The Rohde & Schwarz RSP (831.3515.02) is a precision RF step attenuator engineered for signal conditioning across DC to 2.7 GHz. It delivers attenuation from 0 to 140 dB in 0.1 dB steps, handling continuous wave power to 1 W and pulsed signals up to 200 W. The instrument incorporates automatic frequency-dependent attenuation correction, which compensates for pad variations measured at 50 MHz intervals across 18 internal attenuators. This architecture achieves absolute accuracy better than 0.1 dB + 0.5% below 1 GHz, improving measurement repeatability in RF test, system integration, and laboratory environments.
Technical Specifications
• Attenuation Range: 0 dB to 140 dB
• Step Size: 0.1 dB (for attenuation > 1 dB)
• Frequency Range: DC to 2.7 GHz
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Continuous Power Handling: 1 W
• Pulsed Power (< 10 µs): 200 W
• Maximum Pulse Voltage (< 10 µs): 150 V
• Power Supply: 100/120/220/240 V ±10%, 47 Hz to 440 Hz (20 W)
• Switching Time: 5 × 10⁶ switching cycles
– Key Features
• Automatic frequency-dependent attenuation correction via measured pad variations
• 18 internal attenuator pads with calibration data at 50 MHz spacing
• RCL 99 function for attenuation values 3 dB to 139.9 dB accounting for residual loss
• Self-test routine on power-up validates stored correction values
• 40 complete instrument setups stored in non-volatile memory
• N-type female RF connector
• Compact 19″ rackmount housing: 435 mm W × 103 mm H × 359 mm D (5.5 kg)
– Accuracy Performance
• Below 0.5 GHz: < 0.1 dB + 0.5% of attenuation value
• 0.5 GHz to 1 GHz: < 0.1 dB + 0.5% of attenuation value
• 1 GHz to 2 GHz: < 0.15 dB + 1% of attenuation value
– Compatibility & Integration
Remote control via IEC 625-1/IEEE 488 interface enables integration into automated test systems and instrument racks.
