Low Power Coaxial Attenuators
Our 50 ohm RF coaxial attenuators include SMA fixed attenuators and N-type attenuators designed for low power applications. Spectrum Control’s ultra-low VSWR (1.1:1) coaxial attenuators deliver industry-leading performance with flatness of ±0.5 dB across the band. These ultra-low VSWR, ultra-flat coaxial attenuators achieve VSWR as low as 1.1:1 and support power handling up to 5 watts, with operational frequencies extending to 50 GHz to meet a wide range of attenuation and power requirements. Operating across MIL and defense temperature ranges of -65°C to +125°C, these rugged, high-performance coaxal attenuators surpass many competing designs in reflection performance, flatness, and thermal stability, with hundreds of coaxial attenuator models to choose from.
About Coaxial RF Attenuators
To perform effectively in an RF chain, a coaxial attenuator must provide repeatable signal reduction while remaining nearly invisible to the RF signal passing through the circuit. VSWR performance is critical to maintaining a reflection-free signal path. Reflections can distort waveform amplitude and introduce unintended effects such as phase distortion or phase shift, often resulting from poor attenuator VSWR performance. Lower-cost, poorly designed attenuators can create standing waves or attenuation ripple, leading RF designers to troubleshoot nonexistent system issues when the true cause is inadequate attenuator performance.
Reflected power is not simply absorbed within the RF chain; it can travel backward and create additional reflections that push active devices, such as amplifiers, beyond their intended operating limits.
Spectrum Control Fixed Attenuators
Spectrum Control’s superior VSWR coaxial attenuators help preserve phase linearity and spectral purity, with performance extending up to 50 GHz for demanding high-frequency applications. Ultra-flat attenuation is another critical parameter, ensuring consistent and precise attenuation across frequency. Variations in attenuation can reshape signals, leading to over- or under-modulation, while amplitude ripple combined with group delay variations from poor VSWR can negatively impact radar, communications, and RF modulation systems.
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Low Power RF Coaxial Attenuators
Low Power Coaxial RF Attenuators
(DC to 50 GHz, Up to 5 Watts, 37 dBm)
Low power RF attenuators are used to precisely control signal levels in RF and microwave systems. Spectrum Control’s coaxial RF attenuators are designed for applications requiring low VSWR, excellent attenuation flatness, and reliability and support attenuators support frequencies up to 50 GHz and power levels up to 5 watts.
An effective RF attenuator must do more than simply reduce amplitude, it must maintain a clean, reflection-free signal path. One of the most important parameters in achieving this is Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), which directly impacts how much signal is reflected back toward the source. Poor VSWR performance can introduce unwanted reflections, leading to amplitude ripple, phase distortion, and misleading system behavior that complicates troubleshooting and degrades overall performance.
Applications for Low Power RF Attenuators
RF test and measurement environments
6G, 5G and other wireless applications
Protection for sensitive components in the RF chain
Laboratory calibration and bench testing
Why Choose Spectrum Control Low Power RF Attenuators?
Ultra-Low VSWR (as low as 1.1:1): Ultra-low VSWR performance helps to minimize signal reflections and preserves measurement accuracy in sensitive RF systems. Spectrum Control leads the industry in low VSWR (as low as 1.1:1) coaxial attenuators.
Superior Attenuation Flatness (±0.2 dB): Minimal attenuation flatness ensures consistent signal reduction across the full band.
Wide Frequency Coverage (DC to 50 GHz): Broad bandwidth coverage supports modern high-frequency platforms including 6G, AESA Radars, and advanced test systems.
Reliable Thermal Performance: Minimal drift provides stability across extended temperature ranges (-65°C to +125°C) for demanding environments.
Multiple Connector Options: Models offer SMA, N-Type, and 2.92 configurations for flexible system integration.
Technical Overview
| Frequency Range | DC to 50 GHz |
| Power Handling | Up to 5 Watts (37 dBm) |
| VSWR | As low as 1.1:1 |
| Attenuation Flatness | ±0.2 dB |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Connectors | SMA, N-Type, 2.92mm |
| Operating Temperature | -65°C to +125°C |
How to Select the Right Attenuator
When selecting a Spectrum Control low power attenuator, always consider:
- Attenuation Value: Match the required amplitude reduction (i.e. 1 dB, 3 dB, 5 dB).
- Frequency Range: Good practice to ensure optimum performance flatness across the entire band of interest.
- Power Margin: Choose a pad rated for at least 25% above your expected maximum input power.
- VSWR Performance: A lower VSWR value reduces reflections and improves spectral fidelity. Spectrum Control designs low VSWR (as low as 1.1:1) Coaxial Attenuators.
- Connector Type: Select a compatible interface for your design.
Compare RF Attenuator Types
RF attenuators are available in several types including low power, medium power, and high power coaxial attenuators.
| Type | Power Range | Best For |
| Low Power Coaxial | Up to 5 Watts |  Lab testing, signal conditioning |
| Medium Power Coaxial | 5 Watts to 50 Watts | Higher power test |
| High Power Coaxial | 50+ Watts | Transmitters, radar systems |
How do you choose the right RF attenuator?
Selecting the right RF attenuator involves balancing electrical performance with application requirements:
- Define power requirements: Include margin above maximum input power.
- Confirm frequency range: Ensure consistent performance across the full band.
- Select attenuation value: Based on signal conditioning or protection needs.
- Evaluate VSWR and flatness: Prioritize signal integrity.
- Consider environmental conditions: Use qualified components for harsh environments.
RF attenuators are available in several configurations, each optimized for specific power levels, frequency ranges, and applications:
| Attenuator Type | Frequency Range | Max Power | Typical Connectors | Key Application |
| Low Power Coaxial Attenuators | DC to 50 GHz | Up to 5 Watts (+37 dBm) | SMA, N-Type, 2.4mm, 2.92mm (SMK) | Test & Measurement |
| Medium Power Coaxial Attenuators | DC to 40 GHz | 5 to 50 watts | N-Type, SMA, 2.92mm (SMK), 3.5mm | Test & Measurement |
| High Power Coaxial Attenuators | DC to 18 GHz | Up to 500 Watts | N-Type, 2.92mm (SMK), 3.5mm | Transmitters, Radar |