Attenuator 20 dB 10 GHz 50 Ω SMA (m-f)

The Pico TA173 20 dB 10 GHz 50 Ω SMA attenuator is a fixed RF accessory designed to reduce signal amplitude by a controlled 20 dB across a broad frequency range from DC to 10 GHz.

Designed for 50 Ω RF systems, the TA173 can be integrated into high-frequency measurement setups where a known amount of attenuation is required between an RF source, measurement instrument and device under test. Its SMA male-to-female configuration makes it convenient for inline connection with compatible RF cables, instruments and test fixtures.

Pico Technology specifically uses the TA173 on the TDR/TDT drive outputs of the PicoScope 9311. In this application, the attenuator acts as a safety measure to help protect the sensitive input of a PicoScope 9300 Series oscilloscope from potentially damaging voltage pulses.

Broadband RF Performance

The TA173 provides specified attenuation performance across its complete DC to 10 GHz operating range.

Its attenuation deviation is specified as:

• DC to 2 GHz: ±0.2 dB
• 2 GHz to 5 GHz: ±0.3 dB
• 5 GHz to 10 GHz: ±0.5 dB

These published limits help engineers understand the expected variation from the nominal 20 dB attenuation level at different operating frequencies.

Controlled VSWR

Pico specifies the maximum VSWR across three frequency ranges:

• DC to 2 GHz: ≤ 1.1
• 2 GHz to 5 GHz: ≤ 1.25
• 5 GHz to 10 GHz: ≤ 1.35

The frequency-specific VSWR specification is useful when evaluating impedance matching and expected reflections in broadband RF measurement systems.

50 Ω RF System Integration

The TA173 is designed for standard 50 Ω RF measurement environments. It can be used with compatible:

• RF test instruments
• Oscilloscopes
• TDR/TDT measurement systems
• RF cables
• SMA test fixtures
• Signal sources
• Measurement ports
• Devices under test

Using a correctly matched 50 Ω accessory helps maintain consistent impedance throughout the measurement path.

TDR/TDT and Oscilloscope Protection

One of the TA173's specifically documented applications is use with high-speed TDR/TDT measurements.

The attenuator is fitted as standard to the drive outputs of the PicoScope 9311 and provides 20 dB signal attenuation before the signal reaches sensitive measurement circuitry.

This makes the TA173 especially relevant for:

• TDR measurements
• TDT measurements
• Transmission-line testing
• High-speed interconnect analysis
• Signal-integrity testing
• PicoScope 9300 Series measurement setups

Typical Applications

The Pico TA173 can be used for:

• RF and microwave laboratory testing
• RF signal-level reduction
• TDR/TDT measurements
• Signal-integrity analysis
• Broadband RF measurement systems
• Oscilloscope input protection
• High-frequency component evaluation
• RF prototype testing
• Research and development
• Production test configurations
• Test fixture integration
• High-speed interconnect evaluation

SMA Male-to-Female Configuration

The SMA male-to-SMA female format allows the TA173 to be installed inline within compatible RF measurement setups.

This configuration can reduce the need for additional gender-changing adapters when the attenuator is connected between compatible cables, ports or instruments.