Rotary RF Attenuators | SMA, N, BNC & F | 50 Ohm & 75 Ohm, Up to 18 GHz
Rotary RF Attenuators for Precise, Repeatable Signal Control Across RF Test and System Applications
Bracke Manufacturing offers a versatile selection of rotary RF attenuators designed for precise signal control in laboratory, test and measurement, broadcast, and system integration environments. These bench-mounted attenuators provide repeatable, accurate attenuation with smooth rotary adjustment across a wide range of step resolutions, including 0.1 dB, 1 dB, and 10 dB increments.
Available in SMA, N, BNC, and F interfaces, with both 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm impedance options, these attenuators support frequency ranges from DC up to 18 GHz, depending on the model. Configurations include single-stage, double-stage, and triple-stage designs, allowing for both coarse and fine attenuation control to meet a wide range of RF and microwave testing requirements. Select a category below to explore available models, detailed specifications, and pricing.
Bracke’s SMA rotary attenuators are engineered for high-frequency applications, supporting performance up to 18 GHz. These 50 Ohm attenuators are ideal for precision RF testing, offering fine attenuation control with 0.1 dB, 1 dB, and 10 dB step options.
Available in single-stage bench-mounted designs, these models provide attenuation ranges from low-level adjustment (0–1 dB) up to high dynamic range (0–99 dB). With consistent impedance matching and low VSWR characteristics, SMA attenuators are well-suited for high-frequency signal conditioning, calibration setups, and laboratory environments.
The N-type rotary attenuators provide robust performance for RF systems requiring reliable connections and stable attenuation supporting performance up to 6 GHz, with models available from DC to 6 GHz depending on configuration. These 50 Ohm attenuators are commonly used in test setups, communications systems, and field applications.
Models are available with fine (.1 dB) and standard (1 dB, 10 dB) step resolutions, supporting attenuation ranges up to 70 dB. Built for durability and repeatable performance, N attenuators are ideal for applications where mechanical reliability and consistent electrical performance are critical.
Bracke’s BNC rotary attenuators offer flexible solutions for lower-frequency RF and signal testing applications, with frequency coverage up to 2 GHz, 1 GHz, and 500 MHz, depending on the model. Available in both 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm versions, these attenuators support a wide range of broadcast, instrumentation, and general RF applications.
This category includes single-stage, double-stage, and triple-stage designs, enabling both coarse and ultra-fine attenuation control, with step sizes of 0.1 dB, 1 dB, and 10 dB. With attenuation ranges reaching up to 110 dB, BNC attenuators provide excellent flexibility for signal adjustment, calibration, and troubleshooting tasks.
The F-type rotary attenuators are designed specifically for 75 Ohm systems, supporting applications such as video, broadcast, and CATV signal control. With frequency coverage up to 1 GHz, these attenuators provide precise signal adjustment in low-frequency RF environments.
Featuring 1 dB step resolution and attenuation ranges up to 10 dB, these compact, bench-mounted units deliver reliable performance for signal balancing, testing, and system calibration in 75 Ohm networks.
Why Rotary Attenuators from Bracke Manufacturing
Bracke Manufacturing’s rotary attenuators are designed to deliver accurate, repeatable signal control across a wide range of RF and microwave applications. With multiple connector options, impedance configurations, and attenuation ranges available, these attenuators provide the flexibility needed for both precision laboratory testing and practical system integration.
Most models are in stock and available for quick shipment, ensuring minimal downtime for your projects. For unique requirements, Bracke also offers custom RF solutions tailored to your specific application.
When you choose Bracke Manufacturing, you’re partnering with a trusted leader in precision RF and microwave connectivity. Guided by industry veteran Lawrence Pasternack, Bracke delivers expertly engineered products that combine precision, reliability, and performance for demanding test and measurement environments.
Beyond rotary attenuators, Bracke Manufacturing offers a comprehensive portfolio of RF and microwave components—including precision cable assemblies, bias tees, detectors, couplers, limiters, waveguide-to-coax adapters and more. Whether you require low-frequency terminations, high-power RF loads, or precision calibration terminations, Bracke provides high-performance, in-stock solutions as well as custom designs available in as little as five weeks.
Explore More High-Performance RF Components
Discover Bracke’s full range of RF and microwave solutions designed for laboratory, production, and field applications. Explore our complete product lineup to find the right components for RF testing, impedance matching, system integration, and performance-critical applications.
RF Attenuators – Questions & Answers
What is a rotary RF attenuator?
A rotary RF attenuator is a variable attenuator that allows users to manually adjust signal levels using a rotating dial. It provides precise, repeatable attenuation in defined step increments, making it ideal for test and measurement, calibration, and signal conditioning applications.
What frequency ranges do Bracke’s rotary attenuators support?
Bracke Manufacturing’s rotary attenuators support frequency ranges from DC up to 18 GHz, depending on the connector type and model. SMA models typically offer the highest frequency performance, while BNC and F-type models are designed for lower-frequency applications.
What connector types are available?
Our rotary attenuators are available with SMA, N-Type, BNC, and F-type connectors, allowing compatibility with a wide range of RF and microwave systems, including laboratory equipment, broadcast systems, and communication setups.
What impedance options are offered?
Bracke offers rotary attenuators in both 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm configurations.
- 50 Ohm models are commonly used in RF and microwave systems.
- 75 Ohm models are typically used in broadcast, video, and CATV applications.
What attenuation step sizes are available?
These attenuators are available with multiple step resolutions, including:
- 0.1 dB steps for fine signal tuning
- 1 dB steps for standard adjustment
- 10 dB steps for coarse attenuation
This range of options allows for both high-precision calibration and broader signal level control.
What is the difference between single-stage, double-stage, and triple-stage attenuators?
- Single-stage attenuators provide one range of attenuation (e.g., 0–10 dB or 0–60 dB).
- Double-stage attenuators combine two attenuation sections for expanded range and flexibility.
- Triple-stage attenuators offer even finer control and wider dynamic range, ideal for high-precision applications.
What are rotary attenuators typically used for?
Rotary RF attenuators are commonly used in:
- Test and measurement setups
- Signal calibration and system verification
- Broadcast and communication systems
- RF system integration and troubleshooting
They are especially useful where manual, repeatable signal adjustment is required.
Are these attenuators suitable for high-frequency applications?
Yes. Models with SMA connectors support frequencies up to 18 GHz, making them suitable for high-frequency RF and microwave applications requiring stable and accurate attenuation.
Are Bracke’s rotary attenuators in stock?
Most standard rotary attenuator models are in stock and available for quick shipment, helping reduce lead times and keep projects on schedule.
Can I find related RF components from Bracke?
Yes. In addition to rotary attenuators, Bracke Manufacturing offers a wide range of RF and microwave components, including fixed attenuators, adapters, cable assemblies, connectors, and terminations—all designed for reliable, high-performance operation.
For more information, call (949) 756-1600 or email sales@brackemfg.com. Request our free catalog or contact us for technical support and custom RF solutions.
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