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ME7868A-020-25

Anritsu ShockLine ME7868A distributed modular 2-port vector network analyzer

Anritsu / ME786xA / Modular

ME7868A-020-25

ShockLine ME7868A-020-25 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 20 GHz, 25 Meter System

Distributed modular 2-port VNA covering 1 MHz to 20 GHz, with two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A ports up to 25 meters apart.

Operating frequency: 1 MHz to 20 GHz
Frequency resolution: 1 Hz
Frequency accuracy: ± 1.0 ppm
Frequency stability: ± 1.0 ppm from -10 °C to +55 °C

Datasheet

Overview

The ShockLine ME7868A-020-25 is the 20 GHz, 25 meter configuration of the Anritsu ME7868A modular 2-port vector network analyzer. The system is made up of two ShockLine MS46131A 1-port VNAs synchronized with PhaseLync technology. It covers 1 MHz to 20 GHz and makes S-parameter and time domain measurements.

The two MS46131A VNAs act as the test ports and set the performance of the instrument, because they supply both the source and the measurement capability of the 2-port VNA. The MS46131A uses ShockLine VNA on-chip technology, which simplifies the internal VNA architecture at high frequencies, cuts size and cost, and improves accuracy and measurement repeatability.

PhaseLync phase-synchronizes the two MS46131A units so the system can measure complex 2-port S-parameters on passive RF and microwave devices. The ports connect directly to the device under test, so long test cables to a benchtop VNA are not needed. This reduces insertion loss and improves measurement stability. The 25 meter configuration ships with a PhaseLync cable assembly and an accessory kit with multi-function extenders, so the setup can be controlled and communicated with from either end.

Software and control

An external PC controls both MS46131A VNAs over USB. The common ShockLine software provides a graphical interface for debugging and manual testing, plus a command syntax shared across the ShockLine VNA family for remote programming. Port configuration can be changed between sessions (single 1-port, dual 1-ports or single 2-port). The units have no on-board data storage, which suits secure applications.

Key Features

2-port VNA from 1 MHz to 20 GHz in a 25 meter distributed configuration
Two MS46131A 1-port VNAs phase-synchronized with PhaseLync technology
Small, lightweight ports connect directly to the DUT, so long cable runs are not needed
PC control uses the processing power of an external computer
No on-board data storage, for use in secure applications
Common ShockLine control software for debug and test
VNA port count configurable as single 1-port, dual 1-ports or single 2-port
Optional low-pass time domain with time gating (MS46131A-002)
Ruggedized K(m) test ports

Specifications

Frequency

Operating frequency	1 MHz to 20 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 typical) High source power minus RMS noise floor at 10 Hz IF bandwidth, High isolation mode
> 5 GHz to 8.5 GHz	97 dB (105 typical) Satellite unit SDR degrades to 89 (105 typical) from > 5 GHz to 7 GHz; dynamic range may be degraded in a narrow range near 8 GHz in -020 models due to receiver residuals
> 8.5 GHz to 20 GHz	98 dB (110 typical)

High Level Noise

1-port, 1 MHz to 6 GHz	Magnitude 0.009 dB (0.003 typical); Phase 0.12 deg (0.03 typical) MS46131A-020; 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS
1-port, > 6 GHz to 8 GHz	Magnitude 0.022 dB (0.01 typical); Phase 0.15 deg (0.08 typical) MS46131A-020
1-port, > 8 GHz to 20 GHz	Magnitude 0.006 dB (0.001 typical); Phase 0.1 deg (0.02 typical) MS46131A-020; table row reads > 8 GHz to 40 GHz
2-port, 1 MHz to 4 GHz	Magnitude 0.007 dB (0.0015 typical); Phase 0.21 deg (0.02 typical) 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power level, RMS exclusive of drift, High Isolation Mode off
2-port, > 4 GHz to 8 GHz	Magnitude 0.011 dB (0.003 typical); Phase 0.41 deg (0.08 typical)
2-port, > 8 GHz to 20 GHz	Magnitude 0.006 dB (0.0015 typical); Phase 0.41 deg (0.08 typical)

