The 8495H step attenuator, with a bandwidth from DC to 18 GHz, offers extremely good repeatability and operational reliability. The attenuation can be changed in steps of 10 dB, starting with 0 dB up to a maximum of 70 dB. 5 million switching cycles are specified and this is achieved through gold-plated spring contacts. As a result, very good repetition accuracy values are achieved, typically 0.01 dB.
In order to further increase the measuring accuracy, the data (SWR (standing wave ratio) and the attenuator values) can be traced back to NIST (option UK6).
With a maximum switching time of 20 ms, the measuring time for an automated measurement is significantly reduced. A combination of attenuators to achieve higher attenuation is possible. For this purpose Keysight (formerly Agilent's electronic measurement technology) recommends the connections 11716A / B / C with the corresponding plugs. It can also be used to connect further step attenuators such as Keysight (formerly Agilent's electronic measurement technology) 8494/5/6/7, with gradations of 1 dB or 10 dB.