A 1-MHz Binary Inductive Voltage Divider with Ratios 2n to 1 or 6n dB

A voltage divider with ratios of 2n to I or 6n dB is obtained by cascading n binary dividers, each having a voltage ratio of 2 to 1. A theoretical analysis results in an expression for the ratio error. Several techniques are given for reducing this error. A voltage comparator is described for eliminating errors due to external loading of the divider. An experimental cascaded binary divider with a total of 42 dB in seven 6-dB steps is described. The attenuation of the divider was measured with a precision waveguide-below-cutoff attenuator at 1 MHz. The divider and attenuator values agree within the uncertainty of the attenuator and measuring system at 1 MHz.