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ME7868A-010-5

Anritsu ShockLine ME7868A distributed modular 2-port vector network analyzer system

Anritsu / ME786xA

ME7868A-010-5

ShockLine ME7868A-010-5 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 8 GHz, 5 Meter System

Distributed 2-port ShockLine VNA system covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz, built from two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A VNAs with a 5 meter separation.

Operating frequency range: 1 MHz to 8 GHz
Frequency resolution: 1 Hz
Frequency accuracy: ± 1.0 ppm
Frequency stability: ± 1.0 ppm from -10 °C to +55 °C

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu ShockLine ME7868A-010-5 is a modular 2-port vector network analyzer system covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz in its 5 meter configuration. It consists of two ShockLine MS46131A 1-port VNAs, each fitted with the MS46131A-012 PhaseLync synchronization option, which together act as the test ports and provide the source and measurement capabilities of the 2-port analyzer.

PhaseLync technology phase-synchronizes the two MS46131A units so the system can measure complex 2-port S-parameters on passive RF and microwave devices. Because the compact ports connect directly to the device under test, the system reduces the need for long test-port cable runs from a benchtop analyzer, which improves measurement stability and lowers setup cost for vector transmission measurements over distance.

Software and control

Both MS46131A VNAs are controlled over USB from an external Windows PC running ShockLine software, the same software used across the ShockLine VNA family. It provides a graphical user interface for debugging and manual testing and a common command syntax for remote programming. The port configuration (single 1-port, dual 1-port or single 2-port) can be selected session by session. The units have no onboard data storage, which simplifies use in secure areas.

Time domain

With the MS46131A-002 option enabled on both VNAs, the system adds time domain analysis including low-pass mode, band-pass mode, windowing and time gating.

Key Features

2-port VNA system covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz
5 meter PhaseLync configuration with optical and electrical PhaseLync cables
Two MS46131A 1-port VNAs synchronized with PhaseLync technology
Small and lightweight ports enable direct connection to the DUT, eliminating long cable runs
PC control takes advantage of external computer processing power and functionality
No on-board data storage for use in secure applications
Common ShockLine control software with debug and test capabilities
Configurable as single 1-port, dual 1-port or single 2-port VNA
Optional time domain with time gating (MS46131A-002)
Embedding/de-embedding system included

Specifications

Frequency

Operating frequency range	1 MHz to 8 GHz Applies to all PhaseLync cable lengths
Frequency resolution	1 Hz
Frequency accuracy	± 1.0 ppm At time of calibration
Frequency stability	± 1.0 ppm from -10 °C to +55 °C Typical
Aging	± 1.0 ppm/year Typical

System Dynamic Range

1 MHz to 5 GHz	97 dB (110 dB typical) Difference between High source power and RMS noise floor at 10 Hz IF bandwidth, high isolation mode
> 5 GHz to 8.5 GHz	97 dB (105 dB typical) The satellite unit's SDR will degrade as follows: > 5 GHz to 7 GHz: 89 (105 typical)

High Level Noise

1-port (MS46131A-010), 1 MHz to 8 GHz, magnitude	0.009 dB (0.003 dB typical) 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS
1-port (MS46131A-010), 1 MHz to 8 GHz, phase	0.12 deg (0.03 deg typical) 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS
2-port, 1 MHz to 4 GHz, magnitude	0.007 dB (0.0015 dB typical) 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS exclusive of drift, High Isolation Mode off
2-port, 1 MHz to 4 GHz, phase	0.21 deg (0.02 deg typical) 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS exclusive of drift
2-port, > 4 GHz to 8 GHz, magnitude	0.011 dB (0.003 dB typical) 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS exclusive of drift
2-port, > 4 GHz to 8 GHz, phase	0.41 deg (0.08 deg typical) 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS exclusive of drift

Power

Receiver compression level, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz	+ 5 dBm Port power beyond which response may be compressed more than 0.1 dB; typical
Output power, High (default)	0 dBm ±2dB Typical
Output power, Low	– 20 dBm ±2dB Typical
Output power, Off	-50 dBm Typical
Damage input level	+23 dBm maximum, ±50 VDC maximum

Measurement Stability

1-port, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz	0.02 dB/ºC magnitude, 0.3 deg/ºC phase Typical
2-port, 1 MHz to 8 GHz	0.015 dB/ºC magnitude, 0.3 deg/ºC phase Typical; ratioed transmission, short thru, 15 m PhaseLync interconnect (values approximately scale with interconnect length)

Uncorrected (Raw) Port Characteristics

1 MHz to 6 GHz	Directivity > 6 dB, Port match > 6 dB User and system correction off; typical
> 6 GHz to 8 GHz	Directivity > 5 dB, Port match > 6 dB User and system correction off; typical

