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The Agilent 8494G/H, 8495G/H, and 8496G/H are programmable step attenuators offered in six configurations that span DC to 4 GHz (G models) or DC to 18 GHz (H models), with attenuation ranges of 0–11 dB in 1 dB steps (8494), 0–70 dB in 10 dB steps (8495), and 0–110 dB in 10 dB steps (8496). Each instrument in the family is built around solenoid-actuated thru-line and attenuator card sections, providing discrete, repeatable attenuation states under programmable control.
These step attenuators are used wherever precise, repeatable signal level control is required in an RF or microwave signal path — in automated test systems, signal source leveling, receiver sensitivity testing, and any application that benefits from broad attenuation range with calibrated step accuracy. The broad portfolio of attenuation ranges, frequency coverage, and connector options gives system designers configuration flexibility to match the attenuator to the test application.
Agilent Technologies was spun out of Hewlett-Packard in 1999 to carry forward HP's test and measurement business. In 2014, Agilent's electronic measurement division was further separated as Keysight Technologies, which continues to support and produce instruments in this product lineage. Equipment carrying the Agilent brand remains in active service in production test systems and calibration labs worldwide.
The 8494, 8495, and 8496 series is a six-configuration family of programmable step attenuators built on a common solenoid-driven architecture and shared mechanical platform. Within each model number, the G suffix designates the DC to 4 GHz variant and the H suffix designates the DC to 18 GHz variant. The three base model numbers differ in attenuation range and step size: the 8494 covers 0 to 11 dB in 1 dB steps, the 8495 covers 0 to 70 dB in 10 dB steps, and the 8496 covers 0 to 110 dB in 10 dB steps.
Across the family, repeatability (±0.03 dB max), operating life (5 million cycles per section), maximum input power (1 W average / 100 W peak), and the available connector, drive-voltage, and control-interface options are common. Choice between the six configurations is driven primarily by the application's required frequency range, total attenuation range, and step resolution.
Each pre-owned model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing and availability. Select the configuration that matches the frequency range, attenuation range, step size, and connector and interface options required by the test system.
The G versus H decision is set by upper frequency coverage: 4 GHz for G models and 18 GHz for H models. Within each frequency tier, the 8494 provides 1 dB step resolution over an 11 dB range for fine-resolution level control, the 8495 provides 10 dB steps across a 70 dB range, and the 8496 extends the 10 dB step architecture to a 110 dB range for applications requiring deep attenuation.
Insertion loss and SWR also vary across the family. The 8495G has the lowest 0 dB insertion loss at 0.68 dB and lowest SWR at 1.35 in the DC to 4 GHz models. The 8494 and 8496 4 GHz models share 0.96 dB insertion loss and 1.50 SWR. At 18 GHz, the 8495H is specified at 1.66 dB / 1.70 SWR, and the 8494H and 8496H share 2.22 dB / 1.90 SWR.
| Model | Frequency Range | Attenuation Range | Attenuation Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8495G | DC to 4 GHz | 0 to 70 dB | 10 dB |
| 8494G | DC to 4 GHz | 0 to 11 dB | 1 dB |
| 8496G | DC to 4 GHz | 0 to 110 dB | 10 dB |
| 8494H | DC to 18 GHz | 0 to 11 dB | 1 dB |
Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | DC to 4 GHz |
| Attenuation Range | 0 to 70 dB |
| Attenuation Step | 10 dB |
| Insertion Loss (dB) @ 0 dB | 0.68 |
| Maximum SWR | 1.35 |
| Maximum Input Average Power | 1 W |
| Maximum Input Peak Power | 100 W |
| Operating Life | 5 million cycles per section |
| Repeatability | ±0.03 dB max, 5 million cycles per section |
| Attenuation Accuracy, 10 dB selection (DC to 4 GHz) | ±0.2 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy, 20 dB selection (DC to 4 GHz) | ±0.4 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy, 30 dB selection (DC to 4 GHz) | ±0.5 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy, 40 dB selection (DC to 4 GHz) | ±0.7 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy, 50 dB selection (DC to 4 GHz) | ±0.8 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy, 60 dB selection (DC to 4 GHz) | ±1.0 dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy, 70 dB selection (DC to 4 GHz) | ±1.2 dB |
Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.
Model No
Agilent
Condition
Used
Manufacturer
Agilent
Frequency
4 GHz
1
Type N(f) connectors
2
SMA (f) connectors
3
APC-7 connectors
4
3.5 mm Female (8495D /K , 8497K only)
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