ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited · Trusted by Engineers Worldwide · Serving 11 Industries
+1 530-268-1860 contact@microprecision.com
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited · Trusted by Engineers Worldwide · Serving 11 Industries
+1 530-268-1860 contact@microprecision.com
RF attenuators reduce signal power by a precise, controlled amount — essential for protecting sensitive receivers, leveling signal paths, and calibrating RF test setups. Micro Precision Test Equipment stocks used Keysight RF attenuators in fixed and step designs, covering frequency ranges from DC to 26.5 GHz and attenuation levels up to 110 dB. All units are ISO/IEC 17025 calibrated and ship within 2 business days.
 | Attenuation 12 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 1 GHz $245.00 |
 | Attenuation 20 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 12.4 GHz $85.00 |
 | Attenuation 20 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 26.5 GHz $110.00-$150.00 |
 | Attenuation 0–11 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 4 GHz $395.00 |
 | Attenuation 0–11 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 4 GHz $695.00 |
 | Attenuation 0–11 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 18 GHz $695.00 |
 | Attenuation 70 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 4 GHz $395.00 |
 | Attenuation 70 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 18 GHz $495.00 |
 | Attenuation 110 dB Brand Keysight Condition Used Frequency Range DC – 18 GHz $695.00 |
Buying Guide
Match the attenuator type, frequency range, and attenuation level to your application.
An RF attenuator is a passive device that reduces the power of an RF signal by a precise, known amount without significantly distorting its waveform. Attenuators are used to protect sensitive receiver inputs, match impedance between components, reduce signal levels for measurement, and prevent overdriving test equipment. All attenuators in this category are 50 Ohm designs, compatible with standard RF test bench setups.
A fixed attenuator reduces signal power by one set amount — for example, 12 dB or 20 dB — every time, with no adjustment. The Keysight 355C, 8491A, and 8493C are fixed attenuators, ideal where a consistent, permanent level reduction is needed. A step attenuator allows you to select attenuation in defined increments (1 dB or 10 dB steps), making it the right choice when you need to vary the signal level during testing without reconnecting hardware.
Match the attenuator's frequency range to your test signal. For general RF lab work up to 4 GHz, the 8494 and 8495 series cover most applications. For microwave frequencies up to 18 GHz, the 8494H, 8495H, and 8496H extend coverage with Type N connectors. The Keysight 8493C reaches 26.5 GHz — the widest frequency coverage in this category. All units use standard Type N or BNC connectors for direct bench integration.
Standard RF attenuators handle 1–2W average power. For high power rf attenuator applications — transmitter testing, amplifier characterization, or antenna testing — the Keysight 8496H supports 100W peak power with 110 dB of attenuation in 10 dB steps. High power attenuators are essential when your signal source exceeds the input limits of your measurement instrument. Always verify both average and peak power ratings before connecting.
Every RF attenuator from Micro Precision is tested against Keysight's published performance specifications before it ships. Calibration is performed in our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab — traceable to NIST standards — and a calibration certificate is included with each unit. Attenuators pass inspection covering insertion loss accuracy, VSWR, frequency flatness, and connector integrity. All units arrive ready to use, backed by a 30-day return policy.
FAQ
An RF attenuator is used to reduce the power level of a signal by a fixed or adjustable amount. Common applications include protecting spectrum analyzer and receiver inputs from high-power signals, setting precise signal levels during calibration, matching signal levels between system components, and testing how a device performs at different input power levels. The attenuator rf combination is a standard building block in any RF test bench.
A fixed attenuator provides a single, unchanging level of attenuation — such as 12 dB or 20 dB — making it simple and highly reliable for permanent installations. A step attenuator allows you to select different attenuation levels in defined increments (typically 1 dB or 10 dB steps) using a rotary switch or electronic control. Step attenuators are more flexible for lab and test applications where signal level needs to change without reconnecting cables. Fixed attenuators are the preferred choice where repeatability and simplicity matter most.
An RF terminator (also called an RF load termination) is a 50 Ohm resistive load that absorbs RF energy at an unused port, preventing signal reflections that would distort measurements. While an attenuator passes a signal at reduced power, a terminator completely absorbs it. Both are passive 50 Ohm components and are commonly used together — attenuators in the signal path, terminators on unused ports. Micro Precision stocks both for complete RF test bench setups.
Yes. Every unit from Micro Precision Test Equipment undergoes full ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration before shipping. Each attenuator includes a calibration certificate with NIST-traceable measurements covering insertion loss accuracy, return loss, and frequency flatness across the full operating range.
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