Instructions

RF Explorer Signal Generator User Manual page 49
Attenuators
SMA attenuators are used to reduce the input power, and therefore enable RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer
to measure stronger signals, or in a Signal Generator to accurately reduce the output power. It is also used
to protect the input SMA port of RF Explorer when unknown strong signals may be in the environment, so
you can use this attenuator on demand. You can easily unplug the attenuator when measurement is for
weak signals.
You can also combine multiple attenuators to get additional values. For instance, 10 dB + 30dB attenuators
connected in series will give you 40dB total attenuation.
RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer firmware includes an “Offset DB” feature in the Attenuator Menu, you should
specify +0XX dB (where XX is the attenuation value, e.g. 30dB) in this setting when the attenuator is
connected in order to get correct readings on screen.
Attenuators recommended by us are high precision mechanical and electrical, working reliably up to 6GHz
and supporting continuous input power of up to 2Watt (33dBm). We do not recommend low quality or
second-hand attenuators as they may alter amplitude readings and, in worse case low quality SMA
mechanical connectors, even damage your analyzer RF SMA ports.
Based on total input power you may need to measure, we recommend the following attenuator values to be
added to RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer input port:
Measurable input range
Recommended external attenuator
Lower than -30dBm / 1 micro Watt
No need
-30 to 0dBm / 1 microwatt to 1 milliwatt
30dB
-30 to 10dBm / 1 microwatt to 10 milliwatt
40dB
0 to 33dBm / 1 milliwatt to 2 Watt
60dB
6GHz SMA Attenuator – 60dB
This robust attenuator is custom made, high quality exceptional
value 60dB total attenuation. You will not find attenuators of this
range anywhere else in the market, the only other option is to
daisy chain two 30dB attenuators together.
Therefore, this unit is cost effective option to measure high
power RF signals. A 60dB attenuation enables any RF Explorer
unit to measure signals of up to 2Watt (33dBm) power without
distortion with a single attenuator, as opposed to connecting
multiple attenuators in daisy chain.
This precision attenuator can measure up to 6GHz frequency range with high amplitude accuracy. Use
OffsetDB: +060 when connected to this attenuator.