Anritsu MS46122A series of vector network analyzers up to 43.5 GHz

Brief description of the series

Series MS46122A refers to low-cost vector network analyzers (VNA) of the ShockLine economy line of the Japanese company Anritsu. This is a complete yet very affordable 2-port vector analyzer. Depending on the modification, the upper operating range is 8, 20 or 43.5 GHz. The MS46122A analyzers can measure all four S parameters (S11 - port 1 reflectance, S21 - forward transfer response, S12 - reverse transfer response, and S22 - port 2 reflectance). In addition, measurements in the time domain are possible with option MS46122A-002.

The combination of low cost and good performance makes the ShockLine vector analyzers an excellent choice for measuring passive devices up to 43.5 GHz. The Anritsu MS46122A vector network analyzer is controlled by a personal computer via USB. The software is the same for all analyzers of the ShockLine family. It provides ease and convenience of control of the analyzer, at the same time it has a wide range of professional features.

Anritsu MS46122A vector analyzers are based on the patented ShockLine VNA-on-chip technology, in which all the main elements of the analyzer are placed in one micromodule, which allows to significantly simplify and make the internal structure of the device more compact, which in turn significantly reduces the cost and increases the accuracy of measurements, especially at high frequencies. You can download a full description of all characteristics below on this page in the Documentation section.

All models of the series

The Anritsu MS46122A series consists of three 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: 1 MHz – 8 GHz (model MS46122A-010).
Frequency: 1 MHz – 20 GHz (model MS46122A-020).
Frequency: 1 MHz – 43.5 GHz (model MS46122A-040).
Number of ports: 2.
Measured parameters: S11, S21, S22, S12 and any combination of a1, a2, b1, b2, 1.
Measurement speed: 220 µs per point. Points on the graph: up to 16,001.
Dynamic range: up to 100 dB. Source power: -3 dBm or -20 dBm.
Receiver linearity: up to +5 dBm compression point at 40 GHz.
Directivity: up to 42 dB (with manual calibration) and up to 50 dB (when using the AutoCal module).
Control via USB from a computer with Windows.
Weight: 2.2 kg. Dimensions: 328 × 61 × 198 mm. Operating temperature: from 0°С to +50°С.

In addition, Anritsu produces a more expensive series of vector analyzers: Anritsu MS46322A. The measuring path and characteristics of the MS46322A series are completely identical to the MS46122A series, but the MS46322A contains a built-in computer. Due to this, the MS46322A is a little larger, heavier and more expensive, but all the processing is done inside the analyzer and you only need to connect an external monitor, mouse and keyboard to it.

Need a vector analyzer up to 8 GHz even cheaper? Watch the series Pico Technology PicoVNA.
Need a vector analyzer with built-in computer? Watch the series Anritsu MS46322A.
Need a portable antenna, cable, and waveguide analyzer? Watch the series Anritsu S820E.
Need a powerful stationary vector analyzer? Watch the series Anritsu MS4640B VectorStar.
Want to see the full list? See the main page on vector network analysis.

Video review of Anritsu MS46122A

This video review introduces Anritsu's MS46122A compact vector network analyzer series. These are full-fledged and at the same time very affordable 2-port vector analyzers of laboratory level. After watching this video, you will get acquainted with their capabilities and see examples of real measurements of the characteristics of the attenuator (30 dB, 18 GHz).

Measuring the four S parameters

The Anritsu MS46122A is a compact 2-port vector network analyzer that connects to a computer via USB. The analyzer is controlled using software that is installed on a computer with a 64-bit Windows operating system. At the same time, the measurement results are displayed on the computer screen in real time. The use of a computer as a control, processing and display device made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of the analyzer, as well as increase work efficiency due to quick and convenient work with measurement results.

The Anritsu MS46122A vector network analyzer includes a built-in test signal source, switching circuits, and a built-in meter. The MS46122A analyzer is designed for entry-level and mid-level applications that arise in the design and manufacture of microwave devices up to 43.5 GHz. In addition, a detailed programmer's guide, which can be downloaded on this page in the section Documentation, allows you to remotely control the MS46122A analyzer, as well as include it in automated measuring systems. Also, these analyzers can be used in automated systems using IVI-C driver components in the most popular application development environments such as LabVIEW, LabWindows, MATLAB, C# and .NET.

The MS46122A ShockLine Vector Network Analyzers provide best-in-class performance with best speed, stability, dynamic range, and low noise. The minimum test time and increased bandwidth make these analyzers optimal for testing any passive devices: cables, connectors, filters, attenuators, antennas, etc.

High measurement accuracy

The Anritsu MS46122A Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) contains high-precision measurement circuits that are calibrated can be done manually (using discrete components) or automatically (using a special external calibration module). Uncertainties (errors) of measurements of the main parameters after manual calibration are shown in the four figures below.

Case design

Structurally, the Anritsu MS46122A network analyzer is designed as a compact device without a display and control buttons. The symmetrical design provides flexibility and convenience for rack-mounting, as the instrument can be mounted front- or rear-mounted. With a low height of just 1U, the MS46122A ShockLine Vector Network Analyzers save valuable rack space, making them ideal for testing in confined spaces.

The Anritsu MS46122A vector network analyzer is connected to a computer via a USB interface. Modification of the MS46122A-010 analyzer, which operates up to 8 GHz, contains two N(f) connectors for connecting to the measurement object. Analyzer modifications MS46122A-020 (up to 20 GHz) and MS46122A-040 (up to 43.5 GHz – shown in the figure below) contain two reinforced K(m) connectors for connecting to the measurement object.

Specifications of Anritsu MS46122A

For a complete list of technical specifications of the Anritsu MS46122A 2-port vector network analyzer, see this page in the section Documentation.

Package contents of Anritsu MS46122A

Options and accessories

The following is a list of the main options and optional accessories for the Anritsu MS46122A network analyzer that runs the ShockLine software. For a complete list of options and accessories with a detailed description, see the section Documentation. And in order to properly equip your vector analyzer, be sure to read VNA accessories selection guide.

If you need technical advice on choosing the optimal set of options and accessories for the Anritsu MS46122A 2-port vector network analyzer or information on pricing, just call us or write to us at E-mail and we will be happy to answer your questions.