HP / Agilent 8496H Programmable Attenuator, 18 GHz, 110dB, 10 dB steps

The HP/Agilent 8496H is a programmable attenuator delivering precision signal level control from DC to 18 GHz with maximum attenuation of 110 dB in 10 dB discrete steps. Built on an electromechanical design with gold-plated leaf springs, it achieves attenuation repeatability of 0.01 dB typical and exceeds 5 million operating cycles per section. The 8496H handles 1 W average input power and 100 W peak power (10 µs maximum pulse width), making it suitable for automated test systems, calibration routines, and signal conditioning applications requiring reliable, repeatable attenuation control.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Range
• DC to 18 GHz

Attenuation
• Range: 0 to 110 dB
• Step Size: 10 dB
• Repeatability: Typically 0.01 dB; specified less than 0.03 dB over 5 million cycles per section

Insertion Loss (at 0 dB attenuation)
• 0.6 dB + 0.09 dB/GHz
• Typical value at 18 GHz: 2.22 dB

Return Loss
• Maximum SWR: 1.50 (DC to 4 GHz); 1.60–1.70 (4–12.4 GHz); 1.90 (12.4–18 GHz for 110 dB range)

Power Handling
• Maximum Average Input Power: 1 W
• Maximum Peak Input Power: 100 W (10 µs pulse width maximum)

Switching Performance
• Maximum Switching Time: 20 ms (including contact settling)
• Operating Life: Over 5 million cycles per section

Control Interface
• Programming Connector: 12-pin Viking; optional 14-pin DIP via ribbon cable (Option 016)
• Solenoid Voltage: 5 V DC or 24 V DC (option-dependent)

– Key Features

• Electromechanical design with gold-plated leaf springs for extended operational life
• Excellent attenuation repeatability: 0.01 dB typical over millions of cycles
• Discrete 10 dB steps for controlled, predictable attenuation adjustments
• Low insertion loss across the full frequency range
• NIST-traceable attenuation accuracy available via Option UK6
• Multiple RF connector options: Type-N female, SMA female, or APC-7

– Typical Applications

• Automated test systems requiring repeatable signal attenuation
• Calibration routines in RF/microwave laboratories
• Signal conditioning in measurement chains
• High-frequency test equipment requiring DC to 18 GHz coverage

– Compatibility & Integration

Integrates with HP/Agilent 11716A/B/C Attenuator Interconnect Kits for serial connection. Compatible with HP 11713A, 87130A, and HP 70611A attenuator drivers for automated control via HP-IB. Suitable for integration into custom electronic control interfaces. Operating and service manuals and datasheets are available.