Bonn BCA Series RF Power Attenuators – DC to 40GHz
Bonn Elektronik BCA coaxial power attenuators from DC to 40GHz, in a range of fixed attenuation values and power ratings, for reducing high RF power to a level instruments can safely measure.
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Overview
A power attenuator reduces RF power by a fixed, known amount while presenting a good 50Ω match in both directions. In a test system it is used to bring an amplifier's output down to a level a spectrum analyser or power sensor can handle, to protect an amplifier input from overdrive, or to improve the match between two components.
Bonn Elektronik's BCA range covers DC to 40GHz in seven frequency ranges. Within each range, variants differ in attenuation value and power rating, shown in the model suffix: BCA 0060-10/200, for example, is a DC–6GHz attenuator with 10dB attenuation rated for 200W.
How to choose
- Frequency range: pick a range that covers your highest test frequency.
- Power rating: rate for the full input power, not the attenuated output.
- Attenuation: choose the value that brings the output to a safe level for the instrument that follows.
- Connectors: check the input and output connectors suit your cabling.
Key Specifications
Example variants from Bonn datasheets (DC–6GHz)
| Variant | Power (CW) | Attenuation | VSWR (max) | Connectors (in / out) | Dimensions (L×W×H) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCA 0060-6/100 | 100W | 6 ±0.8dB | 1.25:1 | N-m / N-f | 101×110×120mm | 1.47kg |
| BCA 0060-10/200 | 200W | 10 ±0.8dB | 1.25:1 | N-m / N-f | 203×110×120mm | 1.47kg |
| BCA 0060-40/100 | 100W | 40 ±1.2dB | 1.25:1 | N-m / N-f | 101×110×120mm | 1.47kg |
Impedance 50Ω nominal; ambient temperature 0 to +45°C.
Standard frequency ranges
| Model | Frequency Range |
|---|---|
| BCA 0025 | DC – 2.4GHz |
| BCA 0030 | DC – 3GHz |
| BCA 0060 | DC – 6GHz |
| BCA 0080 | DC – 8.5GHz |
| BCA 0018 | DC – 18GHz |
| BCA 0026 | DC – 26.5GHz |
| BCA 0040 | DC – 40GHz |
Features
- DC to 40GHz across seven frequency ranges
- Several fixed attenuation values and power ratings per range
- Low VSWR (1.25:1 max on the DC–6GHz models)
- Special frequency ranges, attenuation values and connectors on request
Applications
Reducing amplifier output to measurement level for spectrum analysers and power sensors; protecting amplifier inputs from overdrive; improving match in RF test chains; EMC immunity and RF power measurement setups.