Agilent/Keysight 8494A

The Agilent/Keysight 8494A is a 50-ohm coaxial manual step attenuator engineered for precise signal level control across DC to 4 GHz. It delivers attenuation from 0 to 11 dB in 1 dB increments, making it ideal for RF and microwave test systems requiring repeatable, fine-grained power adjustment. Built with precision gold-plated leaf springs, the 8494A achieves exceptional mechanical reliability—exceeding 5 million cycles per section with maximum repeatability drift of 0.03 dB per section and typical attenuation repeatability of 0.01 dB. This durability suits demanding automated test environments and field measurement applications.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: DC to 4 GHz
• Attenuation Range: 0 to 11 dB
• Attenuation Steps: 1 dB increments
• Impedance: 50 ohms
• Insertion Loss at 0 dB: 0.6 dB + 0.09 dB/GHz
• Maximum SWR: 1.5
• Maximum RF Input Power: 1 W average; 100 W peak
• Attenuation Repeatability: ±0.01 dB typical
• Repeatability Life: ≤0.03 dB drift per section over 5 million cycles
• Weight: 2 lb

– Key Features

• Precision gold-plated leaf-spring construction for long operational life
• Available connector options: Type-N female, SMA female, and APC-7
• Optional NIST traceable calibration data for SWR and attenuation (Option UK6)
• Suitable for both manual operation and integration into automated test systems

– Typical Applications

• RF and microwave signal level control
• Receiver sensitivity testing
• Power measurement calibration
• Automatic test equipment (ATE) systems

– Compatibility & Integration

The 8494A connects in series with Keysight 11716A, 11716B, or 11716C Attenuator Interconnect Kits to achieve extended dynamic range while maintaining 1 dB step resolution. Custom step attenuator and switch combinations are supported—refer to available application notes for integration guidance.