Error-Corrected Performance, TOSLN50A-8 / TOSLNF50A-8 Calibration Kits

1 MHz to 6 GHz	Directivity ≥ 42 dB, Source match ≥ 33 dB, Load match ≥ 41 dB, Reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB, Transmission tracking ±0.06 dB Load match and tracking are characteristic performance
> 6 GHz to 8 GHz	Directivity ≥ 37 dB, Source match ≥ 33 dB, Load match ≥ 36 dB, Reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB, Transmission tracking ±0.06 dB Load match and tracking are characteristic performance

Error-Corrected Performance, MN25208A SmartCal

1 MHz to 1 GHz	Directivity ≥ 42 dB, Source match ≥ 35 dB, Load match ≥ 41 dB, Reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB, Transmission tracking ±0.06 dB With MN25208A connector options -001, -002, -003
> 1 GHz to 5 GHz	Directivity ≥ 42 dB, Source match ≥ 35 dB, Load match ≥ 41 dB, Reflection tracking ± 0.08 dB, Transmission tracking ±0.08 dB
> 5 GHz to 8 GHz	Directivity ≥ 36 dB, Source match ≥ 35 dB, Load match ≥ 36 dB, Reflection tracking ± 0.1 dB, Transmission tracking ±0.08 dB

Measurement Throughput

Measurement speed, 1-port calibrated	180 µs/point Typical; 300 kHz IFBW, 1601 points; dependent on external computer
Measurement speed, 2-port calibrated	250 µs/point Typical; phase compensation ON, IF gain ranging OFF

Standard Capabilities

2-port measurements	S11, S21, S22, S12, and any user-defined combination of a1, a2, b1, b2, 1
Domains	Frequency Domain, Time (Distance) Domain (Option 002)
Frequency sweep types	Linear, Log, CW, or Segmented
Maximum data points	2 to 16,001 points
IF bandwidth	10, 20, 50, 70, 100, 200, 300, 500, 700 Hz; 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 100, 200, 300 kHz
Averaging	Point-by-point, maximum 200; sweep-by-sweep, maximum 4096
Channels and traces	16 channels, each with up to 16 traces
Markers	12 markers + 1 reference marker

Connectors and Interfaces

Test port ME7868A-010	N(f)
10 MHz In	SMA(f); +0 dBm, typical; 50Ω, nominal Signal presence is auto-sensing
External trigger	SMA(f); 0 to 3.3 V input (5 V tolerant); 0 to 3.3 V (HCMOS logic) output Input on Base MS46131A, output on Satellite MS46131A
PC interface	One USB 2.0 (or higher) type A port per MS46131A used

Recommended External PC

CPU	Intel® Core™ i5-6300U Processor
RAM	4 GB
Disk	120 GB
Operating system	Windows® 7,8, 8.1, or 10; 32 or 64 bit

Environmental

Environmental standard	MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2
Operating temperature range	-10 ºC to 55 ºC
Storage temperature range	–51 ºC to 71 ºC
Maximum relative humidity	95 % RH at 30 ºC, non-condensing
Altitude	4600 meters, operating and non-operating

General

Recommended calibration cycle	12 months Residual specifications also require calibration kit calibration cycle adherence
Warranty (MS46131A and built-in options)	1 year from the date of shipment Standard warranty

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

Long distance S-parameter measurements
Long cable insertion loss testing
Antenna testing
Over the Air (OTA) applications
Chamber installations
Large vehicle RF shielding and propagation testing
System calibration
Path-loss characterization
General S-parameter and time domain measurements
Secure area applications

Included

Two MS46131A Modular 1-Port VNAs with frequency option 010 and Option 012 PhaseLync
One 2000-2012-R (5 meter) PhaseLync Optical Cable (PLO)
One 2000-2014-R (5 meter) PhaseLync Electrical Cable (PLE)
Two 3 meter USB extension cables

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MS46131A-002	Time Domain with Time Gating — Required on both MS46131A VNAs for the option to be enabled in the ME7868A
MS46131A-098	Standard Calibration, ISO 17025 compliant, without data
MS46131A-099	Premium Calibration, ISO 17025 compliant, with data
MN25208A	2-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz — Available with connector options -001 N(f), -002 K(f), -003 3.5 mm(f)
MN25408A	4-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz — Available with connector options -001 N(f), -002 K(f), -003 3.5 mm(f)
3653A	N Connector Calibration Kit, Without Sliding Loads, DC to 18 GHz, 50 Ω
OSLN50A-8	Precision N Male Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 8 GHz, 50 Ω
OSLNF50A-8	Precision N Female Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 8 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLN50A-8	Precision N Male Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 8 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLNF50A-8	Precision N Female Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 8 GHz, 50 Ω
3663-3	N Connector Verification Kit
15NNF50-1.0B	Test Port Cable, Flexible, Phase Stable, N(f) to N(m), 1.0 m
15NN50-1.0B	Test Port Cable, Flexible, Phase Stable, N(m) to N(m), 1.0 m
760-295-R	Transit Case (for ME7868A VNA system)
01-200	Calibrated Torque End Wrench, GPC-7 and Type N