1
Chapter 1 – General Information
1.1
Scope of the User Guide
This User Guide provides general introduction, installation instructions and operating
information for Mini-Circuits USB & RS232 programmable attenuators (RUDAT series) and USB
& Ethernet programmable attenuators (RCDAT and RC4DAT series)
1.2
Warranty
See Mini-Circuits website
http://www.minicircuits.com/support/ordering.html
for warranty
information.
1.3
Definitions
Note:
A note advises on important information you may need to ensure proper operation of the equipment.
There is no risk to either the equipment or the user.
A caution advises about a condition or procedure which can cause damage to the
equipment (no danger to users).
A warning alerts to a possible risk to the user and steps to avoid it. DO NOT
proceed
until you are sure you understand the warning.
1.4
General Safety Precautions
There are no general safety precautions for using Mini-Circuits programmable attenuators.
1.5
Introduction
Mini-Circuits has developed two series of programmable attenuators, as shown in
Figure 1.3
.
The RUDAT series
,
which can be controlled via standard USB or RS232 ports(some also
support SPI), and the RCDAT series, which can be controlled via standard USB or Ethernet-
TCP/IP(Telnet or HTTP protocols). These programmable attenuators can operate up to 8000
MHz with an attenuation resolution 0.25 dB and up to 13,000 MHz with resolution of 0.5 dB.
Attenuation ranges from 30 to 120 dB are available. These models are plug & play devices
which require no drivers for any of the supported interfaces. With the supplied GUI software, or
most common lab test software, you can remotely set any attenuation level in range almost
instantly. The attenuators are light, compact and can be powered from the USB bus or external
power supply, increasing system flexibility.
Using their Ethernet control the RCDAT models can be controlled from almost any computer, or
even a smartphone with a network connection from anywhere in the world.
Figure 1.3: Mini-Circuits RUDAT-6000-90
CAUTION
WARNING
Page 5 of 31
AN-49-005 Rev.:
D
(August 7, 2016) M156027 (R90553) File: AN-49-005(D).doc
This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits