This document provides instructions for an experiment to study fixed and variable microwave attenuators. The objective is to measure the input VSWR, insertion loss, and frequency sensitivity of attenuators. The procedure involves setting up microwave test equipment including a source, isolator, frequency meter, and VSWR meter. Both fixed and variable attenuators are tested by measuring the power detected by a load with and without the attenuator inserted, and calculating attenuation in decibels. For variable attenuators, the attenuation is measured at different positions of the micrometer control to characterize its behavior.
This document provides instructions for an experiment to study fixed and variable microwave attenuators. The objective is to measure the input VSWR, insertion loss, and frequency sensitivity of attenuators. The procedure involves setting up microwave test equipment including a source, isolator, frequency meter, and VSWR meter. Both fixed and variable attenuators are tested by measuring the power detected by a load with and without the attenuator inserted, and calculating attenuation in decibels. For variable attenuators, the attenuation is measured at different positions of the micrometer control to characterize its behavior.
This document provides instructions for an experiment to study fixed and variable microwave attenuators. The objective is to measure the input VSWR, insertion loss, and frequency sensitivity of attenuators. The procedure involves setting up microwave test equipment including a source, isolator, frequency meter, and VSWR meter. Both fixed and variable attenuators are tested by measuring the power detected by a load with and without the attenuator inserted, and calculating attenuation in decibels. For variable attenuators, the attenuation is measured at different positions of the micrometer control to characterize its behavior.
Radharaman Institutes of Research & Technology Bhopal
Department of Electronics and Communication
Experiment No.6
Objective: - To study attenuator fixed and variable type.
Equipment :- Microwave Source(Klystron or Gunn Diode), Isolator,
Frequency Meter, Variable Attenuator, Slotted Line, Tunable Probe, Detector Mount Matched Termination, Wave guide stand , Cables and Accessories, VSWR meter, Test attenuators fixed and variable.
Theory: - The attenuator is a bidirectional device which attenuates some
power when inserted into the transmission line. Attenuation A (dB) = 10log P1 P2 Where P1 is power detected by load without attenuator in line P2 = power detected by load with attenuator in line. The attenuators consist of a resistive vane inside the waveguide to absorb microwave power according to its position w.r.t side wall of the waveguide .As electric field is max at center in TE 10 mode, the attenuation will be maximum if the vane is placed at center towards the side wall, attenuation decreases .In the fixed attenuator the vane position is fixed whereas in variable attenuator its position can be changed by micrometer. Following characteristics of attenuators can be studied: 1. Input VSWR. 2. Insertion Loss (in case of variable attenuator. 3. Frequency Sensitivity
Procedure A. Input VSWR Measurement
1. Set up the equipment as shown in fig
2. Energize the Microwave source for particular frequency source for particular frequency of operation as described in the procedures given in the operation of klystron tube/Gunn Oscillator. 3. Follow the procedure as described for VSWR measurement (low and medium SWR measurement). 4. Repeat the same for other frequency.
B.Insertion loss, Attenuation Measurement
1. Remove the tunable probe, attenuator and matched termination from slotted section in the above setup. 2. Connect the detector mount also for maximum deflection on VSWR meter(detector mount output should be connected to VSWR meter) 3. Set any reference level on VSWR meter with the help of variable attenuator and gain control knob of VSWR meter. Let it be P 2 .Then the insertion loss of test attenuator will be P1-P2 db. 4. Carefully disconnect the detector mount from the slotted line with out disturbing any position on the setup .Place the test variable attenuator. Keep micrometer reading of text variable attenuator to zero and record reading of VSWR meter .Let it be P2 then The insertion loss test attenuator will be P1-P2 db.
5. For measurement of attenuation of fixed and variable attenuator.
Place the test variable attenuator and record the reading. 6. In case of variable attenuator change micrometer reading and record VSWR meter reading. Find out attenuation value for different position of micrometer reading and plot a graph.