Programmable RF Attenuator Systems – 200 MHz to 6 GHz, 0–127 dB: 50BA-065-127 / 50PA-1326-XX | JFW Industries

The programmable RF attenuator systems from JFW Industries provide controlled adjustment of RF signal levels in measurement, development and testing environments. The 50BA-065-127 and 50PA-1326-XX benchtop systems operate from 200 MHz to 6 GHz and offer an attenuation range of 0 to 127 dB in 1 dB steps.

Both systems incorporate electronically adjustable 50-ohm solid-state step attenuators. The 50BA-065-127 features two attenuation paths with manual lever controls, while the 50PA-1326-XX series supports configurations with one to nine attenuation paths and integrated keypad operation. Both models also support remote control via Ethernet or RS-232.

Advantages

• Wide attenuation range: 0 to 127 dB for different RF signal levels.
• Defined attenuation steps: 1 dB increments for repeatable attenuation settings.
• Broad frequency coverage: 200 MHz to 6 GHz.
• Flexible operation: Local front-panel adjustment and remote control via Ethernet or RS-232.
• Multi-channel configurations: Two attenuation paths with the 50BA-065-127 or up to nine with the 50PA-1326-XX.
• Bidirectional RF paths: Attenuators support signal operation in either direction.
• Compact benchtop design: Suitable for laboratory, development and test environments.

Key Features

• Manufacturer: JFW Industries
• Models: 50BA-065-127 and 50PA-1326-XX
• Frequency range: 200–6000 MHz
• Attenuation range: 0–127 dB
• Attenuation step size: 1 dB
• Maximum RF input power: +27 dBm
• Nominal impedance: 50 ohms
• RF connectors: SMA female
• Technology: Solid-state step attenuators
• Remote control: Ethernet and RS-232
• Form factor: Benchtop system

50BA-065-127: Two integrated attenuators with independent manual lever controls and front-panel digital displays indicating the selected attenuation settings. SMA connectors are located on the front panel.

50PA-1326-XX: Configurable with one to nine attenuators. Local operation is performed using an integrated keypad. The system provides menu functions for setting and reading attenuation values, as well as fade and handover operations. SMA connectors are located on the rear panel.

Typical Applications

• RF receiver testing: Evaluating receiver performance at different input signal levels.
• RF and microwave development: Controlled signal-level adjustment during component and system characterization.
• Automated test systems: Remote attenuation control through Ethernet or RS-232 interfaces.
• Multi-channel measurement setups: Independent attenuation adjustment across several RF paths.
• RF signal path characterization: Testing RF components under defined attenuation conditions.

Additional Information

Selection between the two systems primarily depends on the number of required RF signal paths and the preferred local control method.

The 50BA-065-127 is suitable for test setups requiring two attenuation paths with direct manual lever operation. The 50PA-1326-XX provides a scalable alternative with up to nine attenuation paths integrated into a single benchtop system.

Additional selection criteria include attenuation accuracy, insertion loss, impedance matching and external control requirements. These parameters should be verified using the relevant manufacturer documentation.

EMCO Elektronik is the contact for JFW Industries products in Germany and Austria, providing technical support for selecting and integrating suitable RF attenuation systems into measurement and testing applications.

Model Comparison – 50BA-065-127 and 50PA-1326-XX