In electrical systems, a network that reduces the amplitude of a signal without appreciably distorting its waveform .
Electrical attenuators are usually passive devices.
The degree of attenuation may be fixed, continuously adjustable, or incrementally adjustable. Fixed attenuators are often called pads, especially in telephony . In optical systems, a device that reduces the amplitude of a signal without appreciably distorting its waveform. Optical attenuators are usually passive devices. The degree of attenuation may be fixed, continuously adjustable, or incrementally adjustable.