Anritsu MS46524B 4-port vector network analyzer series up to 43.5 GHz

Brief description of the series

The Anritsu MS46524B series are functional vector network analyzers from the ShockLine line that can measure all 16 S-parameters of four-port devices. Analyzers of this series can also be successfully used to measure the characteristics of 3-port, 2-port and single-port devices. Depending on the modification, the upper operating range is 8.5 GHz, 20 GHz or 43.5 GHz. Only the Vector Star series has better characteristics than the MS46524B series.

These analyzers are excellent for measuring 3-port, 4-port passive devices and low gain active devices. For operation with high gain multiport active devices, the series is better suited. Vector Star, since it may contain internal attenuators, and inexpensive series are better suited for working with 2-port and single-port devices, for example MS46122A.

All models of the series

The Anritsu MS46524B 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: 50 kHz – 8.5 GHz (model MS46524B-010).
Frequency: 50 kHz – 20 GHz (model MS46524B-020).
Frequency: 50 kHz – 43.5 GHz (model MS46524B-040).
Number of ports: 4.
Measured parameters: S11, S12, S13, S14, S21, S22, S23, S24, S31, S32, S33, S34, S41, S42, S43, S44, etc.
Measurement speed: 30 µs per point. Points on the graph: up to 20,001.
Dynamic range: up to 140 dB. Source power: -30 dBm to +15 dBm.
Receiver linearity: up to +15 dBm compression point at 43.5 GHz.
Directivity: up to 42 dB (for SmartCal module and manual calibration) and up to 50 dB (for AutoCal module).
Embedded computer based on Intel processor. Interfaces: 1G Ethernet, USB 3.0.
Weight: 15.9 kg. Dimensions: 445 × 152 × 442 mm. Operating temperature: from 0°С to +50°С.

Vector analyzers of the Anritsu MS46524B series 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 more compact the internal structure of the device, which in turn significantly reduces the cost and increases the accuracy of measurements, especially at high frequencies.

The Anritsu MS46524B series analyzers are designed for medium to high-level tasks that need to be addressed in the design, manufacture and operation of multiport microwave devices in the range up to 43.5 GHz. This series is distinguished by high measurement accuracy and excellent dynamic range (up to 140 dB). The series also provides good measurement speed (30 µs per point) and high frequency resolution: each graph can contain up to 20,001 points.

In addition to high-precision measurement units, the MS46524B analyzers house a fast control computer based on an Intel Core i5 processor. All you need to work is to connect an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. In addition, the MS46524B analyzers can be remotely controlled from any 64-bit Windows PC using the powerful free Anritsu ShockLine software. At the same time, 100M Ethernet or 1G Ethernet can be used as a connection interface.

MS46524B vector network analyzers can also be integrated into automated measuring systems and controlled using programs written directly by the user. A detailed programmer's guide can be downloaded below on this page in the section Documentation. 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.

Automatic calibration

Any network analyzer must be calibrated before operation. This procedure can be performed manually, using a set of discrete measures, or automatically. Manual calibration takes a long time and requires repeated connection and disconnection of reference measures. Automatic calibration is much faster and minimizes operator errors.

Anritsu produces two models of four-port calibration modules: the MN25408A model with a frequency range of 300 kHz - 8.5 GHz and the model MN25418A with a frequency range of 300 kHz - 20 GHz. Inside the module there is a set of reference standards and high-frequency switches that switch these standards during the calibration process in accordance with commands received from the calibrated vector analyzer via the USB interface.

The MN25408A (up to 8.5 GHz) has four N(f) connectors, and the MN25418A (up to 20 GHz) has four K(f) connectors. The appearance of these modules is shown in the photo below. To connect the vector network analyzer to the autocalibration module and further to the measurement object, it is recommended to use phase-stable cables of type 15NN50-1.0B with connectors N(m)-N(m) or type 15KKF50-1.0A with connectors K(m)-K(f).

Case design

Structurally, the Anritsu MS46524B series network analyzers are designed as a desktop laboratory instrument. When ordered with option MS46524B-001, the analyzer can be mounted in a standard rack. In this case, the height of the case is 3U. There are six USB 2.0 ports on the front panel of the analyzer for connecting a keyboard, mouse, auto-calibration module and flash drives.

At the bottom of the front panel are four high-frequency measurement ports. The analyzer model MS46524B-010 with a frequency range up to 8.5 GHz (which is shown in the photo below) uses N(f) type connectors to connect to the measurement object. Models MS46524B-020 (up to 20 GHz) and MS46524B-040 (up to 43.5 GHz) use reinforced K(m) connectors to connect to the measurement object.

In the model up to 8.5 GHz, it is possible to install the MS46524B-051 option, which allows direct access to the internal blocks of the network analyzer, which can be useful in some cases. The photo below shows 16 black plugs, in place of which, when ordering option MS46524B-051, additional connectors will appear.

The rear panel of the Anritsu MS46524B network analyzers contains four USB 3.0 connectors, HDMI and Display Port connectors for connecting an external display, two Gigabit Ethernet connectors for connecting the analyzer to a network for remote control, as well as audio input and output. Also on the rear panel are two BNC connectors for connecting an external 10 MHz reference and accessing an internal 10 MHz reference. Next to them are two BNC connectors for triggering on an external source signal (Trigger In) and for signaling the start of an internal measurement (Trigger Out).

In the model up to 8.5 GHz, it is possible to install the MS46524B-061 option, which allows you to apply a constant voltage from an external source to the center conductor of each measurement port. The photo below shows 4 silver plugs, in place of which, when ordering the MS46524B-061 option, additional BNC connectors will appear.

Specifications for Anritsu MS46524B 4-Port Vector Network Analyzers

For a complete list of technical specifications of Anritsu MS46524B 4-port vector network analyzers, see this page in the section Documentation.

Contents of delivery

Options and accessories

Below is a list of the main options and optional accessories for the Anritsu MS46524B series electrical network analyzers. For a complete list of options and accessories with a detailed description, see below on this page in 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 MS46524B 4-port vector network analyzer or pricing information, just call us or write to us at E-mail and we will be happy to answer your questions.