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ME7868A-043-5

Anritsu ShockLine ME7868A distributed modular 2-port vector network analyzer

Anritsu / ME786xA

ME7868A-043-5

ShockLine ME7868A-043-5 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz, 5 Meter System

Distributed 2-port ShockLine VNA system covering 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz with 5 meter PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A test ports.

Frequency range: 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz
System length: 5 Meter
Frequency resolution: 1 Hz
Frequency accuracy: ± 1.0 ppm

Datasheet

Overview

The ShockLine ME7868A-043-5 is the 43.5 GHz, 5 meter configuration of the Anritsu ME7868A modular 2-port vector network analyzer. The system consists of two ShockLine MS46131A 1-port VNAs synchronized with PhaseLync technology, and it supports S-parameter and time domain measurements from 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz.

The two MS46131A VNAs act as the test ports and provide the source and measurement capabilities of the 2-port system. Because the ports are small and connect directly to the device under test, long test cable runs between a benchtop analyzer and the DUT are avoided, which reduces insertion loss and improves measurement stability. The -043 configuration uses ruggedized Extended-K(m) test port connectors.

PhaseLync technology phase-synchronizes the two MS46131A modules so that complex 2-port S-parameters of passive RF and microwave devices can be measured with the ports separated. The 5 meter configuration ships with a 5 meter PhaseLync optical cable, a 5 meter PhaseLync electrical cable and two 3 meter USB extension cables.

Software and control

Both MS46131A VNAs are controlled over USB from a user-supplied Windows PC running ShockLine software, which is shared across the ShockLine VNA family and provides a graphical user interface as well as a common command syntax for remote programming. The modules have no on-board data storage, which simplifies use in secure areas. Optional time domain with time gating (MS46131A-002) adds low-pass and band-pass time domain analysis when enabled on both modules.

Key Features

2-port VNA covering 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz
5 meter PhaseLync synchronized port separation
Two MS46131A 1-port VNAs act as distributed test ports
Small and lightweight ports enable direct connection to the DUT, eliminating long cable runs
Guaranteed performance to 43.5 GHz with Extended-K ports
PC control over USB uses external computer processing power
No on-board data storage for secure applications
Common ShockLine control software for debug and test
Configurable as single 1-port, dual 1-port or single 2-port VNA session by session
Optional low-pass time domain with time gating

Specifications

Frequency

Frequency range	1 MHz to 43.5 GHz Applies to all PhaseLync cable lengths
System length	5 Meter
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) 10 Hz IF bandwidth, High source power, High isolation mode
> 5 GHz to 8.5 GHz	97 dB (105 typical) Satellite unit SDR degrades > 5 GHz to 7 GHz: 89 (105 typical); may be degraded in a narrow range near 8 GHz in -043 models due to receiver residuals
> 8.5 GHz to 20 GHz	98 dB (110 typical)
> 20 GHz to 40 GHz	102 dB (110 typical)
> 40 GHz to 43.5 GHz	99 dB (110 typical)

High Level Noise — 2-Port

1 MHz to 4 GHz	0.007 dB (0.0015 typical); 0.21 deg (0.02 typical) Magnitude; phase. 100 Hz IF bandwidth, High power, RMS exclusive of drift
> 4 GHz to 8 GHz	0.011 dB (0.003 typical); 0.41 deg (0.08 typical) Magnitude; phase
> 8 GHz to 20 GHz	0.006 dB (0.0015 typical); 0.41 deg (0.08 typical) Magnitude; phase
> 20 GHz to 43.5 GHz	0.011 dB (0.0025 typical); 0.56 deg (0.25 typical) Magnitude; phase

Source and Receiver

Receiver compression level	+ 5 dBm 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz; 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

Measurement Stability — 2-Port

1 MHz to 8 GHz	0.015 dB/ºC; 0.3 deg/ºC Typical; 15 m PhaseLync interconnect, values scale approximately with length
> 8 GHz to 20 GHz	0.015 dB/ºC; 0.5 deg/ºC Typical
> 20 GHz to 43.5 GHz	0.02 dB/ºC; 0.8 deg/ºC Typical

