Pi-pad Attenuator

The Pi-pad Attenuator

As well as the T-pad attenuator we looked at previously, there is another type of voltage
controlled attenuator design commonly used in radio frequency and microwave transmission
lines called the Pi-pad Attenuator, or π-pad attenuator. The Pi-pad attenuator is so called
because its design resembles that of the Greek letter pi ( π ) meaning that it has one series resistor
and two parallel shunt resistors to ground at the input and the output.

The Pi-pad attenuator is another fully symmetrical purely Resistive Network that can be used as
a fixed attenuator between equal impedances or for impedance matching between unequal
impedances. The circuit configuration of the Pi-pad attenuator is given below.

Basic Pi-pad Attenuator Circuit

We can see that the standard pi-pad attenuator is symmetrical looking at the attenuator from
either end and this type of attenuator design can be used to impedance match either equal or
unequal transmission lines. Generally, resistors R1 and R3 are of the same value but when
designed to operate between circuits of unequal impedance these two resistor can be of different
values.

Pi-pad Attenuator with Equal Impedances

We have said previously, that the pi pad attenuator is a symmetrical attenuator design consisting
solely of passive resistor elements making it linear in its design allowing for its input and output
terminals to be transposed with each other. This makes the pi pad attenuator ideal for insertion
between two equal impedances ( ZS = ZL ) to reduce signal levels.

In this case the three resistive elements are chosen to ensure that the input impedance and output
impedance match the load impedance which forms part of the attenuator network. As the Pi-
pad’s input and output impedances are designed to perfectly match the load, this value is called
the “characteristic impedance” of the symmetrical Pi-pad network.

Then the equations given to calculated the resistor values of a Pi-pad attenuator circuit used for
impedance matching at any desired attenuation are given as:

Pi-pad Attenuator Equations

where: K is the impedance factor and Z is the source/load impedance.

Pi-pad Attenuator Example No1

A Pi-pad attenuator circuit is required to reduce the level of an audio signal by 10dB while
matching the impedance of a 75Ω network. Calculate the values of the three resistors required.

Using our simple table of “K factors”, we can see that the “K” factor value for calculating
attenuation loss of -10dB is given as 3.1623.

dB 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 10.0 20.0

“K” value 1.0593 1.1220 1.2589 1.4125 1.5849 1.7783 1.9953 3.1623 10.000
Then resistors R1 and R3 are equal to 144Ω and resistor R2 is equal to 107Ω, or the nearest
preferred values.

Also note that the same pi-pad attenuator design will have different resistor values for one used
on a 75Ω network than for one that is being matched to a 50Ω or 600Ω network.

Again as with the T-pad Attenuator, we can produce standard tables for the values of the series
and parallel impedances required to construct a 50Ω, 75Ω or 600Ω symmetrical Pi-pad attenuator
circuit. The calculated values of resistors, R1, R2 and R3 are given as.

Pi-pad Attenuator Resistive Values

50Ω Impedance 75Ω Impedance 600Ω Impedance

dB Loss K factor
R1, R3 R2 R1, R3 R2 R1, R3 R2
1.0 1.1220 869.5Ω 5.8Ω 1K3Ω 8.7Ω 10K4Ω 69.2Ω
2.0 1.2589 436.2Ω 11.6Ω 654.3Ω 17.4Ω 5K2Ω 139.4Ω
3.0 1.4125 292.4Ω 17.6Ω 438.6Ω 26.4Ω 3K5Ω 211.4Ω
6.0 1.9953 150.5Ω 37.4Ω 225.7Ω 56.0Ω 1K8Ω 448.2Ω
10.0 3.1623 96.2Ω 71.2Ω 144.4Ω 106.7Ω 1K2Ω 853.8Ω
18.0 7.9433 64.4Ω 195.4Ω 96.6Ω 293.2Ω 772.8Ω 2K3Ω
24.0 15.8489 56.7Ω 394.6Ω 85.1Ω 592.0Ω 680.8Ω 4K7Ω
32.0 39.8107 52.6Ω 994.6Ω 78.9Ω 1K5Ω 630.9Ω 11K9Ω

Note, that as the amount of attenuation loss required by the Pi-pad circuit increases, the
impedance of the series resistor R2 also increases while at the same time, the parallel shunt
impedance values of both resistors R1 and R3 decrease.

This is a common characteristic of a symmetrical Pi-pad attenuator circuit used between equal
impedances. Also, even at an attenuation of 32dB the series impedance values are still fairly high
and not in the one or two ohm range as with the T-pad attenuator.

