HP / Agilent 84906L Programmable Step Attenuator, DC to 40 GHz, 0 to 90 dB, 10 dB Steps

The HP/Agilent 84906L is a programmable step attenuator delivering precise signal level control across DC to 40 GHz. It provides 0 to 90 dB attenuation in 10 dB discrete steps with better than 0.03 dB repeatability and supports over 5 million switching cycles per section. Built on high-stability tantalum nitride thin-film elements on sapphire substrates, the 84906L handles 1 W average and 50 W peak RF input power while maintaining excellent VSWR performance across its operating range.

## Technical Specifications

• **Frequency Range:** DC to 40 GHz
• **Attenuation Range:** 0 to 90 dB in 10 dB steps
• **Repeatability:** Better than 0.03 dB
• **Insertion Loss:** 0.8 dB at 0 dB + 0.04 dB/GHz; 2.4 dB maximum at 40 GHz
• **VSWR:** 1.3 (1 to 12.4 GHz), 1.7 (1 to 34 GHz), 1.8 (1 to 40 GHz)
• **Power Handling:** 1 W average RF input, 50 W peak RF input
• **Switching Time:** Less than 20 milliseconds including settling
• **Operating Life:** Over 5 million switching cycles per section
• **Supply Voltage:** 24 Vdc (nominal); 5 Vdc and 15 Vdc options available
• **RF Connectors:** 2.4 mm female standard; 2.4 mm male/female and 2.92 mm options
• **Programming Interface:** 10-pin sockets or 12-pin Viking socket

## Key Features

• Miniature thin-film attenuation cards with high-stability tantalum nitride on sapphire substrate
• Wide dynamic range spanning nearly a decade of attenuation control
• Discrete 10 dB stepping eliminates interpolation errors
• Fast sub-20 ms switching for rapid signal conditioning in test loops
• Exceptional mechanical durability rated for millions of actuation cycles

## Typical Applications

• Automated test equipment (ATE) systems requiring signal normalization
• Calibration laboratories and measurement standards verification
• Microwave component characterization and RF system integration
• Power-level stepping in gain/loss measurement chains

## Compatibility & Integration

The 84906L integrates with Agilent attenuator/switch drivers including the 11713A and 87130A/70611A models. Custom interconnect cable configurations accommodate diverse rack and benchtop installations.