L-com Introduces New 18GHz Fixed RF Attenuators and RF Loads

L-com, the North Andover, MA-based manufacturer of wired and wireless connectivity products (an Infinite Electronics brand), announced a new series of fixed RF attenuators and RF loads to address myriad applications involving test, production, commercial and military RF communications systems. These new fixed RF attenuators and RF loads are in-stock and available for immediate shipment.

Test and measurement accessories specialist, Cal Test introduced three new unique BNC to banana jack attenuating adapters, bridging oscilloscope functionality with DMM test lead durability. What is unique is that in addition to being fully insulated BNC male to 4 mm sheathed banana jack adapters, they are attenuating adapters providing 1,000V CAT II and 600V CAT III protection. Providing a 1MΩ impedance and accepting 4mm sheathed banana plugs, the adapters allow for work in higher voltages and CAT environments such as electrical panel mains.

In this article for audioXpress, Jonathan Novick explains why the use of external attenuators are an effective and cost-effective way to measure signals above the maximum input voltage of an audio analyzer. Novick explains why there needs to be some consideration of the topologies and different attributes offered by such components for audio noise measurements. He compares the impact different attenuators’ thermal noise will have on measurements of distortion. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2019.