a high accuracy programmable attenuator for accurately selecting and maintaining desired values of attenuation for a high frequency rf signal . the attenuator is comprised of a plurality of cells wherein each cell is comprised of an individual attenuator , a switch and a bias resistor . each bias resistor is comprised of a plurality of individual resistors arranged in a binary sequence and wire bonds are used to short out undesired resistors for compensating for insertion loss and obtaining desired attenuation . the attenuators of the circuit are also arranged in a binary sequence so as to allow the user to select from a large variety of attenuations in small increments .