ON SALE: Programmable Rotary Vane Attenuators (511 Series)
Product Description
Mi-Wave’s 511 Series Precision Programmable Rotary Vane Attenuators are high-performance waveguide attenuators designed to provide accurate, repeatable attenuation control across full waveguide bands from 7.0 GHz to 325 GHz. These attenuators combine precision microwave performance with integrated electronic control, giving engineers the flexibility to operate the unit locally from the front panel or remotely through standard IEEE-488 (GPIB) or USB interfaces.
Built in a compact, self-contained package, the 511 Series incorporates both the electronic controller and the microwave attenuator assembly into a single unit. This reduces system complexity and simplifies integration into laboratory benches, automated test stations, calibration environments, and microwave system development platforms. The unit operates from a single +24 VDC source and is also available with an optional external power adapter for added flexibility in different installation environments.
The 511 Series offers a 0 to 70 dB attenuation range in precise 0.01 dB steps, allowing extremely fine signal control for demanding RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave applications. A digital front panel display provides clear attenuation readout for local operation, while remote programmability enables repeatable automation in test and measurement systems.
A key differentiator of the 511 Series is Mi-Wave’s proprietary internal absorbing material, engineered to support higher power handling, low insertion loss, and mode-free operation across the attenuation range. Tested to over 1 million cycles, these programmable rotary vane attenuators are designed for long service life and dependable performance in demanding engineering, calibration, and production test environments
Note: Our website contains just a few types of Attenuators we build. Consult with us for your specific needs.
| Model | Power Type | Minimum Frequency (GHz) | Maximum Frequency (GHz) | Insertion Loss (dB) typical | Attenuation Range (dB) | Resolution (dB) | Programmable GPIB Address | Power Handling (Watts) | RF Ports | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 511X/39ND | Low Power | 8.2 | 12.4 | 0.5 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.3 | WR-90 Waveguide, UG-39/U Flange | |
| 511Ku/419ND | Low Power | 12.4 | 18 | 0.5 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.3 | WR-62 Waveguide, UG-419/U Flange | |
| 511K/595ND | Low Power | 18 | 26 | 0.5 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.3 | WR-42 Waveguide with UG-595/U Flanges | |
| 511(34)/595ND | Low Power | 22 | 33 | 0.5 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.2 | WR-34 Waveguide with UG-595/U Flanges | |
| 511A-599ND | High Power | 26.5 | 40 | 0.5 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 10 | WR-28 Waveguide, UG-599/U Flange | |
| 511B/383ND | High Power | 33 | 50 | 0.7 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 7 | WR-22 Waveguide, UG-383/U Flange | |
| 511U/383ND | High Power | 40 | 60 | 1 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 5 | WR-19 Waveguide, UG-383/U-M Flange | |
| 511V/385ND | High Power | 50 | 75 | 1.2 | 0-70 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 5 | WR-15 Waveguide, UG-385/U Flange | |
| 511E/387ND | High Power | 60 | 90 | 1.8 | 0-65 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 2 | WR-12 Waveguide, UG-387/U-M Flange | |
| 511W/387ND | High Power | 75 | 110 | 3.3 | 0-65 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 2 | WR-10 Waveguide, UG-387/U-M Flange | |
| 511F/387ND | Low Power | 90 | 140 | 3.4 | 0-60 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.1 | WR-8 Waveguide, UG-387/U-M Flange | |
| 511D/387ND | Low Power | 110 | 170 | 3.5 | 0-60 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.1 | WR-6 Waveguide, UG-387/U-M Flange | |
| 511G/387ND | Low Power | 140 | 220 | 3.8 | 0-50 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.1 | WR-05 Waveguide, UG-387/U-M Flange | |
| 511H/387ND | Low Power | 170 | 260 | 6 | 0-40 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.1 | WR-04 Waveguide with UG-387/U-M Flange | |
| 511J/387ND | Low Power | 220 | 325 | 7 | 0-40 | 0.01 | up to 30 | 0.05 | WR-03 Waveguide, UG-387/U Flange |
Features & Specifications
Mi-Wave’s 511 Series Precision Programmable Rotary Vane Attenuators are engineered for accurate automated attenuation control across microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands, combining fine resolution, rugged reliability, and compact system integration.
