Agilent TC721 Attenuator Attenuation Control - Technical Overview 5991-3555EN c20141014 [7] free download

File name TC721 Attenuator_ Attenuation Control - Technical Overview 5991-3555EN c20141014 [7].pdf

Keysight Technologies TC721 Attenuator: Attenuation Control Technical Overview Introduction The TC721 is a voltage variable attenuator that operates from DC to 50 GHz. This application note highlights the advantages of the TC721 topology versus those of more traditional attenuators and explains the function of the DC reference circuit located on the TC721 chip. An example of a driver circuit for the attenuator is presented. Advantages and disadvantages of the given driver circuit are also discussed. 2.0 Topology A schematic drawing of the TC721 attenuator is shown in Figure 1. Traditional GaAs FET attenuators are based upon the standard resistive T