The HP/Agilent 8496B is a precision manual step attenuator delivering 0 to 110 dB of attenuation in 10 dB increments across DC to 18 GHz. Engineered for high-performance RF and microwave applications, it provides exceptional attenuation repeatability of ±0.01 dB and maintains stability over 5 million cycles per section (maximum 0.03 dB drift). The 50 ohm device accepts average input power to 1 W and peak power to 100 W (10 µs pulse width maximum), making it suitable for precision measurement, system calibration, and automated test integration. Available with Type-N, SMA, or APC-7 female connectors, the 8496B operates from 0 °C to +55 °C and weighs 2 lb. Two attenuators can be cascaded using HP 11716A/B/C interconnect kits to achieve 1 dB step resolution across extended dynamic range.
## Technical Specifications
• **Attenuation:** 0–110 dB in 10 dB steps
• **Frequency Range:** DC to 18 GHz
• **Impedance:** 50 ohm
• **Insertion Loss (at 0 dB):** 0.6 dB + 0.09 dB/GHz
• **Maximum Input Power:** 1 W average; 100 W peak (≤10 µs pulse width)
• **Attenuation Repeatability:** ±0.01 dB
• **Repeatability Life:** 0.03 dB maximum over 5 million cycles per section
• **Maximum Residual Attenuation:** 0.6 dB + 0.09 dB/GHz
• **VSWR:** DC–8 GHz: 1.5 | 8–12.4 GHz: 1.6 | 12.4–18 GHz: 1.9
• **Operating Temperature:** 0 °C to +55 °C
• **Weight:** 2 lb
## Key Features
• Eleven attenuation states (0–110 dB) for precise signal level control
• Low residual loss and high repeatability ensure reliable system calibration
• VSWR performance scales with frequency for broadband applications
• Multiple connector options and calibration levels support various test configurations
## Typical Applications
• Automated RF and microwave test systems
• Signal conditioning and level control in laboratory setups
• Measurement and calibration of communication subsystems
• Power measurement and system characterization to 18 GHz
## Compatibility & Integration
Two 8496B units cascade via HP 11716A/B/C interconnect kits for 1 dB step resolution. Optional calibration (30 MHz standard lab or enhanced VSWR <1.02) and NIST-traceable certification available.