Programmable Attenuation Control
The 511 Series supports both manual front panel operation and remote programmable control, providing flexibility for benchtop use as well as automated test systems.
Frequency Coverage: 7.0 GHz to 325 GHz
Available across full waveguide bands from 7.0 GHz to 325 GHz, these attenuators support a broad range of microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
Attenuation Range: 0 to 70 dB
Provides wide dynamic attenuation control for signal conditioning, fade margin testing, calibration, and instrumentation applications.
Resolution: 0.01 dB Steps
Fine 0.01 dB step size allows precise attenuation setting for applications that demand highly controlled RF power adjustment.
Front Panel Digital Readout
A built-in digital display shows attenuation settings clearly for quick local verification and easy manual adjustment.
IEEE-488 and USB Control Interfaces
Supports standard GPIB / IEEE-488 and USB connectivity for remote programming and automated test integration. A USB-GPIB interface is also available.
Integrated Electronic Controller
The compact housing incorporates both the electronic control circuitry and the microwave attenuator assembly, reducing footprint and simplifying system integration.
Single +24 VDC Operation
Designed to operate from a single +24 Volt DC source, with an optional adapter available for additional installation flexibility.
High Power Handling Proprietary Absorbing Material
Mi-Wave’s proprietary internal absorbing material is designed to handle higher RF power levels while maintaining stable attenuation performance.
Low Insertion Loss
Engineered to minimize unwanted signal loss beyond the programmed attenuation setting, helping preserve signal integrity.
Mode-Free Operation to 70 dB
Designed for stable, mode-free attenuation performance throughout the full attenuation range.
Proven Mechanical Reliability
Tested to over 1 million cycles, supporting long-term repeatability and dependable use in repetitive automated environments.
Applications
Mi-Wave’s 511 Series Programmable Rotary Vane Attenuators are used in microwave and millimeter-wave systems where precise, repeatable, and remotely controlled attenuation is required.
Fade Margin Testing of Microwave Radios
Used to simulate signal degradation and verify microwave radio link performance under varying path loss conditions.
Fade Margin Testing of Microwave Radio Equipment
Supports qualification and performance verification of complete radio systems by applying controlled attenuation over a wide dynamic range.
Remote RF Power Level Control
Ideal for automated systems where RF signal levels must be adjusted accurately from a remote controller or computer interface.
Instrumentation
Used with laboratory and production test instrumentation for controlled signal level management in RF and microwave measurement systems.
Automated Test Systems
Well suited for ATE and computer-controlled measurement platforms where repeatability, programmability, and compact integration are critical.
Calibration and Measurement Labs
Provides precise step attenuation for calibration workflows, component evaluation, and repeatable measurement setups.
Microwave and Millimeter-Wave R&D
Supports engineering development environments where fine attenuation control is needed across a wide frequency range.
Aerospace, Defense, and Communications Testing
Applicable to radar, communications, EW, and high-frequency subsystem testing where precise attenuation control and reliable automation are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a programmable rotary vane attenuator?
A programmable rotary vane attenuator is a waveguide attenuator that uses a rotary vane mechanism for RF attenuation and includes electronic control for manual or remote attenuation setting.
What frequency range does the 511 Series cover?
The 511 Series is available in full bands from 7.0 GHz to 325 GHz, supporting both microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
What is the attenuation range of the 511 Series?
The unit provides 0 to 70 dB of attenuation with fine 0.01 dB step resolution.
How can the 511 Series be controlled?
It can be controlled manually from the front panel or remotely through IEEE-488 (GPIB) or USB interfaces.
Does the attenuator include a display?
Yes. A digital front panel readout displays the programmed attenuation setting for easy monitoring and local adjustment.
What power source does the 511 Series require?
The unit operates from a single +24 VDC source and is also available with an optional adapter.
