There is a need for fixed attenuators and variable attenuators in just about every phase of RF systems testing. Attenuators at frequencies below 1GHz tend to be a somewhat non-inductive load using well qualified resistors, switches and connectors. Above 1GHz the inductive components become far more critical. Attenuators become far more complicated to manage network losses, reactances and phase delay. Fixed attenuators tend to be found in power reduction such as local oscillator injection, amplifier inputs, and defined branch applications. Variable attenuators tend to be found in measurement applications such as the input to analyzers and output of signal generators.