Re: Using an attenuator pasive probe with a spectrum analizer
a low frequency solution, like the X10 scope probe, will not work well with a microwave or even high frequency RF signal. I would NOT count on it being a 1/10th voltage divider either, since the spectrum an alyzer is a 50 ohm system, and a scope is typically a 1 Mohm system.
I would put a 20 dB 50 ohm attenuator at the spectrum analyzer input, and then hook a probe in front of the pad. Maybe a 100 pF capacitor in series with a 100 ohm resistor? The series capacitor keeps DC voltage off your spectrum analyzer front end, with on some units can destroy the spectrum analyzer. The series00 ohm resistor keeps from loading down your microwave circuit too much.
another way is to use a small capacitor, like a 1 pF chip ceramic at the end of a SMA sparkpug connector, the capacitor DC blocking AND reducing the RF signal by being a reactance.
Realize that without a 2nd pin to touch the ground plane of the circuit under test, the actual displayed rf power level will be all over the place, and not repeatable.