What makes the 511 Series suitable for automated test systems?
Its remote programmability, fine step resolution, compact integrated design, and high cycle life make it ideal for automation and repetitive measurement environments.
Is the 511 Series designed for long-term use?
Yes. These attenuators have been tested to over 1 million cycles, supporting reliable long-term operation.
RF Attenuator Calculators
These RF attenuator calculators are designed to support microwave and millimeter-wave engineers working with direct reading precision attenuators, waveguide attenuators, and laboratory RF test setups. Use these tools to quickly convert attenuation values, estimate power levels, evaluate cascaded loss, and analyze impedance match performance for systems spanning X-Band through J-Band.
dB to Power Ratio
Convert attenuation or gain in decibels to a linear power ratio.
Power Ratio to dB
Convert a linear power ratio into decibels.
dBm to Watts
Convert RF power in dBm to watts for test and system-level calculations.
Watts to dBm
Convert watts to dBm for RF signal level analysis.
Cascaded Attenuation Calculator
Add multiple attenuator values together to determine total path attenuation.
VSWR to Return Loss
Estimate return loss from a known VSWR value.
Glossary of Programmable Rotary Vane Attenuator Terms
Attenuator Fundamentals
Programmable Attenuator
An attenuator that allows attenuation levels to be set electronically, either locally or through a remote interface.
Rotary Vane Attenuator
A waveguide attenuator that uses a rotating vane structure to vary attenuation while maintaining controlled RF performance.
Precision Attenuator
An attenuator designed for accurate, repeatable signal reduction in calibration, instrumentation, and test environments.
Waveguide Attenuator
An attenuator used in rectangular waveguide systems to control RF power at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Electrical Performance
Attenuation Range
The span of attenuation values the device can provide, such as 0 to 70 dB.
Resolution
The smallest programmable attenuation increment. For the 511 Series, this is 0.01 dB.
Insertion Loss
The signal loss introduced by a component in addition to the intended attenuation.
Mode-Free Operation
Operation without unwanted waveguide mode generation that could degrade performance or measurement accuracy.
High Power Handling
The ability of an attenuator to operate reliably at elevated RF power levels without damage or unstable performance.
RF and Frequency
Radio Frequency (RF)
Electromagnetic signals used for communications, sensing, and measurement.
Microwave Frequencies
Frequencies generally spanning 1 GHz to 30 GHz.
Millimeter-Wave (mmWave)
Frequencies from 30 GHz to 300 GHz.
Frequency Coverage
The operating span of frequencies supported by the attenuator.
Full Waveguide Bands
Standardized waveguide frequency bands covering the full operating range for each waveguide size.
Interfaces and Control
Front Panel Control
Local operation of the attenuator using onboard controls and display functions.
Digital Readout
An electronic front panel display that shows the programmed attenuation value.
Remote Control
Electronic operation of the attenuator from an external computer or control system.
IEEE-488 (GPIB)
A standard instrumentation interface commonly used in automated laboratory and test equipment systems.
USB Interface
A standard digital communication interface used for local computer-based remote control.
USB-GPIB Interface
An interface option that bridges USB-based control systems with GPIB-compatible instrumentation workflows.
System and Applications
Fade Margin Testing
A test method used to evaluate how much signal loss a communication system can tolerate before performance degrades.
Microwave Radio Testing
Performance evaluation of radio equipment operating in microwave frequency bands.
Instrumentation
Test and measurement equipment used to characterize RF and microwave components and systems.
Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
Computer-controlled systems used to perform repeatable testing of electronic and RF devices.
Calibration
The process of verifying system accuracy using known reference values and controlled measurement conditions.
Engineering Concepts
Signal Level Control
The adjustment of RF power to a desired level within a system or test setup.
System Integration
Combining the attenuator with other RF, microwave, and control components into a complete operating system.
Cycle Life
The number of operation cycles a device can perform reliably over its service life.
Compact Integrated Design
A design approach that combines multiple functional elements, such as microwave hardware and electronic control, into a single package.
