The HP/Agilent 8496A is a manual coaxial step attenuator engineered for precise RF and microwave signal level control across DC to 4 GHz. It delivers 0 to 110 dB attenuation in fixed 10 dB increments, providing accurate and repeatable attenuation for test, measurement, calibration, and signal management applications. The attenuator uses gold-plated leaf springs and low-torque cams for reliable mechanical contact and extended operational life.
## Technical Specifications
• **Frequency Range:** DC to 4 GHz
• **Attenuation Range:** 0 to 110 dB
• **Attenuation Steps:** 10 dB
• **Insertion Loss at 0 dB:** 0.6 dB + 0.09 dB/GHz
• **Maximum Residual Attenuation:** 0.6 dB + 0.09 dB/GHz
• **Maximum SWR:** 1.5
• **Attenuation Repeatability:** ±0.03 dB max per section (5 million cycles); typical 0.01 dB
• **RF Power Handling:** 1 W average; 100 W peak (10 µs pulse width max)
• **DC Voltage Limit:** ±7 Vdc maximum (blocking capacitor required for higher potentials)
• **Operating Life:** 5 million cycles per section
• **Weight:** Approximately 5 lbs
## Key Features
• Discrete 10 dB step attenuation for deterministic level control
• Low insertion loss and minimal residual attenuation ensure signal integrity
• Tight attenuation repeatability ±0.03 dB supports calibrated measurement workflows
• Available connector options: Type-N female, SMA female, APC-7
• NIST traceable SWR and attenuation data available (Option 890/UK6) for metrological applications
## Typical Applications
• RF and microwave test and measurement
• Calibration and signal path validation
• Dynamic range extension in receiver chains
• Attenuation verification and characterization
## Compatibility & Integration
The 8496A connects in series with other units via HP/Agilent 11716A/B/C Attenuator Interconnect Kits to achieve extended dynamic range with finer step resolution.
