Attenuators are passive RF components used to reduce the amplitude or power level of RF signals while preserving their frequency characteristics. They are inserted into RF transmission lines to control signal strength, match impedance, and prevent overloading of sensitive components. Attenuators come in various types, including fixed, variable, step, and programmable attenuators, each offering different levels of attenuation and impedance matching capabilities. They find applications in RF test equipment, signal conditioning, power control, and RF communication systems where precise signal attenuation is required.