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Fixed Attenuator Pad (Pi / T)

Precision resistive attenuation pad for dynamic range leveling and VSWR buffering.

Fixed Attenuator Pad (Pi / T) — Photorealistic 3D PCB Hardware Render
NIKOLARF
Insertion Loss
Calibrated -3.0 dB, -6.0 dB, -10.0 dB, or -20.0 dB (±0.15 dB)
Isolation / Return Loss
> 25 dB Return Loss (VSWR < 1.12:1)
Bandwidth
DC to 40 GHz broadband
Power Rating
1W to 50W (Determined by thin-film substrate thermal conductivity)

Device Topology & Electromagnetic Behavior

A symmetrical resistive network in Pi (Π) or Tee (T) configuration that drops RF amplitude by a calibrated value (3 dB, 6 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB) while maintaining exact 50 Ω port match in both directions. Acts as a vital isolation buffer between mismatched stages.

ANALYTICAL FORMULATIONS & S-MATRIX MAPPING
K = 10^Atten_dB / 20, R₁ = Z₀ ≤ft((K-1) / (K+1)), R₂ = Z₀ ≤ft((2K) / (K² - 1))
• Resistor synthesis equations for symmetrical Tee-pad attenuator.
Pi-Pad: R_P = Z₀ ≤ft((K+1) / (K-1)), R_S = (Z₀) / (2) ≤ft((K² - 1) / (K))
• Shunt and series resistance values for Pi-pad network.
Recommended Substrate Stackup

Rogers RT/duroid® 6035HTC (High thermal conductivity: 1.44 W/mK) for superior heat dissipation.

Nikola RF Fabrication Directives
  • Low-inductance thermal via arrays under shunt resistors to chassis ground.
  • Tightly controlled thin-film tantalum nitride or nichrome resistor deposition.
Full-Lifecycle Engineering Services

Design, 3D EM Simulation & Handoff for Fixed Attenuator Pad (Pi / T)

We provide turnkey synthesis, multi-frequency full-wave simulation, and fabrication-ready packaging for the Fixed Attenuator Pad (Pi / T).

1. 3D Full-Wave FEM Modeling

Complete Ansys HFSS 3D CAD modeling with true edge-launch SMA or SMP connectors, via fence stitching, and adaptive mesh refinement down to ΔS < 0.007.

2. Sensitivity & Tolerance Sweeps

Monte Carlo statistical analysis over copper etching tolerances (±15 µm) and substrate permittivity variations to guarantee first-pass high-yield manufacturing.

3. Manufacturing Handoff

Delivery of verified simulation models, parameterized layout geometries, and photolithography-compliant Gerber RS-274X fabrication packages.

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Submit your operational frequency, bandwidth, power handling, and target substrate stackup. Our electromagnetic engineers will deliver a verified feasibility audit within 48 hours.

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Computational Electromagnetics • Microwave Co-Design • Strict Engineering Confidentiality