fieldengineer

At millimeter-wave frequencies, small impedance mismatches create big problems. Above 20 GHz, reflection sensitivity increases, connector tolerances tighten, and minor assembly variations can distort measurements. Many Canadian labs working in 5G backhaul, radar research, and satellite validation face this exact issue.

The Hidden Cause: Transition & Power Handling

In high-frequency benches, attenuation isn’t just about dB value. It’s about:

• Return loss stability

• Thermal drift at higher input power

• Connector precision at sub-3 mm interfaces

A 2 W rated component operating near 40 GHz must maintain flat attenuation while minimizing VSWR. Even slight impedance discontinuities can introduce ripple or measurement uncertainty. Fact: At 40 GHz, a 0.1 mismatch shift can significantly affect amplitude accuracy.

Why Engineers Re-evaluate Their Components

Manufacturers like Flexi RF Inc, serving global and Canadian RF industries, focus on tight mechanical tolerances and broadband performance consistency. In mm Wave validation setups, engineers increasingly prioritize repeatability over nominal specs.

Practical takeaway:

• Confirm power derating curves

• Check connector wear cycles

• Validate S-parameters across full bandwidth

If your system requires stable broadband attenuation with predictable thermal behavior, reviewing specifications such as this 2.92mm Attenuator can clarify whether your current setup is truly optimized for 40 GHz operation.