Anritsu has introduced MA24400A, a portfolio of USB peak power sensors that are designed to meet the challenges of signal measurement and characterization in a complex world of wireless communications. They operate over a frequency range from 50 MHz to 40 GHz with industry-leading rise time and video bandwidth (VBW) of up to 195 MHz (sensor dependent). These USB peak power sensors can measure the peak power of wideband modulated signals, like 802.11ac, as well as pulses as narrow as 10 ns. They have a power measurement range from -60 to +20 dBm (average) and -50 to +20 dBm (peak).
Moreover, the MA24400A family takes measurement speed and resolution to a new level. Other peak power sensors halt measurements while processing captured data. With real time processing of power readings, these sensors never miss a signal. Sampling rates of 100 mega-samples per second continuous and 10 giga-samples per second effectively provides best-in-class time resolution of 100 ps and the ability to measure 3 ns rise time. This means that even the smallest change in the signal will be caught and plotted for a full picture of signal behavior. The below table provides specifications for the different USB peak power sensor in this portfolio.
Model | Frequency Range | Video Bandwidth (High/Standard) | Power Range (average) | Power Range (peak) | Connectors |
| 50 MHz to 6 GHz | 195 MHz / 350 kHz | -60 to +20 dBm | -50 to +20 dBm | N(m) |
| 50 MHz to 8 GHz | 165 MHz / 350 kHz | -60 to +20 dBm | -50 to +20 dBm |
N, 50 Ohms
|
| 50 MHz to 18 GHz | 70 MHz / 350 kHz | -34 to +20 dBm | -24 to +20 dBm |
N(m)
|
| 50 MHz to 18 GHz |
6 MHz / 350 kHz
| -50 to +20 dBm | -40 to +20 dBm | N(m) |
| 50 MHz to 40 GHz |
70 MHz / 350 kHz
| -34 to +20 dBm |
-24 to +20 dBm
| K(m) |
| 50 MHz to 40 GHz | 6 MHz / 350 kHz | -50 to +20 dBm | -40 to +20 dBm | K(m) |
New Peak Power Analyzer Software for Control
The new Peak Power Analyzer software enables users to connect to up to 8 sensors and up to 4 channels per sensor. Users can plot and measure pulses with power vs. time plots, and leverage automated measurements to simplify testing and reduce uncertainty. The software provides powerful statistical analysis, while its intuitive user interface makes it easy to configure and display results including: simple peak, average power, and trace view for pulse power analysis and CCDF graphs.
These peak power sensors are available in modules with N-type (male) and K-type (male) connectors for RF ports.
Click here to learn more about MA24400A USB peak power sensors.
