Coaxial Hardware
7 subcategories
Coaxial hardware comprises essential passive and active components used to route, split, detect, and condition RF and microwave signals in test and measurement systems. This category includes precision components like fixed and step attenuators, directional couplers, power splitters, and detectors, supporting applications from DC up to 50 GHz. Practicing engineers and system integrators select these devices based on key transmission metrics such as frequency range, power handling, characteristic impedance, connector interfaces, and SWR. Whether building automated test equipment (ATE) setups, performing broadband reflectometry, or protecting sensitive instrument inputs, selecting the correct coaxial hardware ensures signal integrity and measurement accuracy across your entire signal path.
- Impedance
- 50 Ω nominal
- Maximum Frequency
- Up to 50 GHz
- Component Classes
- Fixed/step attenuators, couplers, splitters, detectors, switch drivers
- Standard Interfaces
- SMA, Type-N, APC-7, 3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, BNC
Subcategories
Fixed and Step Attenuators
Attenuators reduce signal levels and match transmission line impedances without distorting waveforms. Fixed attenuators, such as the Weinschel Engineering 2-6 (operating from DC to 18 GHz with 6 dB attenuation) or the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8493C (DC to 26.5 GHz), provide stable, set attenuation values.
Step attenuators offer variable attenuation in discrete increments. Manual versions like the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8494A and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8496B are adjusted physically via dials or internal cam-actuated microswitches. For automated test equipment systems, programmable step attenuators like the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8495K (DC to 26.5 GHz, 0 to 70 dB range) and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 84906L (DC to 40 GHz, 0 to 90 dB range) are preferred. These programmable models utilize solenoid actuators or magnetic-latching designs, such as the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8495H, which achieve maximum switching speeds of 20 ms including contact settling.
Directional Couplers and Power Splitters
Signal distribution, level monitoring, and reflectometry require precise power dividing hardware. Directional couplers isolate and sample signals along a primary transmission line. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 11691D is a single directional coupler covering 2 to 18 GHz with 20 dB nominal coupling, whereas the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 11692D is a dual-directional configuration covering the same band to enable simultaneous reflection and transmission measurements.
Power splitters divide RF power among multiple outputs. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 11667A (DC to 18 GHz) and Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 11667B (DC to 26.5 GHz) use a two-resistor design to maintain low equivalent output SWR and precise amplitude tracking for wideband ratio measurements and source leveling.
Signal Detection and Automation Drivers
For power measurement and automated signal routing, specialized hardware translates RF signals or controls electromechanical devices. Coaxial detectors like the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 85025D operate from 10 MHz to 50 GHz, offering both AC and DC detection modes for scalar network analysis.
To automate programmable attenuators or coaxial switches, driver instruments are integrated into test racks. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 11713B and Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 11713C act as programmable drivers, managing drive voltages (5 V, 15 V, or 24 V) and control lines for electromechanical components via GPIB, USB, or LAN interfaces.
Frequently asked questions
- What connector types are typically used for high-frequency coaxial hardware above 26.5 GHz?
- Coaxial devices operating up to 40 GHz or 50 GHz, such as the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 84904L, Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 84906L, and Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8490D, utilize 2.4 mm connectors to maintain low SWR and physical stability.
- How does average power handling vary across these coaxial components?
- Most passive coaxial attenuators, like the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8491A (2 W) or Weinschel Engineering 2-6 (5 W), handle lower average powers. Coaxial directional couplers, such as the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 11691D, support higher average input powers up to 50 W.
- What is the typical operating life expectancy for step attenuator switching sections?
- Many manual and programmable step attenuators, including the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8494G and Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 8495A, feature an operating life exceeding 5 million switching cycles per section due to high-reliability internal contact designs.