High-power precision 1 dB step attenuator

A high-power RF step attenuator, comprising:

• a first path having a plurality of attenuator structures provided therein, each attenuator structure being selectively actuated to permit an RF signal to pass therethrough, wherein the first path has a first end, and further including a selectively actuable first path input switch disposed at the first end of the first path to selectively permit the signal to enter the first path;
• a second path disposed in parallel with the first path, the second path permitting the signal to selectively bypass the first path;
• and
• a third path selectively disposed in series with one of the first and second paths and including at least one attenuator structure that is selectively actuated to permit the signal to pass therethrough;
• wherein each of the attenuator structures has an input side and an output side, and wherein each of the attenuator structures further includes
• a first switch disposed on the input side of the attenuator structure, the first switch selectively permitting the signal to enter the attenuator structure;
• a second switch disposed on the output side of the attenuator structure, the second switch selectively permitting the signal to exit the attenuator structure;
• a bypass line that permits the signal to bypass the first and second switches;
• and
• a third switch disposed along the bypass line to selectively permit the signal to pass through the bypass line.

A high-power RF step attenuator, comprising:

• a first path having a plurality of attenuator structures provided therein, each attenuator structure being selectively actuated to permit an RF signal to pass therethrough;
• a second path disposed in parallel with the first path, the second path permitting the signal to selectively bypass the first path;
• and
• a third path selectively disposed in series with one of the first and second paths and including at least one attenuator structure that is selectively actuated to permit the signal to pass therethrough;
• wherein each of the attenuator structures has an input side and an output side, and wherein at least one of the attenuator structures further includes:
• a first switch disposed on the input side of the attenuator structure, the first switch selectively permitting the signal to enter the attenuator structure;
• a second switch disposed on the output side of the attenuator structure, the second switch selectively permitting the signal to exit the attenuator structure;
• a bypass line that permits the signal to bypass the first and second switches;
• and
• a third switch disposed along the bypass line to selectively permit the signal to pass through the bypass line;
• wherein there are a total of n attenuator structures, and wherein a first attenuator structure provides p dB of attenuation to the signal, and further wherein each of a second through nth attenuator structure provides a level of attenuation that is substantially double that of the previous attenuator structure, as measured in dB, such that the nth attenuator structure provides a level of attenuation equal to 2n−1p dB, and further wherein the first attenuator structure and the nth attenuator structure are disposed within the third path.