Low Phase-Noise RF and Microwave Signal Analysis to 44.5 GHz
The Anritsu MS2840A combines spectrum analysis and FFT-based signal analysis with excellent close-in phase-noise performance for demanding RF and microwave transmitter measurements.
Four configurations provide frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz, 6 GHz, 26.5 GHz, or 44.5 GHz. The platform supports conventional swept spectrum measurements as well as time- and frequency-domain signal analysis with 31.25 MHz analysis bandwidth standard and optional extension to 62.5 MHz or 125 MHz.
9 kHz to 44.5 GHz
Four frequency configurations cover VHF/UHF, RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave transmitter applications.
-123 dBc/Hz Phase Noise
Specified at a 1 GHz carrier and 10 kHz offset, supporting demanding close-in signal characterization.
31.25 MHz Standard
Signal-analysis bandwidth can be extended to 62.5 MHz or 125 MHz with optional hardware.
Optional functions extend the MS2840A for phase-noise measurement, noise figure measurement, vector and analog modulation analysis, BER testing, integrated signal generation on compatible models, and microwave or radar transmitter evaluation.
Excellent Close-In Phase Noise
The MS2840A is optimized for measurements close to the carrier, with standard SSB phase-noise performance of -123 dBc/Hz at a 1 GHz carrier and 10 kHz offset.
Frequency Coverage to 44.5 GHz
Choose 3.6 GHz, 6 GHz, 26.5 GHz, or 44.5 GHz configurations for applications ranging from VHF/UHF radio through microwave transmitter characterization.
31.25 MHz Standard Analysis Bandwidth
FFT-based signal analysis provides 31.25 MHz bandwidth as standard, with optional extensions to 62.5 MHz and 125 MHz for wider-band signal characterization.
Optional Enhanced Low Phase Noise
The MS2840A-040 and MS2840A-041 support the Low Phase Noise Performance option for enhanced close-in measurements of RF signals up to 3.7 GHz.
Phase Noise Measurement
The optional Phase Noise Measurement Function measures phase-noise characteristics with offset frequencies from 10 Hz to 10 MHz.
Noise Figure Measurement to 44.5 GHz
The optional Noise Figure Measurement Function supports NF evaluation from RF through microwave frequencies, with measurement range determined by the installed frequency configuration.
Built-In Vector Signal Generator Option
The 3.6 GHz and 6 GHz configurations support optional built-in vector signal generation for integrated transmitter and receiver testing.
Microwave and Radar Measurement Options
The 26.5 GHz and 44.5 GHz configurations support microwave preselector bypass, pulse radar measurement, and external mixer configurations for higher-frequency transmitter evaluation.
Close-in phase-noise and transmitter carrier characterization
Microwave wireless backhaul transmitter testing
VHF/UHF private mobile radio and digital radio evaluation
Vector modulation analysis for digital radio, microwave, aerospace, and satellite applications
Analog FM, phase modulation, and AM transmitter measurements
Noise figure measurement of RF and microwave devices
RF and microwave component R&D and manufacturing test
Pulse radar transmitter characterization using MS2840A-044 / -046 configurations
MS2840A Model Comparison
| Specification | MS2840A-040 | MS2840A-041 | MS2840A-044 | MS2840A-046 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz | 9 kHz to 6 GHz | 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz | 9 kHz to 44.5 GHz |
| Standard Analysis Bandwidth | 31.25 MHz | 31.25 MHz | 31.25 MHz | 31.25 MHz |
| Maximum Analysis Bandwidth | 125 MHz, option-dependent | 125 MHz, option-dependent | 125 MHz, option-dependent | 125 MHz, option-dependent |
| Standard SSB Phase Noise | -123 dBc/Hz | -123 dBc/Hz | -123 dBc/Hz | -123 dBc/Hz |
| Phase Noise Condition | 1 GHz carrier, 10 kHz offset | |||
| Low Phase Noise Performance Option | MS2840A-066 | MS2840A-066 | Not available | Not available |
| Built-In Vector Signal Generator | Available | Available | Not available | Not available |
| Vector Signal Generator Options | MS2840A-020: 250 kHz to 3.6 GHz / MS2840A-021: 250 kHz to 6 GHz | — | — | |
| Phase Noise Measurement | MS2840A-010 | MS2840A-010 | MS2840A-010 | MS2840A-010 |
| Noise Figure Measurement | MS2840A-017 | MS2840A-017 | MS2840A-017 | MS2840A-017 |
| Microwave Preselector Bypass | Not available | Not available | MS2840A-067 | MS2840A-067 |
| Pulse Radar Measurement | Not available | Not available | MX284059B | MX284059B |
Configuration Notes
Analysis bandwidth: The MS2840A provides 31.25 MHz analysis bandwidth as standard. MS2840A-077 extends the maximum bandwidth to 62.5 MHz, while MS2840A-078 extends it to 125 MHz and requires the 62.5 MHz option.
Wideband analysis above 31.25 MHz: The 62.5 MHz and 125 MHz modes bypass bandwidth-limiting image-response filters. Anritsu notes that these modes can receive image responses and are not appropriate when signals outside the analysis bandwidth may affect the measurement.
Low Phase Noise Performance: MS2840A-066 is available only for the MS2840A-040 and MS2840A-041. It improves close-in SSB phase-noise performance for RF input signals at 3.7 GHz or below.
Built-in vector signal generator: Vector signal generator options are dedicated to the MS2840A-040 and MS2840A-041. The MS2840A-020 covers 250 kHz to 3.6 GHz, while the MS2840A-021 covers 250 kHz to 6 GHz.
Microwave signal analysis: MS2840A-044 and MS2840A-046 support the MS2840A-067 Microwave Preselector Bypass. This option is required for signal-analyzer measurements above 6 GHz when using analysis bandwidth greater than 31.25 MHz.
Radar measurements: MX284059B Pulse Radar Measurement Function is dedicated to the MS2840A-044 and MS2840A-046 and supports measurements including transmitter power, frequency, pulse timing, bandwidth, spurious emissions, and occupied bandwidth.
