Distributed 2-Port VNA Measurements with PhaseLync
The Anritsu ShockLine ME7868A and ME7869A move the VNA measurement ports closer to the device under test, enabling vector-corrected 2-port S-parameter measurements across distances that are difficult to address with conventional benchtop VNA test-port cabling.
Each system combines two compact ShockLine MS46131A 1-port vector network analyzers and synchronizes them using Anritsu PhaseLync technology. Instead of routing long RF test cables from a centralized VNA chassis to a distant DUT, the MS46131A modules can be positioned directly at or near the measurement points. This architecture reduces the insertion loss and phase instability associated with long RF cable runs while preserving magnitude and phase measurements.
1 MHz to 43.5 GHz
8 GHz, 20 GHz, and 43.5 GHz system configurations
Fully Reversing 2-Port
Full reflection and transmission S-parameter measurements
Two MS46131A VNAs
Distributed measurement ports located close to the DUT
Up to 100 m
Configurable PhaseLync synchronization with ME7869A
The ME7868A uses predefined system-length configurations, while the ME7869A introduces a more flexible long-distance architecture using the MN25132A PhaseLync control module and selectable synchronization distances. The platform is designed for applications such as antenna ranges, OTA chambers, large-vehicle measurements, long cable characterization, and other installations where the two VNA measurement ports must be separated by substantial physical distance.
Distributed VNA Architecture
Two compact MS46131A 1-port VNAs operate as distributed measurement ports, allowing the RF ports to be positioned directly at or close to the DUT instead of relying on long RF cables from a centralized analyzer.
PhaseLync Synchronization
Anritsu PhaseLync technology maintains phase synchronization between the two distributed VNA modules, enabling magnitude and phase measurements over physically separated test locations.
Fully Reversing 2-Port Measurements
The synchronized MS46131A modules form a fully reversing 2-port VNA for reflection and transmission measurements including S11, S21, S12, and S22.
8 GHz, 20 GHz, or 43.5 GHz
Both ME7868A and ME7869A are available with upper frequency limits of 8 GHz, 20 GHz, or 43.5 GHz, with measurement coverage starting at 1 MHz.
Long-Distance Measurements
ME7869A supports PhaseLync synchronization configurations of up to 20 meters, 50 meters, or 100 meters, enabling measurement ports to be deployed around large DUTs, antenna ranges, and test facilities.
Simplified ME7869A System Control
The ME7869A uses the MN25132A control module as the interface between the external PC and the two MS46131A VNAs. The module also supplies power to the remote VNA heads, reducing separate cabling and power-supply requirements.
Configurable VNA Port Use
The distributed hardware can be configured session by session as a single 2-port VNA, two independent 1-port VNAs, or a single 1-port VNA to maximize use of the modular hardware.
Optional Time Domain with Time Gating
Time Domain with Time Gating is available through MS46131A Option 002 and must be configured on each MS46131A used in the 2-port system.
No Onboard Measurement Data Storage
Measurement control and processing are performed through an external computer, while the VNA modules do not retain user measurement data, supporting use in controlled or secure test environments.
Long-distance S-parameter measurements
Long cable insertion loss measurements
Antenna characterization
Outdoor antenna test ranges
Over-the-air (OTA) chamber measurements
Large vehicle cable characterization
Large vehicle RF shielding and propagation measurements
Aerospace and satellite antenna measurements
System calibration and path-loss characterization
General reflection and transmission S-parameter measurements
Material reflection and transmission measurements
Secure-area VNA measurements using external PC control
ME7868A / ME7869A Model Comparison
| Specification | ME7868A | ME7869A |
|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle Status | Current | Current |
| Analyzer Type | Distributed modular 2-port VNA | Distributed modular 2-port VNA |
| VNA Architecture | Two MS46131A 1-port VNAs synchronized with PhaseLync | Two MS46131A 1-port VNAs synchronized with PhaseLync |
| 2-Port Operation | Fully reversing | Fully reversing |
| Frequency Range |
1 MHz to 8 GHz 1 MHz to 20 GHz 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz |
1 MHz to 8 GHz 1 MHz to 20 GHz 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz |
| Frequency Models |
ME7868A-010 ME7868A-020 ME7868A-043 |
ME7869A-010 ME7869A-020 ME7869A-043 |
| S-Parameter Measurements | S11, S21, S12, S22 | S11, S21, S12, S22 |
| Standard Distance Configuration |
2 m 5 m 25 m |
Up to 20 m Up to 50 m Up to 100 m |
| PhaseLync Distance Selection | Integrated into predefined ME7868A system-length configurations |
MS46131A-025: up to 20 m MS46131A-050: up to 50 m MS46131A-100: up to 100 m |
| ME7869A PhaseLync Cable Sets | Not applicable to standard ME7868A ordering structure |
2 m / 5 m / 10 m / 25 m / 50 m / 75 m cable sets available; two cable sets required and their combined length must remain within the selected PhaseLync synchronization option |
| Control | External Windows PC with ShockLine software / USB-controlled VNA modules | External Windows PC with ShockLine software and MN25132A control module |
| Remote-Head Power / Control | ME7868A distributed system architecture | MN25132A combines control and power distribution to the MS46131A modules |
| Port Configuration |
Single 1-port Dual independent 1-port Single fully reversing 2-port |
Single 1-port Dual independent 1-port Single fully reversing 2-port |
| Time Domain with Time Gating | MS46131A Option 002 required on each VNA | MS46131A Option 002 required on each VNA |
| Calibration Hardware | Supports Anritsu mechanical calibration kits and automatic SmartCal / AutoCal solutions | Supports Anritsu mechanical calibration kits and automatic SmartCal / AutoCal solutions |
| PC-Based Operation | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard Measurement Data Storage | No | No |
| 43.5 GHz Technology | Extended-K components | Extended-K components |
Distributed PhaseLync Architecture
| Conventional Approach | A conventional 2-port benchtop VNA keeps both measurement ports in the analyzer chassis. Measuring a physically distant DUT therefore requires long RF test-port cables between the VNA and the DUT. |
|---|---|
| Distributed ME786xA Approach | The ME7868A / ME7869A distributes two compact MS46131A VNA modules to the measurement locations so the RF ports can be positioned directly at or near the DUT. |
| PhaseLync | PhaseLync synchronizes the two separated MS46131A modules so they operate as a fully reversing 2-port VNA while maintaining vector magnitude and phase measurement capability. |
| Measurement Benefit | Removing long RF test-port cable runs reduces cable insertion loss and the phase and magnitude instability associated with long coaxial connections, particularly in physically large measurement systems. |
| Typical Use Case | Antenna ranges, OTA chambers, large vehicles, long RF cable systems, path-loss characterization, and other applications where the two measurement locations cannot conveniently be positioned near a conventional VNA chassis. |
