E-TA2012 4DB N5

Attenuators

The ETA2012 4DB N5 is an attenuator designed to reduce the audio signal voltage by a fixed amount. It is a useful tool in both professional studios and home theaters. The device is most commonly used to reduce the level of a high-powered signal source, such as an amplifier or signal generator , to a level that can be accommodated by lower-powered components, such as a mixer or amplifier.

The ETA2012 4DB N5 is an active electronic attenuator, meaning it relies on electronic components to reduce the output of a signal. This type of attenuator is far more efficient than passive versions, as it does not rely on the insertion of resistors into the signal path. Instead, it utilizes active components such as field-effect transistors (FETs) and operational amplifiers (op-amps) to reduce the output of a signal without significantly affecting its frequency response.

Design

The ETA2012 4DB N5 consists of two FETs, a five-pole virtual ground network, two op-amps and several other active components. A pair of FETs are used to provide gain control of the signal, while the five-pole virtual ground network provides isolation between the input and output stages. This isolation is essential to reduce the possibility of cross-talk or signal bleed-through between the two stages. An op-amp is used in the input stage to provide a high input impedance, and a second op-amp is used in the output stage to provide a low output impedance. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and helps to reduce distortion and noise.

Operation

The ETA2012 4DB N5 is designed to attenuate a signal by up to 4 dB. The gain reduction is controlled by a knob located on the front panel of the unit. Turning the knob clockwise increases the amount of attenuation applied to the signal. The device is stabilized by an internal voltage regulator to ensure consistent operation regardless of the input voltage. It is also designed with overload protection to prevent damage from high-power signals.

Applications

The ETA2012 4DB N5 is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. It is most commonly used to attenuate high-powered source signals, such as those from amplifiers, signal generators and other high-power devices, to a level acceptable to lower-powered components, such as mixers and PA systems. It can also be used as a limiter, compressing the signal to reduce sound coloration. The device is also suitable for reducing the signal level in broadcast applications and sound recording studios.

Conclusion

The ETA2012 4DB N5 is a versatile and reliable active electronic attenuator designed to reduce the level of a signal while preserving its original frequency response. It utilizes two FETs, a five-pole virtual ground network and two op-amps for a variety of applications, from line-level attenuation to sound recording studios and broadcast applications. With its high input impedance and low output impedance, the device is a useful tool for both professional and home audio applications.