8493C-030 - Agilent / Hewlett-Packard

8493C

8493A/B

8491A/B

• High accuracy

• Low SWR

• Broadband frequency coverage

• Small size

Agilent 8491A/B, 8493A/B/C,

11581A, 11582A and 11583C

Coaxial Attenuators

dc to 26.5 GHz

Product Overview

Description

Agilent’s coaxial fixed attenuators

provide precision attenuation, flat

frequency response, and low SWR

over broad frequency ranges (dc to

26.5 GHz) at low prices. Attenuators

are available in eight attenuation

values: 3, 6, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50,

and 60 dB; with performances

specified from dc to 26.5 GHz;

and with choice of four connector

types: Type-N, APC-7, SMA1, and

APC 3.52.

These attenuators are all tested

on a state-of-the-art precision ana-

lyzer to assure specifications over

the full frequency ranges. Although

the 8493C is not specified above

26.5 GHz, it performs resonance

free to 34 GHz with only a small

loss in performance.

Precision construction

The attenuators employ a film on

an attenuator card as the resistive

element. The uniformity and repeat-

ability of the film deposition process

result in high accuracy and low SWR

over very wide frequency ranges.

The 8493C features thin-film-

tantalum nitride on a sapphire

substrate for exceptional precision

performance to 26.5 GHz. In fact, it

performs resonance-free to 34

GHz, the top frequency limit of the

APC-3.5 connector.

The choice of connector type and

material also ensure accurate and

repeatable attenuation. The 8491A/B

attenuators are furnished with

Type-N connectors whose dimen-

sions are compatible with either

MIL-C-71 or MIL-C-39012 connector

specifications.

These connectors are stainless

steel for long wear and high

repeatability. The 8493A/B

attenuators are furnished with

SMA type connectors. The connectors

are heat treated beryllium copper

for greater strength and wear.

The 8493C is furnished with the

APC 3.5 connector which is

compatible with standard SMA

connectors but is more rugged

and offers improved repeatability

over hundreds of connections.

1. As per USASI Committee C83.2 compatible with OSM, ARM, WPM, BRM, NPM, etc.

2. Mate with MIL-C-71 or MIL-C-39012 connectors.

Applications

Ruggedness, reliability and small

size make these attenuators useful

both on the bench and in systems

applications. With their high accu-

racy and low SWR they are ideally

suited for extending the range of

sensitive power meters for higher

power measurements and for

“padding” poorly matched devices

to improve system SWR.

These same characteristics lend

themselves to applications as

calibration standards in attenuation

and RF substitution measurements.

With their broad dc to 26.5 GHz

frequency range and reasonable

cost, general applications, such

as the reduction of power level to

sensitive components and instru-

mentation systems, are attractive

and appropriate uses for these

attenuators.

Accuracy

The accuracy of an attenuator

directly affects the accuracy of the

measurement where the attenuator

is used. In fact, attenuators are

used extensively as the standard

against which other instruments

or devices are calibrated.

Aglilent’s fixed attenuators achieve

flat frequency response (typically a

few hundredths of a dB) and over-

all accuracy (typically ±2 % of

value in dB at 26.5 GHz) through

the use of thin-film attenuator

cards. These cards are composed

of high stability tantalum nitride

resistive film deposited on a

sapphire or alumina substrate.

Quality assurance in testing

The flat frequency response and

low SWR of the attenuators are

assured over the entire frequency

range by full frequency band testing

on a state-of-the-art precision

analyzer. Full frequency band testing

ensures that narrow resonances in

the frequency band are not over-

looked. Actual attenuation values

taken at dc, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 26.5

GHz are stamped on the attenuator

body for permanent and easy reference.

Testing each attenuator with a

state-of-the-art precision analyzer

brings standards lab accuracy to

production testing because the

system can determine its own

measurement uncertainties and

compensate for them in the testing

process. System calibration is

derived from precise physical stan-

dards which are directly traceable

to the National Bureau of Standards.

In addition, automatic testing

eliminates the possibility of human

error in setting instrument controls,

taking data, or making calculations.

Quality assurance

in specifications

The following examples demonstrate

the reliability and comprehensive-

ness of specifications. Although

the absolute accuracy for a 3 dB

attenuator is specified as ±0.3 dB,

test data statistics indicate an

expected value of 3 dB ±0.20 dB

from dc to 18 GHz. Similarly a

30 dB attenuator is specified as

±1.0 dB, but typically is no worse

than 30 dB ±0.75 dB from dc to

18 GHz. The other attenuation

values are also specified as

conservatively.

In addition, Agilent precision

attenuators meet more comprehensive

performance standards. Linear

phase response is an example. Not

only is wide bandwidth significant,

but also linear phase response is

an important parameter for appli-

cations where pulse distortion

must be kept to a minimum. The

excellent linearity of the Aglilent

attenuators is typified in the

accompanying illustration of

an actual network analyzer

measurement.

