Attenuator Slope Check Utility

The Attenuator Slope Check Utility can be used to check for damaged or broken RF attenuators. The utility measures amplitude relative to the 10 dB setting across all attenuator steps at several frequencies across the DUT tuning range. The relative amplitude measurements are then written to a text file for review. If amplitude error is large for a certain attenuator step, then the DUT may have a broken RF attenuator.

Related adjustment: Attenuator Slope Adjustment

Required Test Equipment

Test Equipment

Model Number1

Microwave Signal Generator

PSG Models
(see equipment list)

Power Meter

N1914A

Microwave Power Sensor

  • 2 required
  • For Options < 544

N8485A CFT

Microwave Power Splitter

  • For Options < 544

11667B 

Millimeter Power Sensor

  • 2 required
  • For Option 544

N8487A CFT

Millimeter Power Splitter

  • For Option 544

11667C

Cable, BNC

8120-1840 

Cable, coaxial 3.5 mm

  • For Options < 544

11500E

Cable, coaxial 2.4 mm

  • For Option 544

8120-6164

Adapter, Type-N (m) to 3.5 mm (m)

  • For Options < 544

1250-1743

Adapter, Type-N (m) to 2.4 mm (m)

  • For Option 544

11903A

Adapter, 3.5 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f)

  • Required for Options < 544 when using a 3.5 mm source

83059B

Adapter, 2.4 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f)

  • Required for Options < 544 when using a 2.4 mm source

11901B

Adapter, 3.5 mm (f) to Type-N (m)

  • 8485A adapter

08485-60005

Adapter, 2.4 mm (f) to Type-N (m)

  • 8487A adapter

08487-60001
  1. Refer to the main Required Equipment table for a list of alternative models.

Connection Setups

Power Meter Calibration

Splitter Characterization

Attenuator Slope Utility Setup (RF Input 2)

Attenuator Slope Utility Setup (RF Input)