Patent · US Active

Step attenuator with constant input capacitance

US9985601B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
8References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 2013
Grant dateMay 29, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 11, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01P1/22
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A step attenuator with constant input capacitance and having good performance is disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus includes a step attenuator having a constant input capacitance for different amounts of attenuation. The step attenuator receives an input signal, provides a variable amount of attenuation for the input signal, and provides an output signal. The step attenuator may include a plurality of attenuator sections coupled in series. Each attenuator section may include a plurality of capacitors and may have the constant input capacitance. At least one of the plurality of attenuator sections may be selected or unselected to obtain a selected amount of attenuation for the step attenuator. An attenuator section may provide a predetermined amount of attenuation or a variable amount of attenuation when selected. The apparatus may further include a power detector that receives and determines the power of the output signal from the step attenuator.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.