Economy

Automated procedures have result-

ed in economies of scale in produc-

tion and testing. The automated

resistive film deposition process

permits high-volume manufacture

with excellent yield. Furthermore,

characteristics are consistently

uniform; hand “touch-up” is not

required to meet specifications.

Automatic testing means excep-

tionally thorough, high-accuracy

measurements can be performed

in appreciably shorter time than

could be done manually.

The overall result is outstanding

attenuator performance at attrac-

tive prices.

Calibration data

Optional calibration data

Use of calibration data has always

been an effective means of reduc-

ing measurement uncertainty at

RF and microwave frequencies.

This data is available for Agilent’s

fixed attenuators as Option 849xx-

UK6. Data which is generated by

an automatic network analyzer

provides a tabulated list of

attenuation and SWR’s at 26 to

67 frequencies (see table 2).

Measurements to 60 dB are

directly traceable to NBS standards

and feature very low measurement

uncertainties. Option 849xx-UK6

data is available when the attenua-

tors are first purchased and recali-

brations are available through

Agilent Customer Service Centers

around the world.

Center trace is phase response of 8491A –6 dB

attenuator from 1.0 to 2.0 GHz taken with Agilent

8410 network analyzer. Top and bottom traces are ±1°

calibration. Linear phase component has been

compensated for with a line stretcher. Response,

therefore, shows nonlinear phase deviation of

< ±1/2° over 1 to 2 GHz band.

Ordering information

To order, basic model number and option (specifies

attenuation value) must be specified. Option 849xx-

UK6 calibration data can also be ordered with the

basic model number and attenuation value option.

Please note, Option 849xx-UK6 is not available with

11581/2A nor 11583C.

Table 3. Attenuation data uncertainties

Attenuation 8491, 8492 and 8493 Attenuation data uncertainty

(dB) (dB)

0.1 to 2.0 2 to 6 6 to 12.4 12.4 to 18.0 18.0 to 26.5

GHz GHz GHZ GHz GHz

3 ±0.07 ±0.06 ±0.06 ±0.11 ±.15

6 ±0.07 ±0.07 ±0.07 ±0.11 ±.15

10 ±0.08 ±0.07 ±0.07 ±0.12 ±.15

20 ±0.09 ±0.08 ±0.08 ±0.13 ±.15

30 ±0.12 ±0.11 ±0.11 ±0.15 ±.l 8

40 ±0.15 ±0.14 ±0.14 ±0.21 ±.25

50 ±0.23 ±0.23 ±0.23 ±0.34 n/a

60 ±0.50* ±0.48* ±0.90* ±0.90* n/a

*The uncertainties noted represent 99.7% probability values.

Table 1. SWR data uncertainties

SWR data uncertainties

Connector Frequency Measured SWR Measured SWR

type range (GHz) 1.0 to 1.35 1.35 to 1.86

APC 7 & male dc to 12.4 ±0.025 ±0.041

Type-N 12.4 to 18.0 ±0.031 ±0.050

Female dc to 8.0 ±0.025 ±0.046

Type-N 8.0 to 12.4 ±0.031 ±0.063

12.4 to 18.0 ±0.042 ±0.071

Male SMA dc to 8.0 ±0.031 ±0.054

8.0 to 12.4 ±0.045 ±0.084

12.4 to 18.0 ±0.077 ±0.137

Female SMA dc to 8.0 ±0.054 ±0.088

8.0 to 12.4 ±0.077 ±0.132

12.4 to 18.0 ±0.122 ±0.206

Male APC-3.5 dc to 10 ±0.025 ±0.041

10 to 18 ±0.031 ±0.050

18 to 26.5 ±0.045 ±0.067

Female dc to 10 ±0.020 ±0.030

APC-3.5 10 to 18 ±0.025 ±0.037

18 to 26.5 ±0.035 ±0.050

Table 2. Coaxial attenuator calibration frequencies* (MHz)

100 4500 9000 13000 16750

500 5000 9500 13500 17000

1000 5500 10000 14000 17250

1500 6000 10500 14500 17500

2000 6500 11000 15000 17750

2500 7000 11500 15500 18000

3000 7500 12000 16000 (each 250 MHz

3500 8000 12400 16250 to 26.5 GHz)

4000 8500 12500 16500

*dc to 12.4 GHz models include 26 frequencies, dc to 18 GHz models

include 42 frequencies, dc to 26.5 GHz models include 67 frequencies

(2 to 26.5 GHz).

