Enter your target Attenuation (in dB) and Characteristic Impedance to calculate the exact resistor values for your Tee Attenuator circuit — including Series Resistor (R1), Shunt Resistor (R2), and the resulting Input and Output Impedance.
Series Resistor (R1)
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Shunt Resistor (R2)
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Input Impedance
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Output Impedance
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A T-pad attenuator is a three-resistor network that reduces signal amplitude while maintaining impedance matching between input and output ports in RF circuits.
Select attenuation based on your signal level requirements. Common values range from 3dB to 20dB, with higher values providing more signal reduction.
Use 50Ω for most RF applications, 75Ω for video/cable TV systems, or match your specific transmission line impedance requirement.
Use 1% or better tolerance resistors for accurate attenuation and good impedance matching, especially in precision RF applications.
The resistor values are calculated to present the correct impedance at both input and output ports while providing the desired attenuation level.
Minimum attenuation depends on the impedance mismatch ratio. For matched impedances (input = output), very low attenuation is possible with proper resistor selection.
Yes, T-attenuators work for audio frequencies too. Common audio impedances are 50Ω, 75Ω, 600Ω, or other specific values depending on your equipment.
Calculate power dissipation based on your signal levels. The series resistor (R1) typically handles more power than the shunt resistor (R2).