approximate weight 8.5 g
• Swept-frequency tested to specification across full operating range
## Typical Applications
• Extending dynamic range of sensitive power meter measurements
• Impedance matching and SWR improvement for poorly matched devices
• Calibration standards for attenuation and RF substitution measurements
• Power reduction to sensitive RF components and instrumentation
• Test and measurement signal conditioning
## Compatibility & Integration
APC-3.5 mm connectors provide compatibility with standard SMA connectors while offering enhanced mechanical repeatability for demanding field and laboratory environments.
