Agilent/Keysight 8495A

The Agilent/Keysight 8495A is a manual step attenuator for precise RF and microwave signal level control across DC to 4 GHz. Operating in 10 dB increments from 0 to 70 dB, it delivers the attenuation accuracy and repeatability required in automated test equipment and calibration systems.

– Technical Specifications

Attenuation & Frequency
• Attenuation range: 0 to 70 dB in 10 dB steps
• Frequency range: DC to 4 GHz
• Impedance: 50 ohm
• Insertion loss at 0 dB: 0.4 dB + 0.07 dB/GHz
• Maximum SWR: 1.35
• Maximum RF input power: 1 W average, 100 W peak

Switching Performance
• Repeatability: ≤0.03 dB maximum over 5 million cycles per section; typically 0.01 dB
• Service life: >5 million switching cycles per section

Connectors
• Type-N female (Option 001)
• SMA female (Option 002)
• APC-7 (Option 003)

Physical
• Weight: 2 lb

– Key Features

• Positive manual switching with low-torque camshaft and positive detents
• Attenuation-level indicator for direct readout
• High repeatability enables applications demanding signal level stability
• Long service life suits high-cycle-count test environments

– Typical Applications

• Automated test equipment (ATE) signal conditioning
• RF/microwave calibration and measurement systems
• Signal level control in receiver characterization
• Laboratory bench attenuation applications

– Compatibility & Integration

Interconnect kits (11716A for Type-N, 11716C for SMA) enable serial connection of multiple 8495A units to achieve extended dynamic range. Option UK6 supplies NIST-traceable calibration data for SWR and attenuation.