Attenuation options

8491A/B 8493A/B 8493C

Atten options options options

Option 003 3 dB 8491x-003 8493x-003 8493C-003

Option 006 6 dB 8491x-006 8493x-006 8493C-006

Option 010 10 dB 8491x-010 8493x-010 8493C-010

Option 020 20 dB 8491x-020 8493x-020 8493C-020

Option 030 30 dB 8491x-030 8493x-030 8493C-030

Option 040 40 dB 8491x-040 8493C-040

Option 050 50 dB 8491x-050

Option 060 60 dB 8491x-060

Note: x = A or B

Attenuation accuracy:

8491A/93A 8491B/93B 8493C

dc to 12.4 GHz dc to 12.4 12.4 to 18 GHz dc to18 18 to 26.5 GHz

3 dB ±0.3 dB ±0.3 dB ±0.5 dB ±I.0 dB

6 dB ±0.3 dB ±0.3 dB ±0.4 dB ±0.6 dB

l0 dB ±0.5 dB ±0.6 dB ±0.3 dB ±0.5 dB

20 dB ±0.5 dB ±0.6 dB ±1.0 dB ±0.5 dB ±0.6 dB

30 dB ±1.0 dB ±1.0 dB ±0.7 dB ±1.0 dB

8491A only 8491B/92A only

40 dB ±1.5 dB ±1.5 dB ±1.0 dB ±1.3 dB

50 dB ±1.5 dB ±1.5 dB N/A

60 dB ±2.0 dB ±2.0 dB N/A

Specifications

Specifications describe the instruments warranted performance. Supplemental characteris-

tics (shown in italics) are intended to provide information useful in applying the instrument

by giving typical, but non-warranted, performance parameters.

Frequency range:

8491A and 8493A, dc to 12.4 GHz

8491B, 8493B, dc to 18 GHz

8493C, dc to 26.5 GHz

SWR:

8491B/8493B 8493C

8491A/8493A

dc to 8 8 to 12.4 12.4 to 18

(GHz) (GHz) (GHz) dc to 8 8 to 12.4 12.4 to 26.5

3 dB 1.25 1.35 1.5 1.10 1.15 1.25

6 dB 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.10 1.15 1.27

10 dB 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.10 1.15 1.25

20 dB 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.10 1.15 1.25

30 dB 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.10 1.15 1.25

8491A/B only 8491B only

40 dB 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.10 1.15 1.25

50 dB 1.2 1.3 1.5 N/A N/A N/A

60 dB 1.2 1.3 1.5 N/A N/A N/A

Environmental

Temperature, non-operating: –55° to +85°C

Temperature, operating: 0° to +55°C

EMC: Radiated interference is within the requirements

of MIL STD 461 method RE02, VDE 0871 EN55011 and

FCC part 18

8491A 8493A 8491B 8493B 8493C

Connectors (50 Ω) Type-N2SMA1Type-N2SMA1APC-3.5

3,6,10,20 dB 30,40 dB

Dimensions Millimeters 67 X 21 40 X 13 67 X 21 40 X 13 33.8 X 8 36.8 X 8

Inches 2 7/16 X 13/16 D l 9/16 X 1/2 D 2 7/16 X 13/16 D l 9/16 X 1/2 D l 5/l6 X 5/l6 D 1 7/16 X 5/16 D

Net 110 g (4 oz) 30 g (1 oz) 110 g (4 oz) 30 g (1 oz) 8.5 g 9.4 g

Weight (0.3 oz) (0.33 oz)

Shipping 220 g (8 oz) 220 g (8 oz) 220 g (8 oz) 220 g (8 oz) 45 kg (1 Ib)

Supplemental characteristics

Temperature stability:

0.000l dB/dB/°C (all except 8493C)

0.0002 dB/dB/°C (8493C)

Maximum input power: 2 W avg., 100 W peak3

Power sensitivity: 0.001 dB/dB/W (all except 8943)

0.001 dB/W (8493C)

1. As per USASI Committee C83.2 compatible with OSM, ARM, WPM, BRM, NPM, etc.

2. Mate with MIL-C-71 or MIL-C-39012 connectors.

3 At 20°C derated to l.3 W avg. at 55°C.

Attenuator sets

11581A/11582A/11583C

A calibrated set of four fixed coaxial attenuators (3, 6, 10, and 20 dB)

is available. Each set includes a calibration report certified traceable

to the National Bureau of Standards. The reports included with the

11581A, 11582A, and 11583C indicate the accuracy of measurement

and list the attenuation and reflection coefficient at each port of the

attenuator.

The set of four attenuators is furnished in a handsome walnut accessory

case. In addition to protecting the units when not in use, the case is also

a convenient storage place for the attenuators and the calibration reports.

Calibration data as described on page 4 is included with rack

attenuator set.

Ordering information

11581A (3,6,10,20 dB values 8491A)

11582A (3, 6,10,20 dB values 8491B)

11583C (3, 6, 10, 20 dB values 8493C)

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Product specifications and descriptions in this document

subject to change without notice.

Printed in USA, May 30, 2002

5953-6475

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