Power

Receiver compression level	+ 5 dBm 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz, all configurations; 0.1 dB compression; typical
Output power, High (default)	0 dBm ±2dB Typical
Output power, Low	– 20 dBm ±2dB Typical
Output power, Off	-50 dBm Typical
Damage input levels	+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; electrically short thru, 15 m PhaseLync interconnect, values approximately scale with interconnect length
2-port, > 8 GHz to 20 GHz	0.015 dB/ºC magnitude; 0.5 deg/ºC phase Typical

Uncorrected (Raw) Port Characteristics

1 MHz to 6 GHz	Directivity > 6 dB; Port match > 6 dB Typical; user and system correction off
> 6 GHz to 8 GHz	Directivity > 5 dB; Port match > 6 dB Typical
> 8 GHz to 20 GHz	Directivity > 10 dB; Port match > 10 dB Typical; table row reads > 8 GHz to 43.5 GHz

Error-Corrected Performance, TOSLK50A-20 / TOSLKF50A-20 Manual Cal Kits

1 MHz to 10 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
> 10 GHz to 20 GHz	Directivity 36 dB; Source match 26 dB; Load match 35 dB; Reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB; Transmission tracking ±0.06 dB Load match and tracking are characteristic performance

Error-Corrected Performance, MN25218A 2-Port SmartCal

1 MHz to 1 GHz	Directivity 42 dB; Source match 33 dB; Load match 41 dB; Reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB; Transmission tracking ±0.1 dB
> 1 GHz to 10 GHz	Directivity 37 dB; Source match 33 dB; Load match 41 dB; Reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB; Transmission tracking ±0.1 dB
> 10 GHz to 18 GHz	Directivity 37 dB; Source match 33 dB; Load match 35 dB; Reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB; Transmission tracking ±0.1 dB
> 18 GHz to 20 GHz	Directivity 37 dB; Source match 33 dB; Load match 35 dB; Reflection tracking ± 0.20 dB; Transmission tracking ±0.15 dB

Measurement Throughput

Measurement speed, 1-port calibrated	180 µs/point Typical; 300 kHz IFBW, 1601 points; depends 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
Calibration methods	SOLT, SSLT, SSST, SOLR, LRL / LRM, TRL / TRM, SmartCal, AutoCal

Interfaces

Test port	Ruggedized K(m)
10 MHz In connector	SMA(f) Signal +0 dBm, typical; 50Ω, nominal; auto-sensing
External trigger connector	SMA(f) Input on Base MS46131A, output on Satellite MS46131A
Trigger voltage input	0 to 3.3 V input (5 V tolerant) High impedance (> 100 k Ω); 50 ns minimum pulse width
Trigger voltage output	0 to 3.3 V (HCMOS logic) 12 mA maximum drive current
USB	One USB 2.0 (or higher) type A port per MS46131A used On the external PC

Recommended External PC Configuration

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 operating systems

Environmental

Environmental class	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
Warranty	1 year from the date of shipment (standard warranty) MS46131A and built-in options

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, each with frequency option 020 and Option 012 PhaseLync
One 2000-2025-R (25 meter) PhaseLync Cable Assembly
One 2000-2007-R PhaseLync Accessory Kit
Two MN25131A Multifunction Extenders
USB Monitor
USB Keyboard/Mouse
Two USB Headsets
Extender Connection 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 — 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
MN25218A	2-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 20 GHz — Available with connector Option -002 K(f)
MN25418A	4-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 20 GHz — Available with connector Option -002 K(f)
3650A	SMA/3.5 mm Calibration Kit, Without Sliding Loads, DC to 26.5 GHz, 50 Ω
3652A	K Connector Calibration Kit, Without Sliding Loads, DC to 40 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLK50A-20	Precision K Male Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 20 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLKF50A-20	Precision K Female Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 20 GHz, 50 Ω
3668-4	K Connector Verification Kit
15KK50-1.0A	Test Port Cable, Armored, Phase Stable, K(m) to K(m), 1.0 m
15KKF50-1.0A	Test Port Cable, Armored, Phase Stable, K(m) to K(f), 1.0 m
760-295-R	Transit Case (for ME7868A VNA system)
01-201	Torque End Wrench, 5/16 in, 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in) — For tightening male devices, for SMA, 3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, K, and V connectors
01-203	Torque End Wrench, 13/16 in, 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in) — For tightening ruggedized SMA, 2.4 mm, K and V test port connectors
01-204	End Wrench, 5/16 in, Universal, Circular, Open-ended — For SMA, 3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, K, and V connectors