Uncorrected (Raw) Port Characteristics

Directivity, > 8 GHz to 43.5 GHz	> 10 dB Typical; user and system correction off
Port match, > 8 GHz to 43.5 GHz	> 10 dB Typical

Error-Corrected Performance (TOSLK50A-43.5 with .s1p definitions)

Directivity, > 0.05 GHz to 40 GHz	45 dB Minimum value
Directivity, > 40 GHz to 43.5 GHz	42 dB Minimum value
Source match, > 40 GHz to 43.5 GHz	41 dB Minimum value
Transmission tracking, > 40 GHz to 43.5 GHz	±0.16 dB Characteristic performance

Measurement Throughput

Measurement speed, 1-port	180 µs/point 1-port calibrated data, typical; 300 kHz IFBW, 1601 points
Measurement speed, 2-port	250 µs/point 2-port calibrated data, phase compensation ON, IF Gain ranging OFF, typical

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
Channels and traces	16 channels, each with up to 16 traces
Markers	12 markers + 1 reference marker

Connectors

Test port ME7868A-043	Ruggedized Extended-K™(m)
Damage input levels	+23 dBm maximum, ±50 VDC maximum
10 MHz In connector	SMA(f) Signal +0 dBm, typical; 50Ω, nominal
External trigger connector	SMA(f) Input on Base MS46131A, output on Satellite MS46131A

Recommended External PC

CPU	Intel® Core™ i5-6300U Processor
RAM	4 GB
Operating system	Windows® 7,8, 8.1, or 10; 32 or 64 bit
USB	One USB 2.0 (or higher) type A port per MS46131A used

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
Warranty	1 year from the date of shipment MS46131A and built-in options, standard warranty

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

Applications

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 measurements

Included

Two MS46131A Modular 1-Port VNAs, each with 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
36585K-2M	K Connector Precision AutoCal Module, 70 kHz to 40 GHz, K(m) to K(m)
36585K-2F	K Connector Precision AutoCal Module, 70 kHz to 40 GHz, K(f) to K(f)
36585K-2MF	K Connector Precision AutoCal Module, 70 kHz to 40 GHz, K(m) to K(f)
2000-1809-R	Serial to USB Adapter — Required for use with 36585 AutoCal module if control PC does not have a serial port
TOSLK50A-43.5	Precision K Male Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 43.5 GHz, 50Ω — Includes .s1p files for data-based calibration support
TOSLKF50A-43.5	Precision K Female Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 43.5 GHz, 50Ω — Includes .s1p files for data-based calibration support
3652A	K Connector Calibration Kit, Without Sliding Loads, DC to 40 GHz, 50Ω
3668-4	K Connector Verification Kit
33KK50C	Calibration Grade Adapter, DC to 43.5 GHz, K(m) to K(m), 50 Ω
33KKF50C	Calibration Grade Adapter, DC to 43.5 GHz, K(m) to K(f), 50 Ω
33KFKF50C	Calibration Grade Adapter, DC to 43.5 GHz, K(f) to K(f), 50 Ω
3670K50A-1	Phase-Stable Semi-Rigid Cable (Armored), 0.3 m (12”), DC to 43.5 GHz, K(f) to K(m), 50 Ω
3670K50A-2	Phase-Stable Semi-Rigid Cable (Armored), 0.6 m (24”), DC to 43.5 GHz, K(f) to K(m), 50 Ω
806-423-R	Flexible Phase Stable Cable, 60 cm (23.6 in), DC to 43.5 GHz, K(f) - K(f), 50 Ω
806-424-R	Flexible Phase Stable Cable, 60 cm (23.6 in), DC to 43.5 GHz, K(m) - K(f), 50 Ω
806-425-R	Flexible Phase Stable Cable, 100 cm (39.4 in), DC to 43.5 GHz, K(f) - K(f), 50 Ω
806-426-R	Flexible Phase Stable Cable, 100 cm (39.4 in), DC to 43.5 GHz, K(m) - K(f), 50 Ω
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