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Specification:
Operating Frequency Range: 1 ~ 3800MHz
Input Maximum Power: 20dBm
Attenuation Range and Step: Attenuation range from 0~31dB, step size is 1dB
Insertion Loss: Less than 2.0dB
Attenuation Control: Press OK key, press + after the attenuation digit blinks, - key to control actual addition or subtraction, press OK again to confirm
Input Output Impedance: 50Ω
Power Supply: MiniUSB 5V
Input Output Interface: RP SMA interface
Packing List:
1 x RF Programmable Attenuator；1 x USB Cable
Descarte
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2023
An RF attenuator is often needed when making test measurements, where the input or test signal is required to be reduced in 'intensity' to avoid damaging the delicate input circuitry of Spectrum/Vector analyzers. Generally those interested in making measurements of RF signals have a range of attenuator's of fixed level or maybe a switched unit that can provide a variety of different attenuation levels based on switch position.These units have outputs that are often within 0.1dB of the specified attenuation level.A variable attenuator, especially one that appears to offer a programmable feature is obviously of interest, hence the purchase of this low cost unit. Sadly the low cost indicates the quality as well.First the unit is powered by a USB cord (supplied) whose socket position almost completly obstructs the output RF SMA connector ( see photo), this is just poor design coupled with a misunderstanding of the end use. Often a user will want to add a convertor to the SMA socket, to allow say a BNC attachment to be used, the USB placement prevents this totally.Next comes the much bigger problem, after pressing the OK button the attenuation level can be increased or decreased by the +/- buttons. A test of the 10dB attenuation level of a 10MHz input signal led to a calculated attenuation of 4.9dB!Next a -20dB level was selected, this led to a calculated attenuation of -12dB when using a 10MHz input signal.We tested at 100MHz, 500MHz, 1GHz & 3.5GHz with no change to the results, all much lower than the set attenuation level.In pass through mode the attenuator also introduces unwanted distortion to the signal.Overall this is a poorly designed unit that could lead to real damage of delicate test equipment.Our bottom line is that this item needs to be used with caution and is not suitable as manufactured for out of the box use.
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