The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) 8495G is a programmable electromechanical coaxial step attenuator designed for automated RF and microwave testing. Operating from DC to 4 GHz, it provides attenuation from 0 to 70 dB in 10 dB steps. It features precision gold-plated leaf springs for exceptional repeatability (typically 0.01 dB) and a long operating life of over 5 million cycles per section. Solenoid drive control operates on a nominal 24 Vdc, with multiple RF and control connector configurations available.
Specifications
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 20 to 30 Vdc (24 Vdc nominal), 125 mA per section |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 52.4 mm × 42.7 mm × 149 mm (SMA) / 162 mm (APC-7) / 171 mm (Type-N) |
| Weight | 0.34 to 0.45 kg (connector dependent) |
RF Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC to 4 GHz |
| Attenuation Range | 0 to 70 dB |
| Attenuation Steps | 10 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Number of Sections | 4 |
| Section Attenuation Values | 10 dB, 20 dB, 20 dB, 20 dB |
| Maximum Insertion Loss (at 0 dB) | 0.4 dB + 0.07 dB/GHz |
| Maximum SWR | 1.35 |
| Attenuation Accuracy (10 dB) | ±0.2 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy (20 dB) | ±0.4 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy (30 dB) | ±0.5 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy (40 dB) | ±0.7 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy (50 dB) | ±0.8 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy (60 dB) | ±1.0 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy (70 dB) | ±1.2 dB |
Power Handling & Reliability
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum RF Input Power (Average) | 1 W |
| Maximum RF Input Power (Peak) | 100 W |
| Maximum Peak Power Pulse Width | 10 µs |
| Switching Life (Minimum Operations) | 5 million cycles per section |
| Repeatability (Maximum) | 0.03 dB over life |
| Repeatability (Typical) | 0.01 dB |
Control & Electromechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Actuation Type | Solenoid (Electromechanical) |
| Solenoid Nominal Voltage | 24 Vdc |
| Solenoid Operating Voltage Range | 20 to 30 Vdc |
| Solenoid Switching Current | 125 mA per section (at 24 Vdc) |
| Switching Speed (Maximum) | 20 ms (including contact settling) |
Mechanical Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Connector Types Available | Type-N female, SMA female, or APC-7 |
| Weight (SMA Version) | 0.34 kg (12 oz) |
| Weight (Type-N Version) | 0.45 kg (16 oz) |
| Weight (APC-7 Version) | 0.40 kg (14 oz) |
Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to +75 °C |
Ordering Information & Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 002 (RF Connectors) | SMA female RF connectors |
| Option 003 (RF Connectors) | APC-7 RF connectors |
| Option 008 (Control Connection) | 8-inch ribbon cable with 14-pin DIP header |
Control & Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Solenoid Supply Options | 24 V (Standard / Option 024), 15 V (Option 015), 5 V (Option 011) |
| Solenoid Coil Resistance | 185 Ω (24 V), 75 Ω (15 V), 17 Ω (5 V) |
Technology
Electromechanical Solenoid Coaxial Step Attenuator
Applications
RF and Microwave Signal Attenuation, Automated Test Systems (ATE), Signal Level Calibration