RF attenuation

A tutorial review of RF attenuation measurement methods and standards is presented. Accepted and proposed definitions and attenuator models are discussed. Commonly used standards operating from dc through most waveguide bands are compared with the "ideal" interlaboratory standard. Characteristics of fixed resistive, waveguide below-cutoff, and rotary-vane standards are included. Measurement methods are classified and described, including comments concerning convenience and accuracy of various methods, and references are given which cover most of the basic important research in the field.