Weinschel System IIA

The Weinschel System IIA is a programmable attenuator built for automated testing, calibration, and network characterization applications. It delivers precise, repeatable attenuation adjustments across a broad frequency range, enabling engineers and system integrators to automate signal level control and device behavior measurement.

– Technical Specifications

Attenuation Range & Resolution
Attenuation ranges up to 127 dB with step sizes as fine as 0.1 dB. Frequency-dependent accuracy is specified as ± (1.0+0.025x) dB at attenuation level x, ensuring high repeatability across operating conditions.

Frequency Coverage
Operates from DC to 40 GHz, with electromechanical designs supporting true DC signals. Solid-state configurations maintain RF-only operation above their lower frequency limits.

Electrical Performance
Nominal impedance: 50 ohms. Insertion loss for electromechanical types is exceptionally low (0.36 dB reference). Superior VSWR performance characterizes electromechanical designs. Temperature coefficient: less than 0.0004 dB/dB/°C. Power coefficient: less than 0.005 dB/dB/W.

Power Handling
Dependent on configuration—models range from 0.5 W average (WA5) to 1 W average (WA6) and 2 W average (WA6A), with peak power ratings up to 175 W.

– Key Features

• Multi-interface control: TTL, I2C, USB, Parallel, UART, SPI, Ethernet, and GPIB (IEEE-488)
• ASCII text-based and TELNET command-line programming
• Browser-based HTTP server control
• LabVIEW-based control software available
• Electromechanical construction for superior insertion loss and VSWR
• Minimal temperature and power coefficient drift

– Typical Applications

• Automated RF and microwave testing
• System calibration and characterization
• Network analyzer signal conditioning
• Device behavior measurement across wide frequency bands

– Compatibility & Integration

System controllers (8320, 8321/8331 series) operate on 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz AC power, drawing 30 W max (8320) or 100 W max (8321/8331). Multiple control interfaces enable integration with existing test automation infrastructure and custom measurement systems.