Waveguide attenuator having coaxial probes

Various methods and devices are provided for attenuating RF signals propagating within a waveguide. In particular, a plurality of coaxial probes are incorporated into the waveguide for the purpose of attenuating X-band RF signals. In one embodiment, a 7-bit, 3 dB linear digital attenuator is provided having a waveguide in a racetrack configuration. Coaxial probes in communication with the waveguide are adapted to couple energy to and from a signal traveling within the waveguide. The attenuator can also include switches adapted to reflect coupled energy back into the waveguide or pass the coupled energy to a resistive termination.