摘要 |
An AC resistor attenuator with low parasitic capacitance coupling and, thus, a substantially constant attenuation value over a relatively wide frequency range is disclosed. The AC resistor attenuator comprises a first elongate resistor substantially entirely surrounded by a second elongate resistor. The first and second elongate resistors are thermally matched and have a substantially identical resistance profile. The first and second resistors are connected in series. The other ends of the first and second resistors are connected across the source of the signal to be attenuated. The attenuated signal is obtained at the junction between the first and second resistors. Except in the case where fifty percent (50%) attenuation is to be provided, the higher value resistance of the attenuator forms the first resistor and the lower value forms the second resistor. Preferably, the first resistor is a finely distributed thin film resistor on a suitable dielectric substrate; and, the second resistor is formed of two elements, each comprising a finely distributed thin film resistor on a suitable dielectric substrate. The two elements are mounted on opposite sides of the substrate supporting the first resistor. Alternative embodiments include further resistors positioned so as to surround the first and second resistors (and other inner resistors) in the same manner as the second resistor surrounds the first resistor. Regardless of form, the external resistors reduce parasitic capacitive coupling (i.e., coupling to surrounding items) to the inner resistors. As a result, the attenuation value remains the same over a wide frequency range. In addition to being used as a simple AC resistance attenuator, the AC resistor attenuator is also used in feedback and other amplifier systems to provide improved amplifier systems having an amplification value that remains constant over a relatively wide frequency range.
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