Anritsu MS20xxC series of handheld vector network analyzers up to 20 GHz

Brief description of the series

In any field of activity, the Grand Master implies the highest level of knowledge, experience, achievement and recognition. The Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master series truly delivers on all these qualities in the field of vector network analysis. The MS20xxC VNA Master provides excellent performance in a portable design for accurate two-port measurements up to 20 GHz in both directions. The three models of the MS203xC series, in addition to the VNA, contain professional spectrum analyzer with excellent sensitivity and low noise.

The VNA Master Series allows you to perform sophisticated field measurements on high-frequency cables, waveguides, and antennas, providing accurate vector-corrected amplitude, phase, time-domain, and distance-to-fault measurements. A full description of the characteristics of the Anritsu MS20xxC series analyzers can be downloaded below on this page in the Documentation section.

All models of the series

The Anritsu MS20xxC series consists of six models, which are presented in this interactive table. To see all the characteristics of certain models, add them to the comparison.

Main features of the series

Frequency: 5 kHz – 6 GHz (model MS2026C).
Frequency: 5 kHz – 15 GHz (model MS2027C).
Frequency: 5 kHz – 20 GHz (model MS2028C).
Frequency: 5 kHz – 6 GHz, plus spectrum analyzer 9 kHz – 9 GHz (model MS2036C).
Frequency: 5 kHz – 15 GHz, plus spectrum analyzer 9 kHz – 15 GHz (model MS2037C).
Frequency: 5 kHz – 20 GHz, plus spectrum analyzer 9 kHz – 20 GHz (model MS2038C).
Characteristics of the vector network analyzer:
Number of ports of the vector network analyzer: 2.
Measured parameters: S11, S21, S22, S12.
Measurement speed: 350 µs per point. Resolution: up to 4,001 dots.
Dynamic range: more than 100 dB. Source power: +3 dBm, -3 dBm, -15 dBm or -25 dBm.
Parameters of directivity, matching in the source and matching in the load: up to 42 dB.
Calibration: manual (using calibration loads).
Spectrum Analyzer Specifications: RBW (1 Hz – 10 MHz), amplitude (up to +30 dBm), noise (up to -161 dBm).
Battery life from built-in battery: 3 hours.
Weight of models MS2026C, MS2027C and MS2028C: 4.5 kg. Dimensions: 211 x 315 x 78 mm.
Weight of models MS2036C, MS2037C and MS2038C: 4.8 kg. Dimensions: 211 x 315 x 97 mm.
Screen 21.3 cm (800 x 600). Interfaces: USB, Ethernet. Working temperature: from -10°С to +55°С.

In addition, Anritsu releases a cheaper series of handheld vector network analyzers: Anritsu MS20xxB VNA Master. This series is simpler (only measures parameters S11 and S21) and also slower (850 µs per point). Due to this, MS20xxB is slightly smaller, lighter and cheaper.

Need a vector analyzer cheaper? Watch the series Anritsu MS20xxB VNA Master.
Need portable analyzer of AFU, waveguides, cables and antennas? Watch the series Anritsu S820E.
Need compact laboratory vector parser? Watch the series Anritsu MS46122A.
Need powerful stationary vector network analyzer? Watch the series Anritsu MS4640B VectorStar.
Want to see the full list? Main page by vector analysis of electrical networks.

Video review of the Anritsu MS20xxC series

This video review shows the Anritsu MS2037C VNA Master Series handheld analyzer, which combines a two-port vector network analyzer up to 15 GHz and a full-fledged spectrum analyzer up to 15 GHz in one housing. You will get acquainted with the capabilities of this device and see examples of real measurements. This video also tells about other devices of the VNA Master series.

Measurement modes

Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master portable analyzers may only contain vector network analyzer (models: MS2026C, MS2027C and MS2028C), and, in addition to the vector analyzer, may include spectrum analyzer (models: MS2036C, MS2037C and MS2038C). In vector network analyzer mode, you can quickly and accurately measure the parameters of active and passive RF devices: amplifiers, cables, connectors, waveguides, filters, attenuators, antennas, etc.

The vector analyzer in the MS20xxC VNA Master series is built on a two-port scheme with the ability to measure in the forward direction (from port 1 to port 2) and in the reverse direction (from port 2 to port 1). Thus, you do not have to reconnect the measured device and you can measure all four S parameters at once: S11 (reflection on the first port), S21 (forward transfer characteristic), S22 (reflection on the second port), S12 (reverse transfer characteristic). This screenshot shows what it looks like to display four S parameters at the same time on the VNA Master screen.

The figure below shows the results of measuring the parameters of the high-pass filter in the range from 5 kHz to 14 GHz. The yellow and white graphs are the reflection on the first port of the filter in steps of 10 dB per division and 1 dB per division. The magenta and dark green plots are the forward transfer characteristic of the filter in steps of 10 dB per division and 1 dB per division.

