Which term refers to a network of resistors used to reduce voltage, current, or power delivered to a load?

• A. Attenuator
• B. Amplifier
• C. Amplitude
• D. Arc

Answer: (A)

Attenuation is about reducing signal strength using a passive network of resistors that dissipates energy as heat. An attenuator provides a defined reduction in voltage (and the current or power delivered to the load) while usually matching the source and load impedances to avoid reflections. It can be fixed or adjustable (pads) and is commonly implemented as a ladder, pi, or T network. This makes it the appropriate term for a network of resistors designed to lower the signal rather than increase it. An amplifier increases signal; amplitude is a measure of signal level; arc refers to an electrical discharge and is unrelated to a resistor network used to lower levels.