Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
for Fixed Attenuators |
1) What would be the part number for a 50F-XXX that had 20 dB of attenuation and SMA connectors? |
Replace the XXX with the attenuation value, and add the connector type to the end to get a complete number.
For example: 50F-020 SMA 50F-003 BNC 50F-010 N
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| 2) Are fixed attenuators bi-directional? |
All of JFW's parts are bi-directional unless specified differently on the outline drawing or specification sheet. Uni-directional parts will have the input and output connectors clearly indicated on the unit. Uni-directional designs are often used when dealing with high average power or peak power.
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| 3) Can I get 70 dB of attenuation by cascading a 30 dB & 40 dB attenuator? |
Yes, attenuation adds in series.
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| 4) How much does a X dB attenuator reduce the signal level by? |
| Attenuation | Power Reduction | 1 dB | 20.6% | | 2 dB | 36.9% | | 3 dB | 49.9% | | 4 dB | 60.2% | | 5 dB | 68.4% | | 6 dB | 74.9% | | 10 dB | 90.0% | | 20 dB | 99.0% | | 30 dB | 99.9% |
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| 5) How much attenuation do I need to pad down VSWR from X:1 to 1.2:1? |
| Numbers are theoretical based on ideal parts. | | 3.0:1 to 1.2:1 | 7.4 dB | | 2.0:1 to 1.2:1 | 5.6 dB | | 1.8:1 to 1.2:1 | 5.0 dB | | 1.5:1 to 1.2:1 | 3.4 dB | | 1.3:1 to 1.2:1 | 1.6 dB |
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| 6) What are the maximum pulse width and duty cycle for a unit that is rated @ 1000 W peak power? |
If no pulse width is specified, then 1 microsecond pulse width
is assumed. To calculate the duty cycle, divide the average power rating of the unit by the peak power. For example, if a part is rated at 10 W average power and 1000 W peak power, the duty cycle would be (10/1000) = 1%.
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| 7) Do you have low-intermod parts available? |
We do design and manufacture low intermod units. Contact the factory with your specific requirement.
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| 8) Are mixed RF connectors available? |
Most units are designed to accept N, SMA, TNC and BNC (male or female) connectors on either end. Having different connectors on each end of a unit will typically not increase the price (the exceptions being 7/16 and RP-TNC). Contact the factory with your specific requirement.
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| 9) Do you use stainless steel connectors? |
Most units we sell use nickel-plated brass connectors. Stainless steel connectors are an option on some units. Contact the factory if you require stainless steel connectors.
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| 10) Are your attenuators based on Pi-pad or T-pad designs? |
We use both layouts depending on the design parameters of the unit. Factors which can affect this choice include dB value, power handling, peak power handling and frequency range. |
