Nine Fives
POE-ATTEN-6G
POE-ATTEN-6G
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The POE-ATTEN-6G is a single-channel, Ethernet-controlled programmable RF attenuator for receiver testing, signal-level sweeps, and automated laboratory benches. It provides 95 dB of programmable attenuation in 0.25 dB steps over a 100 kHz–6 GHz operating range. Use the touchscreen or browser for manual control, then automate the same instrument through its REST API or SCPI.
RF specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating frequency | 100 kHz–6 GHz |
| RF impedance | 50 Ω |
| Attenuation setpoint range | 0–95.25 dB |
| Setpoint resolution | 0.25 dB |
| RF connectors | RF IN and RF OUT; SMA female |
| Insertion loss at 0 dB setpoint, 1 MHz–2 GHz | 4 dB typical; 6 dB maximum |
| Insertion loss at 0 dB setpoint, 2–6 GHz | 6 dB typical; 9 dB maximum |
| RF input power, 1 MHz–6 GHz | +23 dBm CW maximum; any setpoint |
| Power options | IEEE 802.3af PoE or 5 V USB-C |
| Network interfaces | RJ45 Ethernet and Ethernet over USB-C |
| Control interfaces | Touchscreen; browser and REST API (HTTP port 80); SCPI over TCP (5025) or HiSLIP (4880) |
The 0.25 dB step is setpoint resolution, not a statement of attenuation accuracy. Accuracy varies with frequency and attenuation setting. The revision 2.0.0 datasheet characterizes RF performance from 1 MHz; the current operating range extends to 100 kHz. For measurements below 1 MHz or near the top of the attenuation range, discuss your accuracy requirements with Nine Fives.
A 0 dB setpoint still has insertion loss. Account for that loss, cables, and adapters when setting the signal level at the device under test. The datasheet linked in the Documentation section includes frequency-dependent accuracy limits and typical response plots.
Power and connect a standalone instrument
Use an IEEE 802.3af PoE connection for power and Ethernet control, or use USB-C for power and a direct network connection to a computer. A PD8X chassis is not required. A non-PoE Ethernet connection requires a separate power source such as USB-C.
Ethernet uses DHCP by default. If no server responds after 30 seconds, the default fallback address is 192.168.0.95. The USB-C network interface uses 192.168.42.95 and assigns an address to the connected host. These are factory defaults; use your configured address if it has changed. See the connection and network setup guide.
Control from a browser, Python, or SCPI
Manual browser control needs no Nine Fives desktop application. For automation, use HTTP/JSON on port 80, a raw SCPI TCP connection on port 5025, or HiSLIP on port 4880 with a compatible VISA client.
For a first read-only request, replace DEVICE_IP with the instrument's address:
curl --fail --max-time 5 http://DEVICE_IP/api/attenuator
The response reports the current setpoint in dB. The Python attenuation-sweep guide shows how to set, read back, and log a sequence without changing the saved startup value. Full command references: REST and SCPI.
Choose it for the right test
Use this module when you need a single programmable attenuation path with local controls and network automation. It does not measure RF power or calibrate the rest of the signal path. If you need operation above 6 GHz, attenuation beyond 95.25 dB, or guaranteed hardware-triggered timing, review the requirements with us before selecting it.
Compare alternatives in the programmable attenuator selection guide, or plan your measurements with the attenuator characterization guide. For lead time, required accessories, warranty details, or calibration documentation for your order, contact Nine Fives.
Documentation
