SCIENCE

Anritsu Company introduces the MS202xB/MS203xB VNA Master series, the highest-performing handheld RF vector network analyzers (VNAs) in the industry. With frequency coverage from 500 kHz to 4/6 GHz, and featuring multi-instrument functionality in a rugged, lightweight design that can withstand harsh environments, the MS202xB/MS203xB allow field engineers to find faults, optimize mission-critical systems, and maintain more sites while reducing operating and capital equipment expenditures.

VNA Master provides field engineers with a powerful S-parameter measurement tool for on-site installation and maintenance activities, especially two-port transmission measurements such as filter tuning, component test, and phase matching cables. Versatile, the VNA Master is also an all-in-one tool that can replace laboratory grade instruments, such as scalar analyzers, vector voltmeters, power meters and spectrum analyzers, in the field. In fact, the VNA Master is the highest-performing RF handheld tool for filter tuning based on its fast display updates of 850 usec/point and typical dynamic range of 100 dB.

The MS202xB/MS203xB VNA Master series is designed with a 2-port vector network analyzer architecture that provides S11 and S21 measurements that are generally 10 times more accurate than scalar measurement approaches found in other economy handheld tools. For example, the VNA Master can measure filter passband insertion loss (i.e., S21) with better than 0.1 dB precision; a scalar approach is on the order of 1.0 dB precision. This difference is critical when measuring signal separation components, in which loss, flatness, and rejection translate into less site coverage, less compliance with the allocated spectrum, or more vulnerability to interference issues.

The improved dynamic range, coupled with selectable IF Bandwidths between 10 Hz and 100 kHz, offers flexibility to configure S-parameter measurements for maximum display updates or maximum accuracy. Additionally, the VNA Master analyzers have 1 Hz frequency resolution for enhanced measurements of out-of-band filter characteristics. Selection of up to 4001 data points offers hands-free operation when measuring longer cables or verifying filter characteristics. New polar and impedance graphs offer additional flexibility to cable, filter, and antenna readouts.

Spectrum Analysis Capability

The MS203xB VNA Master models add integrated spectrum analysis for on-site verification or trouble-shooting. With frequency coverage of 100 kHz to 4/6 GHz, the instruments can detect everything between small signals and interference sources. Using the standard preamplifier, display average noise level (DANL) is -152 dBm in 10 Hz resolution bandwidth (RBW). Dynamic range is >95 dB in 10 Hz RBW. The phase noise at 1 GHz is -100 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, making the MS203xB well suited for interference sleuthing and rogue signal hunting.

The new platform incorporates eight generations of field-proven design. A new Touch-Screen Display simplifies operation while reducing size and weight. An intuitive menu-driven user interface makes it easy to conduct all measurements. Available applications are optimized for installation and maintenance tasks, including cable and antenna analysis, transmission measurements, phase matching cables, interference hunting and general purpose spectrum analysis.

A variety of measurement options multiply the usefulness of the VNA Master. The MS202xB/MS203xB can be equipped with a vector voltmeter for cable phase matching; distance domain; bias tee for tower mounted amplifier work; GPS for time and location stamping; coverage mapping for wireless signal data acquisition; and an interference analyzer. Ethernet connectivity is also available as an option.

Anritsu designed the MS202xB/MS203xB specifically for field use. A large 8.4” daylight viewable display makes it easy to see results in any environment. New displays include a red night vision mode, a black and white high contrast mode and two full color modes. It takes less than five minutes to warm up, and a field-replaceable battery allows the VNA Master to be used for up to 2.5 hours without having to be recharged.

At less than 10 lbs., VNA Master helps improve field personnel productivity over conventional AC-powered limited-range instruments. With operating temperature range of -10º to + 55º C and MTBF of 10k hours, VNA Master is both rugged and reliable to serve the field engineer where they work, which is mostly in the harsh environments near the remote systems they service.