Fixed Attenuators

Features & Specifications

Mi-Wave’s 521 and 524 Series Fixed Attenuators are engineered to provide accurate, stable fixed attenuation across microwave and millimeter-wave waveguide systems from 8 GHz to 220 GHz.

Frequency Coverage: 8 GHz to 220 GHz

Available across standard waveguide bands covering a broad range of microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.

Fixed Attenuation Values: 6 dB to 30 dB

Offered in standard attenuation values from 6 dB to 30 dB, depending on model and waveguide band.

521 Series and 524 High Power Series Options

The 521 Series supports general fixed attenuation applications, while the 524 Series is designed for applications requiring higher power handling.

Calibrated at Exact Specified Frequency

Each attenuator is calibrated at the precise frequency specified at the time of order, supporting accurate attenuation performance for the intended application.

Accuracy: Within 0.1 dB or 1%

Designed to provide precise fixed attenuation levels with high measurement confidence.

H-Plane Fixed Attenuator Design

All 521 Series units are H-plane fixed attenuators, supporting stable waveguide attenuation in microwave and millimeter-wave transmission lines.

Stable Waveguide Performance

Engineered for reliable attenuation with consistent RF behavior across the specified operating band.

Useful for Signal Isolation and Level Reduction

Helps isolate generators from mismatched loads, reduce source output levels, and support accurate measurement setups.

Suitable for Test and Measurement Systems

A practical solution for instrumentation, power measurement extension, and controlled RF signal reduction.

High Power Capability in 524 Series

The 524 Series is designed for applications where fixed attenuation is needed with greater RF power handling capability.

Applications

Mi-Wave’s 521 and 524 Series Fixed Attenuators are used in microwave and millimeter-wave systems where accurate, fixed attenuation is needed in waveguide transmission lines.

Millimeter-Wave Signal Level Reduction

Used to reduce RF power by a known, stable amount in mmWave systems operating across standard waveguide bands.

Generator Isolation from Mismatched Loads

Helps isolate signal generators from reflected power caused by load mismatch, improving measurement stability and protecting upstream equipment.

Extension of Power Measurement Equipment Range

Used to extend the usable input range of RF and microwave power measurement equipment by reducing signal levels before measurement.

Accurate Source Output Reduction

Provides controlled, repeatable attenuation to reduce signal source output to a desired level for test and evaluation purposes.

Waveguide Test Setups

Well suited for laboratory and instrumentation setups where fixed attenuation is needed for repeatable measurements.

Calibration and Measurement Support

Useful in RF and mmWave measurement systems that require known attenuation values for accurate setup and reference.

High Power Microwave Systems

The 524 High Power Series is suitable for applications where greater RF power handling is required along with fixed waveguide attenuation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a fixed waveguide attenuator?

A fixed waveguide attenuator is a component that provides a constant, predefined amount of RF signal reduction in a waveguide transmission line.

What attenuation values are available in the 521 and 524 Series?

These attenuators are available in standard attenuation values from 6 dB to 30 dB, depending on the waveguide band and model.

What frequency range do these fixed attenuators cover?

The 521 and 524 Series are available across waveguide bands from approximately 8 GHz to 220 GHz.

What is the difference between the 521 Series and 524 Series?

The 521 Series is intended for general fixed attenuation applications, while the 524 Series is designed for higher power handling applications.

How accurate are the 521 Series fixed attenuators?

Each attenuator is calibrated at the exact specified frequency and is accurate within 0.1 dB or 1%.

What does H-plane fixed attenuator mean?

An H-plane fixed attenuator is a waveguide attenuator designed with attenuation introduced in the H-plane of the waveguide structure.

What are fixed waveguide attenuators used for?

They are used for generator isolation, source level reduction, extending power meter range, and accurate fixed attenuation in waveguide systems.

Are these attenuators useful in millimeter-wave applications?

Yes. They are specifically used in microwave and millimeter-wave systems requiring accurate fixed attenuation across 8 GHz to 220 GHz.

Glossary of Fixed Waveguide Attenuator Terms

Attenuator Fundamentals

Fixed Attenuator
An attenuator that provides a constant, predefined amount of signal reduction.

Waveguide Attenuator
An attenuator designed for use in waveguide transmission systems at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.

Fixed Waveguide Attenuator
A waveguide component that reduces RF power by a known, non-adjustable amount.

High Power Attenuator
An attenuator designed to handle greater RF input power without damage or degraded performance.

Electrical Performance

Attenuation (dB)
The reduction of RF signal power expressed in decibels.

Fixed Attenuation Value
The specified amount of signal reduction provided by the attenuator, such as 6 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB, or 30 dB.

Accuracy
How closely the actual attenuation matches the specified attenuation value.

Calibration
The process of verifying attenuation performance at a specified frequency.

Insertion Loss
The total signal loss introduced by a component in an RF path, including intended attenuation effects.

Power Handling
The maximum RF power an attenuator can safely dissipate.

RF and Frequency

Radio Frequency (RF)
Electromagnetic signals used in communications, sensing, and measurement systems.

Microwave Frequencies
Frequencies generally ranging from 1 GHz to 30 GHz.

Millimeter-Wave (mmWave)
Frequencies from 30 GHz to 300 GHz used in high-frequency communications, radar, and test systems.

Frequency Range
The span of frequencies over which the attenuator is designed to operate.

Specified Frequency
The exact frequency at which the attenuator is calibrated for its stated attenuation accuracy.

Waveguide and Design Terms

H-Plane Attenuator
A waveguide attenuator designed with attenuation introduced in the H-plane of the waveguide structure.

Waveguide Transmission Line
A metallic structure used to guide microwave and millimeter-wave energy with low loss.

Waveguide Band
A frequency range associated with a specific standard waveguide size.

Stable Attenuation
Consistent attenuation performance under normal operating conditions.

System and Applications

Generator Isolation
Using attenuation to reduce the effects of reflections from mismatched loads on a signal generator.

Mismatched Load Effects
Performance issues caused by reflections when the load impedance does not match the source or transmission line.

Power Measurement Range Extension
Using an attenuator to lower signal levels so they remain within the usable input range of a power meter or sensor.

Signal Source Output Reduction
Reducing the output power of a source by a known amount for testing, calibration, or system integration.

Test and Measurement
The evaluation of RF and microwave components and systems using instrumentation and controlled setups.