The Keysight J7211A Attenuation Control Unit is a programmable signal conditioning instrument for RF and microwave test applications spanning DC to 6 GHz. It delivers attenuation control from 0 to 121 dB in discrete 1 dB, 5 dB, and 10 dB steps with insertion loss repeatability better than 0.03 dB per section over 5 million cycles. Built for precision measurement in wireless communications, aerospace and defense, and component characterization, the unit combines high accuracy with flexible sweep and relative attenuation programming.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: DC to 6 GHz
• Attenuation Range: 0 to 121 dB with 1 dB, 5 dB, and 10 dB step sizes
• Insertion Loss Repeatability: < 0.03 dB per section (5 million cycle endurance)
• Maximum Input Average Power: 1 W
• Maximum Input Peak Power: 100 W (10 microsecond pulse width maximum)
• Operating Life: 5 million cycles per section
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +50 °C
• Storage Temperature: –40 °C to +70 °C
• Form Factor: Half-rack, 2U (103.8 mm H × 232.2 mm W × 385.7 mm D with handle)
• Net Weight: 3.8 kg
– Key Features
• Programmable attenuation sweep with user-defined dwell time (100 ms to 10 s), step size (1 dB incremental), and cycle count (up to 1000)
• Sweep time adjustment from 50 ms to 10 s in 50 ms increments
• Forward and backward attenuation cycling for automated test sequences
• Relative attenuation step function for preset-based control
• RF connectors: Type-N 50 Ω female or SMA female with defined pin depth specifications
– Interfaces
• GPIB, USB, and LAN (LXI Class C Compliant) for remote programming and control
– Typical Applications
Wireless communication component characterization, aerospace and defense system validation, and manufacturing test automation requiring stable, repeatable attenuation control.
