Anritsu MS208xA series of antenna, spectrum and network analyzers up to 6 GHz

Brief description of the series

The Anritsu MS208xA Site Master series of handheld analyzers combines all the popular instruments that are most often used in the frequency range up to 6 GHz. In the basic configuration, the MS2085A models are an antenna analyzer, and the MS2089A models in addition to the antenna analyzer contain a spectrum analyzer. Using the option, you can add a two-port vector network analyzer, and connecting an external USB sensor provides accurate power measurements.

When installing the appropriate options for the MS2089A, in addition to the classic spectrum analyzer, the following are available: real-time analysis (with a bandwidth of 20 and 40 MHz), vector signal analysis (with a bandwidth of 20 and 40 MHz), tracking generator, search for sources of radio interference, mapping coverage areas and much more. For detailed differences between the series models, see the interactive table. A full description of all the characteristics can be downloaded below on this page in the Documentation section.

All models of the series

The Anritsu MS208xA series consists of four models, which are presented in this interactive table. To see all the characteristics of certain models, add them to the comparison.

Antenna analysis

All Anritsu MS208xA series instruments come standard with a professional antenna analyzer. The MS2085A-04 and MS2089A-04 can analyze antennas and RF cables in the 5 kHz to 4 GHz frequency range, while the MS2085A-06 and MS2089A-06 can analyze antennas and RF cables in the 5 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range. The following types of measurements are supported: SWR, Return loss, distance to fault in the cable and others.

Dual port mode

Option 0021 adds a second port to the Anritsu MS208xA series analyzers, enabling measurements of two-port devices: frequency response of amplifiers, attenuators and filters, loss in RF cables, and isolation between the two ports. This provides a dynamic range of up to 100 dB.

Network analysis

With the appropriate options, all Anritsu MS208xA series models can operate as 2-port vector network analyzers. Options 0904 and 0021 are required for operation in the 5 kHz to 4 GHz range, and options 0906 and 0021 are required for operation in the 5 kHz to 6 GHz range. The network analyzer mode provides high accuracy in measuring the frequency and phase characteristics of 2-port devices.

This mode supports a variety of calibration types, the ability to change the source power in 1 dB steps, the number of measurement points can be up to 16 001 at a speed of 350 μs per point, and the typical dynamic range reaches 125 dB. The Anritsu MS208xA series is an excellent solution for vector network analysis in the field.

Power measurement

With option 0019 and an additional USB sensor, the Anritsu MS208xA series analyzers can perform accurate RF power measurements. Three series of sensors are supported: MA241xxA, MA242xxA and MA243xxA. Depending on the sensor type, power measurement accuracy can reach 0.1 dB at signal frequencies up to 50 GHz.

As an example, this photo shows an Anritsu MA24340A USB sensor with the following characteristics: frequency 10 MHz – 40 GHz, power -70 dBm – +20 dBm, uncertainty 0.15 dB – 0.21 dB.

Spectrum analysis

Anritsu company has been developing portable spectrum analyzers for over 20 years. During this time, a lot of experience has been accumulated, which is implemented in the Anritsu MS2089A analyzers. This is evident both from the characteristics of the devices (noise -167 dBm, amplitude accuracy of 0.5 dB, scanning speed up to 45 GHz per second) and from the convenient user interface, thought out to the smallest detail. This screenshot shows the analyzer screen with three spectra (each spectrum has a different detector type) and five markers.

Real-time spectrum analysis

The Anritsu MS2089A analyzers come standard with classic scanning spectrum analysis. With the MS2089A-0199 option, they have real-time spectrum analysis capability with 20 MHz bandwidth. If option MS2089A-0102 is also installed, the real-time analysis bandwidth increases to 40 MHz. This mode is very useful for detecting rapid signal changes or single pulses lasting a few microseconds.

Tracking generator

Option 0020 adds a tracking generator to the Anritsu MS2089A analyzers, which can be used to measure parameters of RF cables, attenuators, filters, amplifiers, mixers, downconverters, and other devices. The tracking generator has four modes: classic tracking mode, tracking mode with frequency offset, fixed frequency generation mode, and spectrum analyzer center frequency duplication mode. The generator output power can be set in the range from -45 dBm to +9 dBm, which is ideal for testing all types of radio devices.

Search for interference sources

The presence of the MS2089A-0024 option and the additional Anritsu MA2700A Interference Hunter antenna holder greatly simplifies the search for radio signal sources. The Anritsu MA2700A antenna holder connects to the analyzer via USB, contains a GPS receiver, an electronic compass and a preamplifier with an on/off button. This photo shows the appearance of the MA2700A Interference Hunter together with the MS2089A analyzer.

Option MS2089A-0024 includes AM/FM audio demodulation of interference signals, audio signal for interference direction finding and geolocation of interference sources on a digital map. This screenshot shows the analyzer screen with a map of the area, on which the location of the signal source is marked using three bearings.