Impedance
The nominal impedance is specified in ohms and the degree to which it meets this impedance is indicated by its VSWR specifications. KayPENTAX attenuators are available in impedances of 50, 75, and 600 ohms. Attenuator impedance should match the impedance of the system for maximum accuracy.

Frequency Range
The frequency range is the frequency spectrum over which the attenuator will provide the selected loss within the specified accuracy. KayPENTAX attenuators are designed for wideband operation and are generally usable even beyond these frequencies.

Attenuation Range
The attenuation range is the magnitude of the total attenuation, expressed in decibels, that the attenuator is able to provide.

Minimum Steps
Minimum steps are the value of the smallest increment that the attenuator can be adjusted. For example, 1 dB step indicates that the attenuation range can be adjusted in 1 dB increments or steps. Several models offer increments as small as 0.1 dB.

Attenuation Pad Values
Attenuation pad values are the value of each cell or available pad. The total of all pads equal the attenuation range.

Insertion Loss
Insertion loss is the minimum or "built-in" loss of an attenuator set to "O" dB attenuation. Insertion loss must be kept as low and constant as possible over the entire frequency range to assure accurate measurements. The effect of insertion loss is to add additional loss to the nominal attenuation. KayPENTAX attenuators are specifically designed to provide low insertion losses through the use of low loss materials and careful individual tuning.

VSWR (Return Loss)
The VSWR or Voltage Standing Wave Ratio is the ratio between the sum and difference of the incident and the reflection voltage waves. It may be stated as a ratio (VSWR) or in dB (return loss). Poor VSWR characteristics result in inferior attenuation accuracies and also add to the insertion loss. Kay attenuators are designed and tested for low VSWR ratios.

Attenuation Accuracy
Accuracy is the degree to which a selected attenuation pad matches its actual value. Accuracy is usually specified for various frequency bands. It is stated for individual steps and is specified in decibels.

Power Rating
The maximum power (watts) that may be applied to the attenuator for a specified period which will not damage the attenuator.