One important type of measurement that is performed with portable analyzers is the measurement distance to damage in the feeder or waveguide – DTF (Distance To Fault). Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master Series analyzers with option 0002 installed will help you very accurately determine the distance to all trouble spots in a feeder or waveguide. In this case, it is possible to measure the dependence of SWR (SWR) on distance, as well as the dependence of return loss (Return Loss) on distance.

The figure below shows the measurement of the parameters of a microwave cable with a length of 3.7 meters. The result is plotted as return loss versus distance (upper plot) and SWR versus distance (lower plot). Markers MK2 and MK5 indicate a problematic spot in the cable, located at a distance of 3.1 meters.

If you need not only to measure the parameters of electrical networks, but also make spectral measurements, select one of the models containing a built-in spectrum analyzer: MS2036C (up to 9 GHz), MS2037C (up to 15 GHz), or MS2038C (up to 9 GHz). When using the Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master Series in spectrum analyzer mode, you can measure: field strength, occupied bandwidth, channel power, adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACPR), signal mask measurement, carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I), demodulate AM/FM/SSB, etc.

The figure below shows the spectrum with a center frequency of 2.5 GHz and a span of 10 MHz. In addition to the useful signal in the center of the screen with a frequency of 2.5 GHz (marker 1), you can see an additional signal higher in frequency by 3 MHz (delta marker 1 is set on it). Pay attention to the clarity of the picture and the convenience of using the delta marker to measure the frequency and amplitude of the additional signal in relation to the main one.

Portable Analyzers Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master contain many innovative solutions, one of them is a high-precision system calibration by 12 points, which was previously used only in expensive laboratory instruments. The general set of features of this series will pleasantly surprise even the most demanding and experienced users: portability, the ability to work at negative temperatures, a wide frequency range, a large number of measured parameters, high accuracy and reliability of the device. The photo below shows the older model Anritsu MS2038C, which combines a vector network analyzer (5 kHz – 20 GHz) and a spectrum analyzer (9 kHz – 20 GHz) in a compact package.

Structural scheme

This figure shows the block diagram of the MS20xxC VNA Master Series Vector Analyzer. The measured device is connected between ports 1 and 2 (marked as DUT – Device Under Test in the figure). The vector analyzer contains one generator that can be connected to any of the two ports, two high-precision coupler bridges and three measurement receivers (one of which is a reference).

This design ensures accurate measurement of all S parameters: S11 (reflection on the first port), S21 (forward transfer characteristic), S22 (reflection on the second port), S12 (reverse transfer characteristic) without having to reconnect the measured device in the opposite direction.

Measurement example

When irradiating various objects with a radar, each object has its own level of reflection, which depends on the frequency of the irradiated pulse, the shape and material of the object, as well as its distance from the radiation source. The photo below shows the MS2038C (up to 20 GHz) used in dual-port network analyzer mode. The transmitting antenna is connected to the first port of the analyzer, and the receiving antenna is connected to the second port. The irradiated object is located at a distance from the analyzer (in the upper left corner of the photograph). The parameter S21 is measured, which makes it possible to calculate the dependence of the effective reflection area of the object on frequency.

Video review (in English)

This is another overview video of the main features of Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master Handheld Vector Network Analyzers with Integrated Spectrum Analyzer. It shows how the devices of this series are used during measurements on real objects.

Design features

All measurement connectors and auxiliary connectors of the Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master series analyzers are located on one side of the housing. Thus, the sides of the case are free of connectors, which makes it easier to hold and work with the device. This photo shows the connector locations of three models that contain only a vector network analyzer (no spectrum analyzer).

The three models that contain a built-in spectrum analyzer are equipped with additional connectors, one of which is a separate RF input of the spectrum analyzer (in the photo below, the leftmost of the three N-type connectors). The presence of additional measuring blocks inside the case makes it a little thicker.

The specifications of the Anritsu MS2026C, MS2027C, MS2028C, MS2036C, MS2037C and MS2038C portable network analyzers are at the level of expensive laboratory instruments, while the design and operating temperature range (from -10°C to +55°C) are ideal for work on real objects in difficult field conditions: on towers of base stations, at airfields and other similar places.

This photo shows the MS2038C (in spectrum analysis mode) on the stand located on the back of the case. The tilt stand allows you to conveniently place the instrument on a table with a slight tilt back, ensuring its stability.

Specifications

Shown here are the main technical specifications of the Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master series vector network analyzers. For a full list of characteristics, see below on this page in the Documentation section.

Package contents of Anritsu MS20xxC

Options and accessories for Anritsu MS20xxC

Below is a list of the main options and optional accessories for the Anritsu MS20xxC VNA Master Series analyzers. For a complete list of options with a detailed description, see below on this page in the Documentation section. And in order to properly equip your vector analyzer, be sure to read VNA accessories selection guide.