Abstract: An attenuator for IF and RF electrical signals is disclosed comprising a digital mapping means which transforms a digital control word representing the amount of attenuation desired to a current gain control word and a voltage gain control word. The current gain control word causes a current gain means to impart a specific current through a control diode. A first voltage follower is used to measure the voltage imparted across the control diode. The voltage gain control word causes a voltage gain means to output a specific voltage to a summer which combines the specific voltage with the output voltage of the first voltage follower. The summed voltages are taken by a second voltage follower to the cathode of an attenuating diode, whose anode is connected to the signal to be attenuated.