This means then that a single Pi-pad attenuator network can achieve much higher levels of
attenuation compared to the equivalent T-pad network as the parallel shunt impedances are never
less than the characteristic impedance of the transmission line due to the extremely high “K”
factor value. For example, a transmission line with a characteristic impedance of 50Ω with an
attenuation of -80dB would give shunt resistors R1 and R3 a value of 50Ω each while the series
resistor R2 would be equal to 250KΩ,

Pi-pad Attenuator with Unequal Impedances

As well as using the Pi-pad attenuator to reduce signal levels in a circuit with equal impedances,
( ZS = ZL ) we can also use it for impedance matching of unequal source and load impedances
( ZS ≠ ZL ). However, to do so we need to modify the previous equations a little to take into
account the unequal loading of the source and load impedances on the attenuator circuit. The
new equations given for calculating the resistive elements of a Pi-pad attenuator for unequal
impedances are.

Pi-pad Attenuator Equations for Unequal Impedances

where: K is the impedance factor, ZS is the larger of the source impedance and ZL is the smaller
of the load impedances.

We can see that the equations for calculating the Pi attenuators three resistor values are much
more complex when it is connected between unequal impedances due to their effect on the
resistive network. However, with careful calculation we can find the value of the three
resistances for any given network impedance and attenuation as follows:

Pi-pad Attenuator Example No2

An unbalanced non-symmetrical Pi-pad attenuator circuit is required to attenuate a signal
between a radio transmitter with an output impedance of 75Ω and a power signal strength meter
of impedance 50Ω by 6dB. Calculate the values of the required resistors.

Resistor R1 Value
Resistor R2 Value

Resistor R3 Value
Giving us the following non-symmetrical Pi attenuator circuit:

The maths involved for calculating the resistor values of a Pi-pad attenuator used between
unequal impedances is more complex than those used to calculate the values between equal
impedances. As such Pi-pad attenuators tend to be used more for signal attenuation on
transmission lines with matching source/load impedances ZS = ZL .

Balanced-Pi Attenuator
The balanced-Pi attenuator or “Balanced-π Attenuator” for short, uses an additional resistive
element in the common ground line to form a balanced resistive network as shown below.

Balanced-Pi Attenuator Circuit

The balanced-Pi attenuator is also called an O-pad attenuator because the layout of its resistive
elements form the shape of a letter “O” and hence their name, “O-pad attenuators”. The resistive
values of the balanced-Pi circuit are firstly calculated as an unbalanced Pi-pad configuration
connected between equal impedances the same as before, but this time the value of the series
resistor R2 is halved (divided by two) placing half in each line as shown. The calculated resistive
value of the two parallel shunt resistors remain at the same.

Using the values previously calculated above for the unbalanced Pi-pad attenuator gives, series
resistor R2 = 106.7÷2 = 53.4Ω for the two series resistors and the parallel shunt resistors, R1,
R3 = 144.4Ω the same as before.

Pi-pad Attenuators are one of the most commonly used symmetrical attenuator circuit and as
such its design is used in many commercially available attenuator pads. While the Pi-pad
attenuator can achieve a very high level of attenuation in one single stage, it is better to build a
high loss attenuator over 30dB by cascading together several individual Pi-pad sections so that
the final level of attenuation is achieved in stages.

By cascading together pi-pad attenuators, the number of resistive elements required in the design
can be reduced as adjoining resistors can be combined together. So for the Pi-pad this simply
means that the two adjoining parallel shunt resistors can be added together.

The accuracy of the calculated pi attenuator will determined by the accuracy of the component
resistors used. Which ever tolerance of resistor is selected to construct a Pi attenuator circuit,
1%, 5% or even 10% they MUST all be non-inductive resistors and not wirewound types. Also
as we are using resistors in the attenuation network these non-inductive resistors MUST be able
to safely dissipate the required amount of electrical power as calculated using Ohms Law.
T-pad Attenuator
The T-pad Attenuator
A T-pad attenuator is an unbalanced attenuator network consisting of three non-inductive
resistive elements connected together to form a “T” configuration, (hence its name). Although
not common, this “T” (tee) configuration can also be thought of as a wye “Y” attenuator
configuration as well. Unlike the previous L-pad Attenuator, which has a different resistive value
looking into the attenuator from either end making it an asymmetrical circuit.

