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These adjustable attenuators provide outstanding attenuation accuracy through 4.5 GHz by leveraging refinements in materials and automated manufacturing processes.
Rotary step attenuators are invaluable when performing measurements where signal levels, such as the output of a signal generator, must be controlled in precisely known increments. Although such components are often associated with high cost and limited reliability, a patented design developed by Trilithic (Indianapolis, IN) delivers high attenuation accuracy at competitive costs. The firm's RSA series of rotary step attenuators includes 16 members with as much as 110 dB attenuation from DC to 3 GHz and models with 10 dB attenuation through 4.5 GHz.
The RSA rotary step attenuators benefit from a unique patented design that leverages modern manufacturing processes and materials science. The attenuators incorporate a detailed rotor assembly to achieve the large number of attenuation steps with precise control. This design approach significantly reduces the machining cost and assembly time of the rotor assembly. Attenuation for all models is controlled by a rotary knob that makes adjustments in 1-dB, detented steps.
In spite of the cost savings, the attenuators achieve high attenuation accuracy (see table). The highest-frequency unit, model RSA-45510, operates from DC to 4.5 GHz. It offers an attenuation range of O to 10 dB in 1-dB steps with attenuation accuracy of...