High Speed Programmable Attenuator for RF/Microwave and Wireless Communications Applications

The B+K Precision Corporation Models 6010, 6011, 6112 and 6013 High Speed Programmable Attenuators can operate in an attenuation range of 80dB, with a minimum step size of 0.05dB, switching speed of up to 2us, and cover a wide frequency range of 1.5 to 13.5GHz. Attenuation values can be set manually from the front panel, programmed via the standard GPIB or RS-232 interface, or formed with the included Windows-based software by generating an attenuation profile and transferring it to the instrument’s internal memory. Due to their outstanding performance, flexibility, and ease, the 6010 series are ideal for many applications in the field of wireless communications such as CDMA, GSM, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and RFID.

Applications

• Simulation of handover/handoff scenarios
• Simulation of fading scenarios and path degradation due to obstacles
• Receiver sensitivity test (verification of automatic gain control)

Features include:

• 4 models covering a wide range of frequencies: Model 6010 (1.5 to 4.5GHz), Model 6011 (3.0 to 9.0GHz) Model 6012 ( 4.5 to 13.5GHz) and Model 6013 (1.95 to 5.85GHz) Included PC software for creation of arbitrary attenuation profiles and download to internal program memory
• Program mode operation offers:
    - 128k word built-in program memory
    - Clock frequency of up to 0.5MHz
    - Flexible program execution in FREE, BURST or GATE mode
    - Setting of Pause time in number of clock cycles or absolute time
• 80dB attenuation range
• Minimum step size of 0.05dB
• GPIB/IEEE-488 and RS-232 interfaces standard

The 6010 series offers several ways to generate and output attenuation data. Attenuation levels can be set manually using the front panel keys or by executing a program resident in internal memory. In manual mode, the attenuation level and filter response time can be set by rotary encoder on the front panel. Alternatively, the attenuation level can also be set by sending a remote command via RS-232 or GPIB interface.

In the program mode, attenuation levels are controlled by the attenuation profile resident in program memory. The five parameters: Readout Clock, Program Length, Pause Time, Readout Mode, and Filter Setting control the execution of the attenuation program. Readout of attenuation data is controlled by parameters FREE, BURST and GATE. In FREE run mode, attenuation data (readout period) followed by a Pause Time period is clocked out continuously without the need for external trigger signals. In BURST mode, each rising edge of the trigger signal applied to TRIG IN triggers execution of the program memory. Pause Time does not apply. In GATE mode, one set of the readout period and Pause Time intervals is repeated while the trigger signal is TTL high.The built-in filter is used to reduce switching transients. To set the filter response time appropriately in relationship to the readout clock, a value of ½ to 1/8 of the clock period is recommended.

Wireless communication equipment (e.g. CDMA, GSM, WLAN, Bluetooth) is subject to variations of received signal power due to obstacles and fading effects as the radio waves propagates through space. The Model 6010 can be used to simulate these effects by generating a dynamic transmit power pattern with the included software tool. The Model 6010 comes with Windows® based software that facilitates the quick creation and editing of attenuation profiles and transfer of the attenuation data points via RS-232 interface to the instrument’s internal memory. Parameters Clock, Program Length, Pause Time, Readout Mode, and Filter Response Time are set by the software but can be modified from the front panel after attenuation data has been downloaded.

The Model 6010 allows the user to generate and edit attenuation profiles in many ways, including:

• Enter standard waveform: select one of the standard waveform types: sine, triangle, square, ramp, sin x/x, exponential rise/fall, and DC
• Draw attenuation profiles freehand
• Enter attenuation data point by point and connect with straight line input
• Math operations: edit a waveform by applying one of the following arithmetic operations to an existing waveform: addition, subtraction, clipping, absolute, mirror (reflection about time or attenuation axis), esize, and offset
• Edit waveforms using CUT, COPY, PASTE, and UNDO

A radio wave radiated from a wireless communications device changes while passing through the air. Obstacles and fading effects lead to dynamic variations in received signal power. The high speed programmable Model 6010 is an excellent tool for simulating this signal path degradation. An Application Note prepared by B+K Precision and available free of charge, provides data for the simulation of electronic toll collection system and cellular phone handoff (handover) test , as well as a table offering a direct comparison of the Model 6010 series and  traditional attenuators.

Powered by 90 to 132VAC or 180 to 250VAC, selectable by a switch on the back panel, and measuring a compact 8.11wide by 4.53” high by 14.18” deep, the 6010 series High Speed Programmable Attenuator weights 10 pounds and comes complete with operating manual, power cord, Fuse, RS-232 interface cable, and installation CD for generating attenuation profiles.  The instruments are  priced at $10,950 for Model 6010, $11,950 for Model 6011, $12,950 for Model 6012 and $10,950 for Model 6013quantity one, and is available for immediate delivery.

For the name and location of an authorized distributor near you, contact B&K Precision Corporation, 22820 Savi Ranch Parkway, Yorba Linda, California, 92887, Tel: (714) 921-9095, Fax: (714) 921-6422 or visit our Web site at www.bkprecision.com .

For additional information contact Jorg Hesser at (714) 921-9095, e-mail: jhesser@bkprecision.com or Matthew Stein at (951) 850-1521 e-mail: mstein812@verizon.net (Agency Contact). 

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