The formation of the Resistive Elements into a letter “T” shape means that the T-pad attenuator
has the same value of resistance looking from either end. This formation then makes the “T-pad
attenuator” a perfectly symmetrical attenuator enabling their input and output terminals to be
transposed as shown.

Basic T-pad Attenuator Circuit

We can see that the T-pad attenuator is symmetrical in its design looking from either end and this
type of attenuator design can be used to impedance match either equal or unequal transmission
lines. Generally, resistors R1 and R2 are of the same value but when designed to operate between
circuits of unequal impedance these two resistor can be of different values. In this instance the T-
pad attenuator is often referred to as a “taper pad attenuator”.

But before we look at T-pad Attenuators in more detail we first need to understand the use of
the “K factor” used in calculating attenuator impedances and which can make the reduction of
the maths and our lives a little easier.

The Attenuators “K” Factor

The "K" factor, also known as the “impedance factor” is commonly used with attenuators to
simplify the design process of complex attenuator circuits. This "K" factor or value is the ratio of
the voltage, current or power corresponding to a given value of attenuation. The general equation
for "K" is given as:

So for example, the "K" value for a voltage attenuation of 6dB will be 10 (6/20) = 1.9953, and an
attenuation of 18dB will be 10 (18/20) = 7.9433, and so on. But instead of calculating this "K"
value every time we want to design a new attenuator circuit, we can produce a "K" factor table
for calculating attenuator loss as follows.

Attenuator Loss Table

dB Loss 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 6.0 7.5 9.0 10.0

K value 1.0593 1.1220 1.2589 1.4125 1.9953 2.3714 2.8184 3.1623
dB Loss 12.0 18.0 24.0 30.0 36.0 48.0 60.0 100
K value 3.9811 7.9433 15.849 31.623 63.096 251.19 1000 105

and so on, producing an attenuation loss table with as many decibel values as we require for our
attenuator design.

T-pad Attenuator with Equal Impedances

We have said previously, that the T-pad attenuator is a symmetrical attenuator design whose
input and output terminals can be transposed with each other. This makes the T-pad attenuator
ideal for insertion between two equal impedances ( ZS = ZL ) to reduce signal levels.

In this case the three resistive elements are chosen to ensure that the input impedance and output
impedance match the load impedance which forms part of the attenuator network. As the T-pad’s
input and output impedances are designed to perfectly match the load, this value is called the
“characteristic impedance” of the symmetrical T-pad network.

Then the equations given to calculated the resistor values of a T-pad attenuator circuit used for
impedance matching at any desired attenuation are given as:

T-pad Attenuator Equations

where: K is the impedance factor from the table above, and Z is the source/load impedance.

T-pad Attenuator Example No1

A T-pad attenuator is required to reduce the level of an audio signal by 18dB while matching the
impedance of the 600Ω network. Calculate the values of the three resistors required.
Then resistors R1 and R2 are equal to 466Ω and resistor R3 is equal to 154Ω, or the nearest
preferred values.

Again as before, we can produce standard tables for the values of the series and parallel
impedances required to construct a 50Ω, 75Ω or 600Ω symmetrical T-pad attenuator circuit as
these values will always be the same regardless of application. The calculated values of resistors,
R1, R2 and R3 are given below.

50Ω Impedance 75Ω Impedance 600Ω Impedance

dB Loss K factor
R1, R2 R3 R1, R2 R3 R1, R2 R3
1.0 1.1220 2.9Ω 433.3Ω 4.3Ω 650.0Ω 34.5Ω 5K2Ω
2.0 1.2589 5.7Ω 215.2Ω 8.6Ω 322.9Ω 68.8Ω 2K58Ω
3.0 1.4125 8.5Ω 141.9Ω 12.8Ω 212.9Ω 102.6Ω 1K7Ω
6.0 1.9953 16.6Ω 66.9Ω 24.9Ω 100.4Ω 199.4Ω 803.2Ω
10.0 3.1623 26.0Ω 35.1Ω 39.0Ω 52.7Ω 311.7Ω 421.6Ω
18.0 7.9433 38.8Ω 12.8Ω 58.2Ω 19.2Ω 465.8Ω 153.5Ω
24.0 15.8489 44.1Ω 6.3Ω 66.1Ω 9.5Ω 528.8Ω 76.0Ω
32.0 39.8107 47.5Ω 2.5Ω 71.3Ω 3.8Ω 570.6Ω 30.2Ω

Note, as the amount of attenuation required by the circuit increases the series impedance values
for R1 and R2 also increase while the parallel shunt impedance value of R3 decreases. This is
characteristic of a symmetrical T-pad attenuator circuit used between equal impedances.

