Enter the characteristic impedance and desired attenuation level into the calculator to determine the resistances of the Tee Attenuator.

Tee Attenuator Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the values for a Tee Attenuator.

R1 = Z0 * ((10^(L/20)) – 1) / ((10^(L/20)) + 1)R2 = Z0 * 2 * (10^(L/20)) / ((10^(L/20))^2 – 1)R3 = Z0

Variables:

  • R1, R2, R3 are the resistances of the Tee Attenuator (Ohms)
  • Z0 is the characteristic impedance (Ohms)
  • L is the desired attenuation level (dB)

To calculate the resistances for a Tee Attenuator, first calculate R1 by multiplying the characteristic impedance by the difference between the 10 raised to the power of the desired attenuation level divided by 20 and 1, then divide this by the sum of the 10 raised to the power of the desired attenuation level divided by 20 and 1. Next, calculate R2 by multiplying the characteristic impedance by 2 and the 10 raised to the power of the desired attenuation level divided by 20, then divide this by the difference between the square of the 10 raised to the power of the desired attenuation level divided by 20 and 1. Finally, R3 is equal to the characteristic impedance.

What is a Tee Attenuator?

A Tee Attenuator is a type of passive electronic device that reduces the power of a signal without distorting its waveform. It is designed in the shape of the letter “T” and consists of three resistors. The main purpose of a Tee Attenuator is to lower the amplitude of an electronic signal, either for safety reasons or to match the input impedance of the devices to which the signal is sent. It is commonly used in radio, television, and audio systems.

How to Calculate Tee Attenuator?

The following steps outline how to calculate the resistances of a Tee Attenuator using the given formula:

  1. First, determine the characteristic impedance (Z0) in Ohms.
  2. Next, determine the desired attenuation level (L) in dB.
  3. Using the formula R1 = Z0 * ((10^(L/20)) – 1) / ((10^(L/20)) + 1), calculate the resistance R1.
  4. Using the formula R2 = Z0 * 2 * (10^(L/20)) / ((10^(L/20))^2 – 1), calculate the resistance R2.
  5. Set R3 equal to Z0, as it is the same as the characteristic impedance.
  6. After inserting the values of Z0 and L into the formulas, calculate the resistances R1, R2, and R3.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge:

Characteristic impedance (Z0) = 50 Ohms

Desired attenuation level (L) = 10 dB