The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) 84904L is a high-performance coaxial programmable step attenuator operating from DC to 40 GHz. Designed for high reliability and integration in automated test equipment (ATE) systems, it offers an attenuation range of 0 to 11 dB in precise 1 dB steps. The unit utilizes miniature thin-film tantalum nitride attenuation cards on sapphire substrates to achieve exceptional accuracy, repeatability, and low SWR across its ultra-wide operating frequency.
Specifications
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 24 VDC / 15 VDC / 5 VDC solenoid actuation (option dependent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Weight | 0.29 kg |
RF Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC to 40 GHz |
| Attenuation Range | 0 to 11 dB |
| Attenuation Step Size | 1 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Insertion Loss at 0 dB | 0.8 dB + 0.04 dB/GHz |
| Maximum Insertion Loss (at 40 GHz) | 2.4 dB |
| Maximum SWR (DC to 12.4 GHz) | 1.3 |
| Maximum SWR (12.4 to 34 GHz) | 1.7 |
| Maximum SWR (34 to 40 GHz) | 1.8 |
| Attenuation Repeatability | 0.03 dB maximum |
| Maximum Continuous RF Input Power (Average) | 1 W |
| Maximum Peak RF Input Power | 100 W |
| Attenuation Card Material | Thin-film tantalum nitride |
| Attenuation Card Substrate | Sapphire |
Mechanical & Connector
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Connector Type (Standard) | 2.4 mm female |
| RF Connector Options | 2.4 mm (male/female) or 2.92 mm (male/female) |
| Operating Life | 5 million switching cycles per section |
Electrical & Actuation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Solenoid Nominal Voltage Options | 24 V, 15 V, 5 V |
| Switching Speed (Actuation Time) | 20 ms maximum |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Attenuator Sections | 4 |
| Attenuator Section Values | 1 dB, 2 dB, 4 dB, 4 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy (DC to 12.4 GHz) | ±0.35 dB (1 to 4 dB), ±0.55 dB (5 to 8 dB), ±0.70 dB (9 to 11 dB) |
| Attenuation Accuracy (12.4 to 34 GHz) | ±0.45 dB (1 to 4 dB), ±0.65 dB (5 to 8 dB), ±0.85 dB (9 to 11 dB) |
| Attenuation Accuracy (34 to 40 GHz) | ±0.55 dB (1 to 4 dB), ±0.85 dB (5 to 8 dB), ±1.05 dB (9 to 11 dB) |
Power & Solenoid
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Solenoid Switching Current (Standard 24 V) | 125 mA (nominal per section) |
| Solenoid Switching Current (Option 011 5 V) | 300 mA (nominal per section) |
| Solenoid Switching Current (Option 015 15 V) | 188 mA (nominal per section) |
| Solenoid Coil Resistance (Standard 24 V) | 190 Ω |
| Solenoid Coil Resistance (Option 011 5 V) | 17 Ω |
| Solenoid Coil Resistance (Option 015 15 V) | 80 Ω |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -55 to +85 °C |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4,600 m (15,000 ft) |
| Storage Altitude | Up to 15,200 m (50,000 ft) |
Technology
Thin-film tantalum nitride on sapphire
Applications
Coaxial programmable step attenuation for RF and microwave test systems