T-pad Attenuator with Unequal Impedances

As well as using the T-pad attenuator to reduce signal levels in a circuit with equal impedances,
we can also use it for impedance matching between unequal impedances ( ZS ≠ ZL ). When used
for impedance matching, the T-pad attenuator is called a Taper Pad Attenuator. However, to
do so we need to modify the previous equations a little to take into account the unequal loading
of the source and load impedances on the attenuator circuit. The new equations become.

Taper Pad Attenuator Equations for Unequal Impedances

where: K is the impedance factor from the table above, and Z1 is the larger of the source/load
impedances and Z2 is the smaller of the source/load impedances.

T-pad Attenuator Example No2

A taper pad attenuator connected to a load impedance of 50Ω is required to reduce the level of an
audio signal by 18dB from an impedance source of 75Ω. Calculate the values of the three
resistors required.

Then: Z1 = 75Ω (the largest impedance), Z2 = 50Ω (the smallest impedance) and
K = 18dB = 7.9433 from the table above.
So resistor R1 is equal to 15.67Ω, resistor R2 is equal to 62Ω and resistor R3 is equal to 36Ω, or
the nearest preferred values.

Balanced-T Attenuator
The balanced T-pad attenuator or Balanced-T Attenuator for short, uses two T-pad attenuator
circuits connected together to form a balanced mirror image network as shown below.

Balanced-T Attenuator Circuit

The balanced-T attenuator is also called an H-pad attenuator because the layout of its resistive
elements form the shape of a letter “H” and hence their name, “H-pad attenuators”. The resistive
values of the balanced-T circuit are firstly calculated as an unbalanced T-pad configuration the
same as before, but this time the values of the series resistive in each leg are halved (divided by
two) to provide a mirror image either side of ground. The total calculated resistive value of the
center parallel resistor remains at the same value but is divided into two with the center
connected to ground producing a balanced circuit.

Using the calculated values above for the unbalanced T-pad attenuator gives, series resistor
R1 = R2 = 466Ω ÷ 2 = 233Ω for all four series resistors and the parallel shunt resistor,
R3 = 154Ω the same as before and these values can be calculated using the following modified
equations for a balanced-T attenuator.

Balanced-T Attenuator Equations

T-pad Attenuator Summary
The T-pad attenuator is a symmetrical attenuator network that can be used in a transmission
line circuit that has either equal or unequal impedances. As the T-pad attenuator is symmetrical
in its design it can be connected in either direction making it a bi-directional circuit. One of the
main characteristics of the T attenuator, is that the shunt arm (parallel) impedance becomes
smaller as the attenuation increases. T-pad attenuators that are used as impedance matching
circuits are usually called “taper pad attenuators”.

We have seen that T-pad attenuators can be either unbalanced or balanced Resistive Networks.
Fixed value unbalanced T-pad attenuators are the most common and are generally used in radio
frequency and TV coaxial cable transmission lines were one side of the line is earthed. Balanced-
T attenuators are also called H-pad Attenuators due to their design and construction. H-pad
attenuators are mainly used on data transmission lines which use balanced or twisted pair
cabling.

In the next tutorial about Attenuators, we will look at another type of T-pad attenuator design
called the Bridged-T Attenuator that uses an additional resistive component in the series line.
Attenuators
Chapter 1 - Amplifiers and Active Devices

Attenuators are passive devices. It is convenient to discuss them along with decibels. Attenuators
weaken or attenuate the high level output of a signal generator, for example, to provide a lower
level signal for something like the antenna input of a sensitive radio receiver. (Figure below) The
attenuator could be built into the signal generator, or be a stand-alone device. It could provide a
fixed or adjustable amount of attenuation. An attenuator section can also provide isolation
between a source and a troublesome load.

Constant impedance attenuator is matched to source impedance ZI and load impedance ZO. For
radio frequency equipment Z is 50 Ω.

In the case of a stand-alone attenuator, it must be placed in series between the signal source and
the load by breaking open the signal path as shown in Figure above. In addition, it must match
both the source impedance ZI and the load impedance ZO, while providing a specified amount of
attenuation. In this section we will only consider the special, and most common, case where the
source and load impedances are equal. Not considered in this section, unequal source and load
impedances may be matched by an attenuator section. However, the formulation is more
complex.

T section and Π section attenuators are common forms.

Common configurations are the T and Π networks shown in Figure above

Multiple attenuator sections may be cascaded when even weaker signals are needed as in Figure
below.

