The **18AS2-63-R** is a high-performance **RF/Microwave Fixed Coaxial Attenuator** manufactured by **Aeroflex / Inmet** (now part of Spectrum Control). It is designed to reduce the power of an electrical signal by a specific amount without significantly distorting its waveform. --- ### ## Technical Specifications The following table outlines the primary electrical and mechanical characteristics of the component: | Parameter | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Manufacturer** | Aeroflex / Inmet | | **Attenuation Value** | 18 dB | | **Frequency Range** | DC to 18 GHz | | **Power Rating** | 2 Watts (Average) | | **Impedance** | 50 Ohms | | **Connector Type** | SMA (Male to Female) | | **VSWR (Max)** | 1.35:1 | | **Operating Temperature** | -65°C to +125°C | --- ### ### Key Internal Components 1. **Resistive Elements:** Uses high-precision thin-film or thick-film resistors on a ceramic substrate (usually Alumina or Beryllium Oxide) to dissipate signal energy as heat. 2. **SMA Connectors:** Stainless steel construction with gold-plated beryllium copper contacts to ensure minimal insertion loss and high durability over many mating cycles. 3. **Housing:** Passivated stainless steel body which acts as a heat sink and provides RF shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI). --- ### ### Common Applications The 18AS2-63-R is typically used in laboratory settings and communication infrastructure for: * **Power Leveling:** Reducing high-power signals to levels compatible with sensitive test equipment like spectrum analyzers. * **Impedance Matching:** Improving the "match" between two mismatched components by reducing reflections. * **Signal Isolation:** Decoupling different stages of an RF circuit to prevent feedback. --- ### ### Ordering Code Breakdown The part number follows a specific nomenclature: * **18:** Indicates the maximum frequency (18 GHz). * **AS:** Series designation (Fixed Attenuator). * **2:** Power rating (2 Watts). * **63:** Likely refers to the specific physical design or connector configuration. * **-R:** RoHS Compliant (Lead-free).