[SatNews] With the R&S RSC family, Rohde & Schwarz is launching a unique range of switchable step attenuators.
The product family encompasses the world’s first step attenuator up to 67GHz and a precision model with 0.1dB step size offering excellent accuracy and stability. There are four models of the R&S RSC base unit and two external step attenuators. The base unit is available with or without internal step attenuator. The internal step attenuators come in three versions and can handle signals up to a maximum of 18GHz. The two external step attenuators cover frequencies up to a maximum of 67GHz. Every base unit can control up to four external step attenuators in parallel. The R&S RSC step attenuators allow users to attenuate signal power step by step either manually or by remote control. A typical field of application is the calibration of measuring instruments, especially receiver linearity testing.
The R&S RSC base unit with internal step attenuator is available in three versions. The standard version covers an attenuation range of 139dB with a 1dB step size up to 6GHz. Rohde & Schwarz also offers a precision step attenuator especially for users in aerospace and defense. It covers the frequency range from DC to 6GHz and features a maximum attenuation of 139.9dB and a step size of 0.1dB, which is unique worldwide. The third version handles the frequency range up to 18GHz with a maximum attenuation of 115dB and a step size of5 dB.
Every R&S RSC base unit can control a maximum of four external step attenuators. The instrument family includes two base unit models up to 40GHz and 67GHz, respectively. Both attenuate the signal by a maximum of 75dB at a step size of 5dB. The 67GHz step attenuator from Rohde & Schwarz is the only one in the world for this frequency range. The external step attenuators are configured and controlled via the base unit, a PC with Rohde & Schwarz control program or via an application program.
The R&S RSC family with its 10×106 switching cycles is ideal for use in production, and its lifetime is double that of competitor products. The repeatability of 0.02dB is unrivaled worldwide. To achieve the highest possible measurement accuracy, the frequency response of each step attenuator is measured in the factory and stored in the instrument. At the current operating frequency, an R&S RSC can automatically correct its absolute attenuation by its frequency response, which reduces attenuation uncertainty to a minimum. Test setup components such as cables or high-power attenuators can be included in the displayed overall attenuation. All models are equipped with IEC/IEEE, LAN and USB interfaces. Legacy Rohde & Schwarz attenuators are supported via the compatibility mode of the R&S RSC so that customers do not have to change their control programs.