Decibels

Voltage ratios, as used in the design of attenuators are often expressed in terms of decibels. The
voltage ratio (K below) must be derived from the attenuation in decibels. Power ratios expressed
as decibels are additive. For example, a 10 dB attenuator followed by a 6 dB attenuator provides
16dB of attenuation overall.

10 dB + 6 db = 16 dB

Changing sound levels are perceptible roughly proportional to the logarithm of the power ratio
(PI / PO).

sound level = log10(PI / PO)

A change of 1 dB in sound level is barely perceptible to a listener, while 2 db is readily

perceptible. An attenuation of 3 dB corresponds to cutting power in half, while a gain of 3 db
corresponds to a doubling of the power level. A gain of -3 dB is the same as an attenuation of +3
dB, corresponding to half the original power level.

The power change in decibels in terms of power ratio is:

dB = 10 log10(PI / PO)

Assuming that the load RI at PI is the same as the load resistor RO at PO (RI = RO), the decibels
may be derived from the voltage ratio (VI / VO) or current ratio (II / IO):

PO = V O IO = VO2 / R = IO2 R

PI = V I II = VI2 / R = II2 R

dB = 10 log10(PI / PO) = 10 log10(VI2 / VO2) = 20 log10(VI/VO)

dB = 10 log10(PI / PO) = 10 log10(II2 / IO2) = 20 log10(II/IO)

The two most often used forms of the decibel equation are:

dB = 10 log10(PI / PO) or dB = 20 log10(VI / VO)

We will use the latter form, since we need the voltage ratio. Once again, the voltage ratio form of
equation is only applicable where the two corresponding resistors are equal. That is, the source
and load resistance need to be equal.
Example:

Power into an attenuator is 10 Watts, the power out is 1 Watt. Find the attenuation in dB.

dB = 10 log10(PI / PO) = 10 log10 (10 /1) = 10 log10 (10) = 10 (1) = 10 dB

Example:

Find the voltage attenuation ratio (K= (VI / VO)) for a 10 dB attenuator.

dB = 10= 20 log10(VI / VO)

10/20 = log10(VI / VO)

1010/20 = 10log10(VI / VO)

3.16 = (VI / VO) = AP(ratio)

Example:

Power into an attenuator is 100 milliwatts, the power out is 1 milliwatt. Find the attenuation in
dB.

dB = 10 log10(PI / PO) = 10 log10 (100 /1) = 10 log10 (100) = 10 (2) = 20 dB

Example:

Find the voltage attenuation ratio (K= (VI / VO)) for a 20 dB attenuator.

dB = 20= 20 log10(VI / VO )

1020/20 = 10 log10(VI / VO )

10 = (VI / VO ) = K

T-section attenuator

The T and Π attenuators must be connected to a Z source and Z load impedance. The Z-(arrows)
pointing away from the attenuator in the figure below indicate this. The Z-(arrows) pointing
toward the attenuator indicates that the impedance seen looking into the attenuator with a load Z
on the opposite end is Z, Z=50 Ω for our case. This impedance is a constant (50 Ω) with respect
to attenuation– impedance does not change when attenuation is changed.
The table in Figure below lists resistor values for the T and Π attenuators to match a 50 Ω
source/ load, as is the usual requirement in radio frequency work.

Telephone utility and other audio work often requires matching to 600 Ω. Multiply all R values
by the ratio (600/50) to correct for 600 Ω matching. Multiplying by 75/50 would convert table
values to match a 75 Ω source and load.

Formulas for T-section attenuator resistors, given K, the voltage attenuation ratio, and ZI = ZO
= 50 Ω.

The amount of attenuation is customarily specified in dB (decibels). Though, we need the

voltage (or current) ratio K to find the resistor values from equations. See the dB/20 term in the
power of 10 term for computing the voltage ratio K from dB, above.

The T (and below Π) configurations are most commonly used as they provide bidirectional
matching. That is, the attenuator input and output may be swapped end for end and still match
the source and load impedances while supplying the same attenuation.

Disconnecting the source and looking in to the right at VI, we need to see a series parallel
combination of R1, R2, R1, and Z looking like an equivalent resistance of ZIN, the same as the
source/load impedance Z: (a load of Z is connected to the output.)

ZIN = R1 + (R2 ||(R1 + Z))

For example, substitute the 10 dB values from the 50 Ω attenuator table for R1 and R2 as shown
in Figure below.

