MIL-DTL-24215 Attenuators, Variable \(Coaxial\), General Specification ForThis specification covers variable continuously and variable in steps attenuators for use as attenuating elements in coaxial lines. These attenuators are used for armed services application in the transmission lines of radar, radio, and associated equipment \(see 6.1\).

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MIL-DTL-24215D

3.4.6 Connectors. The connectors shall be as specified (see 3.1). The material and gauging for

receptacle connectors shall conform to the requirements of the applicable specification.

3.4.6.1 Connector metal parts. Unless otherwise specified, the connectors and the male center contact

pins shall be made of corrosion resisting steel, type 302 or 304 in accordance with SAE-AMS-QQ-S-763,

or type 303 in accordance with ASTM-B783 and ASTM-A582/A582M. The female center contact pins

shall be made of beryllium copper conforming to ASTM-B196/B196M, ASTM-B197/B197M and ASTM-

B194, silver plated in accordance with ASTM-B700.

3.4.7 Flange. Flanges shall be designed and manufactured to provide the mating characteristics of the

flange specified (see 3.1) in accordance with MIL-DTL-3922 or MIL-DTL-24044.

3.4.8 Weight. The weight for attenuators shall be as specified (see 3.1).

3.4.9 Finish. The attenuators shall be given a protective coating in accordance with MIL-DTL-14072.

Unless otherwise specified (see 3.1), all exterior surfaces except flange mating surfaces, connectors,

dials, knobs, and working parts shall be painted with enamel in accordance with MIL-DTL-14072, as

specified (see 3.1).

3.4.9.1 Pure tin. The use of pure tin, as an underplate or final finish, is prohibited both internally and

externally. Tin content of variable attenuator components and solder shall not exceed 97 percent, by

mass. Tin shall be alloyed with a minimum of 3 percent lead, by mass (see 6.6).

3.5 Performance.

3.5.1 Insertion loss. When tested as specified in 4.7.2, the value of attenuation at the minimum

attenuation position, across the operating frequency range, shall be no greater than specified (see 3.1).

3.5.2 Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). When tested as specified in 4.7.2, the VSWR of the

attenuator, at any attenuation position, at the frequencies specified, shall be no greater than specified

(see 3.1).

3.5.3 Dial calibration (when applicable, see 3.1). When tested as specified in 4.7.2, the calibration of

the dial assembly, if included with the attenuator, shall be checked and shall be within the specified limits

(see 3.1).

3.5.4 Frequency sensitivity. When tested as specified in 4.7.2, the total variation in attenuation value

across the operating frequency range shall be no greater than specified (see 3.1).

3.5.5 Attenuation range. When tested as specified in 4.7.2, the attenuation range shall be as specified

and shall be variable as specified (see 3.1).

3.5.6 Temperature coefficient (when required, see 3.1). When tested as specified in 4.7.10, the

temperature coefficient shall be as specified (see 3.1).

3.5.7 Backlash. The variable control mechanism used shall have provisions to eliminate backlash to

the point that the accuracy of the dial calibration is applicable when approaching an attenuation value

from either direction (see 4.7.2).

3.5.8 Power capability. When tested as specified in 4.7.3, at the specified maximum power (see 3.1),

the VSWR and dial calibration requirements shall be met (see 3.5.2 and 3.5.3).