Resistor Terms:
'A', 'B', 'C', 'D/E', 'F-L', 'M', 'N', 'O', 'P', 'R', 'S', 'T', 'V-Z'
Resistor Attenuator: A resistive network that produces a reduction in amplitude. Common resistor terminators include; 'Pi' Attenuator Pads, 'L' Attenuator Pads, and 'T' Attenuator Pads. Refer below for a schematic for each of the different types of Resistor Attenuators.
Companies that manufacture Chip Attenuators
'Pi' Attenuator Pad, Balanced.
Balanced Resistor PI Schematic
'Pi' Attenuator Pad, Un-Balanced.
Un-Balanced Resistor PI Schematic
Some schematics may show the two grounds points connected together, or they may be shown as separate points. In either case the Surface Mount Device [SMD] may use one lead or may have two separate leads.
'T' Attenuator Pad, Balanced.
Balanced Resistor T Schematic
'T' Attenuator Pad, Un-Balanced.
Un-Balanced Resistor T Schematic
'L' Attenuator Pad, Balanced.
Note that the 'L' Pad Attenuator only requires two resistors. The 'L' Pad Attenuator is a balanced circuit, there is no un-balanced configuration.
L Pad Attenuator
Note that in many cases the style of attenuator may not be provided by the manufacture, just the amount of attenuation [in dB], the impedance value [50 ohms is common], and the configuration [Unbalanced is common].
Select impedance, attenuation, power rating, and frequency range if required.
The package style will normally be Surface Mount Device [SMD], but their dimensions may not be those of standard surface mount resistors. Some higher power attenuators may have a flange to dissipate more heat.