ZIN = 25.97 + (35.14 ||(25.97 + 50))

ZIN = 25.97 + (35.14 || 75.97 )

ZIN = 25.97 + 24.03 = 50

This shows us that we see 50 Ω looking right into the example attenuator (Figure below) with a
50 Ω load.

Replacing the source generator, disconnecting load Z at VO, and looking in to the left, should
give us the same equation as above for the impedance at VO, due to symmetry. Moreover, the
three resistors must be values which supply the required attenuation from input to output. This is
accomplished by the equations for R1 and R2 above as applied to the T-attenuator below.

10 dB T-section attenuator for insertion between a 50 Ω source and load.

PI-section attenuator

The table in Figure below lists resistor values for the Π attenuator matching a 50 Ω source/ load
at some common attenuation levels. The resistors corresponding to other attenuation levels may
be calculated from the equations.

Formulas for Π-section attenuator resistors, given K, the voltage attenuation ratio, and ZI = ZO
= 50 Ω.

The above apply to the π-attenuator below.

What resistor values would be required for both the Π attenuators for 10 dB of attenuation
matching a 50 Ω source and load?

10 dB Π-section attenuator example for matching a 50 Ω source and load.

The 10 dB corresponds to a voltage attenuation ratio of K=3.16 in the next to last line of the
above table. Transfer the resistor values in that line to the resistors on the schematic diagram in
Figure above.

L-section attenuator

The table in Figure below lists resistor values for the L attenuators to match a 50 Ω source/ load.

The table in Figure below lists resistor values for an alternate form. Note that the resistor values
are not the same.

L-section attenuator table for 50 Ω source and load impedance.

The above apply to the L attenuator below.

Alternate form L-section attenuator table for 50 Ω source and load impedance.

Bridged T attenuator

The table in Figure below lists resistor values for the bridged T attenuators to match a 50 Ω
source and load. The bridged-T attenuator is not often used. Why not?

Formulas and abbreviated table for bridged-T attenuator section, Z = 50 Ω.

Cascaded sections

Attenuator sections can be cascaded as in Figure below for more attenuation than may be
available from a single section. For example two 10 db attenuators may be cascaded to provide
20 dB of attenuation, the dB values being additive. The voltage attenuation ratio K or VI/VO for
a 10 dB attenuator section is 3.16. The voltage attenuation ratio for the two cascaded sections is
the product of the two Ks or 3.16x3.16=10 for the two cascaded sections.
Cascaded attenuator sections: dB attenuation is additive.

Variable attenuation can be provided in discrete steps by a switched attenuator. The example
Figure below, shown in the 0 dB position, is capable of 0 through 7 dB of attenuation by additive
switching of none, one or more sections.

Switched attenuator: attenuation is variable in discrete steps.

The typical multi section attenuator has more sections than the above figure shows. The addition
of a 3 or 8 dB section above enables the unit to cover to 10 dB and beyond. Lower signal levels
are achieved by the addition of 10 dB and 20 dB sections, or a binary multiple 16 dB section.

RF attenuators

For radio frequency (RF) work (<1000 Mhz), the individual sections must be mounted in
shielded compartments to thwart capacitive coupling if lower signal levels are to be achieved at
the highest frequencies. The individual sections of the switched attenuators in the previous
section are mounted in shielded sections. Additional measures may be taken to extend the
frequency range to beyond 1000 Mhz. This involves construction from special shaped lead-less
resistive elements.
Coaxial T-attenuator for radio frequency work.

A coaxial T-section attenuator consisting of resistive rods and a resistive disk is shown in Figure
above. This construction is usable to a few gigahertz.

The coaxial Π version would have one resistive rod between two resistive disks in the coaxial
line as in Figure below.
Coaxial Π-attenuator for radio frequency work.

RF connectors, not shown, are attached to the ends of the above T and Π attenuators. The
connectors allow individual attenuators to be cascaded, in addition to connecting between a
source and load. For example, a 10 dB attenuator may be placed between a troublesome signal
source and an expensive spectrum analyzer input. Even though we may not need the attenuation,
the expensive test equipment is protected from the source by attenuating any overvoltage.

Summary: Attenuators

 An attenuator reduces an input signal to a lower level.

 The amount of attenuation is specified in decibels (dB). Decibel values are additive for cascaded
attenuator sections.
 dB from power ratio: dB = 10 log10(PI / PO)
 dB from voltage ratio: dB = 20 log10(VI / VO)
 T and Π section attenuators are the most common circuit configurations.