Most RF circuits are designed for 50 ohm impedance. This tool calculates resistor values to build an attenuator that matches this value of impedance.
To use this tool, enter the desired value of dB attenuation. Both input and output impedance is set to 50 ohm. It can however be changed to any arbitrary value.
The tool computes resistor values in two different configurations:
- Pi Attenuator
- T Attenuator
Pi Attenuator Calculator
Formula
R1 = Zo [10dB/20 + 1] / [10dB/20 – 1]
R2 = Zo/2 [10dB/10 – 1] / [10dB/20]
where R1 is the shunt resistor (to ground) and R2 is the series resistor.
Zo = 50 Ω
To build this attenuator you will need
- two shunt resistors – one at the input and the other at the output
- one series resistor
T Attenuator Calculator
Formula
R1 = Zo [10dB/20 – 1] / [10dB/20 + 1]
R2 = (2*Zo)*[10dB/20] / [10dB/10 – 1]
where R1 is the series resistor and R2 is the shunt resistor (to ground).
Zo = 50 Ω
To build this attenuator you will need
- two series resistors – one at the input and the other at the output
- one shunt resistor
If the characteristic impedance of the attenuator in a 50 ohm system is not the same, then there will be mismatch loss.