JFW Industries Introduces Programmable RF Attenuators up to 6 GHz

New JFW Industries Programmable RF Attenuators from 200 MHz to 6 GHz

In RF and microwave development, accurate control of signal levels is essential for repeatable measurements and reliable system characterization. Adjustable RF attenuators allow engineers to introduce defined attenuation values and evaluate equipment under different signal conditions.

JFW Industries has expanded its portfolio with two new benchtop RF attenuation systems: the 50BA-065-127, featuring two manually adjustable attenuators, and the 50PA-1326-XX, available with up to nine attenuators and keypad operation.

Both product families operate from 200 MHz to 6 GHz and provide an attenuation range of 0 to 127 dB in 1 dB steps. These characteristics make them suitable for various RF development, testing and system characterization tasks.

Why is Adjustable RF Attenuation Important?

RF attenuators are used in measurement systems to reduce signal levels by defined amounts. This is particularly useful when characterizing a device under test at different input levels or operating a measurement chain under controlled attenuation conditions.

Step-adjustable attenuation allows engineers to examine different signal levels without replacing fixed attenuators for each measurement point.

Typical tasks include:

• Receiver characterization: Evaluating receiver behavior under different RF input signal levels.
• RF system development: Adjusting signal levels within measurement and development environments.
• Signal path characterization: Testing RF components under defined attenuation conditions.
• Multi-channel measurement setups: Providing adjustable attenuation for several RF signal paths.

Technical Specifications of the New JFW Attenuation Systems

Both product families share the same principal electrical specifications. Their main differences concern the number of attenuators and the local control interface.

• Frequency range: 200 MHz to 6 GHz
• Attenuation range: 0 to 127 dB
• Attenuation step size: 1 dB
• Maximum RF input power: +27 dBm
• Nominal impedance: 50 ohms
• RF connectors: SMA female
• Form factor: Benchtop system

The wide adjustable attenuation range enables measurements across substantially different signal levels. The 1 dB step size defines the resolution of the selectable attenuation settings. Attenuation accuracy, insertion loss and impedance matching specifications should be checked separately in the relevant product documentation.

JFW 50BA-065-127: Two Attenuators with Manual Control

The 50BA-065-127 contains two attenuators, with their current attenuation settings displayed directly on the front panel.

Users can increase or decrease the attenuation values step by step using manual levers. This provides direct local adjustment and visual confirmation of the selected settings.

This operating concept is particularly relevant for laboratory and development setups where engineers need to adjust RF attenuation directly during testing.

Key features:

• Two integrated attenuators
• Manual adjustment using levers
• Front-panel display of current attenuation settings
• 0 to 127 dB attenuation in 1 dB steps
• 200 MHz to 6 GHz operating frequency range

JFW 50PA-1326-XX: Up to Nine Attenuators for Multi-Channel Applications

For measurement environments involving several RF signal paths, JFW Industries offers the 50PA-1326-XX series.

Depending on the configuration, the benchtop system can accommodate up to nine attenuators. Attenuation settings are controlled through a front-panel keypad, while the unit's Ethernet address is also displayed on the front panel.

This architecture provides a way to integrate several adjustable attenuators within a common benchtop system.

Key features:

• Configurations with one to nine attenuators
• Local keypad operation
• Front-panel Ethernet address display
• 0 to 127 dB attenuation in 1 dB steps
• 200 MHz to 6 GHz operating frequency range

For integration into automated test systems, the available Ethernet control functions, communication protocols and system integration capabilities should be verified using the detailed manufacturer documentation.

Selection Criteria for RF Laboratories and Test Systems

When selecting between the two JFW product families, the number of required RF signal paths and the preferred local control method are the primary considerations.

The 50BA-065-127 provides two manually adjustable attenuators and is well suited to applications where direct front-panel operation is preferred.

The 50PA-1326-XX, by contrast, allows up to nine attenuators to be accommodated within a single benchtop system, making it particularly relevant for multi-channel measurement environments.

Additional technical considerations include the required RF power handling, operating frequency range, attenuation accuracy, impedance matching and any requirements for external control.

JFW Industries Solutions at EMCO Elektronik

EMCO Elektronik GmbH is the contact for JFW Industries products in Germany and Austria.

With expertise in RF and microwave technology, EMCO supports customers in selecting suitable components and systems for their specific measurement, testing and development requirements.

Whether an application requires two manually controlled RF signal paths or a multi-channel system containing up to nine attenuators, EMCO can assist with the technical evaluation and selection of the appropriate JFW solution.