An attenuator system comprising a variable impedance configured to provide an impedance from among a plurality of impedance states, the variable impedance comprising a first port, a second port, a first transistor comprising first and second channel terminals coupled between the first port and the second port, and a second transistor comprising first and second channel terminals coupled between the first port and the second port, and a control circuit configured to control the variable impedance to a first impedance state of the plurality of impedance states at least in part by providing a first output voltage to a control terminal of the first transistor to turn the first transistor on, wherein the first transistor is configured to operate in an under-driven mode when turned on.