Aeroflex/Weinschel USA is offering a new line of intelligent programmable step attenuators with a built-in digital interface to simplify the control and integration of these devices into subsystem and bench applications. This series of programmable step attenuators is designed for use in automatic test equipment and OEM systems operating in the DC to 6 GHz frequency range. In addition, it features a wide selection of attenuation ranges and step sizes, like 0 to 55 dB in 1 dB steps, 0 to 103 dB in 1 dB steps and 0 to 55.75 in 0.25 dB steps.

The attenuator has a high-quality construction and connectors. It includes a built-in TTL\CMOS interface driver circuitry. Plus, special configurations are available on request. Standard specifications are a nominal impedance of 50 Ohms and a frequency range from DC to 6.0 GHz. The maximum voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is 1.30 at DC to 3GHz and 1.45 at 3 to 6 GHz.

Available in many standard attenuation ranges and cell configurations, each cell contains a doublepole, double-throw relay that provides a minimum loss or attenuated path for the RF signal. Microstrip circuitry and special compensation techniques produce flat attenuation vs. frequency characteristics. The microstrip construction, using thick-film circuit elements, ensures product uniformity. To minimize RF leakage, the 3400T series attenuators are provided with gold-plated contact areas and feedthrough filters at each control terminal.