VectorStar MS4642B 20 GHz 2-Port Microwave Vector Network Analyzer

VectorStar 2-port microwave vector network analyzer covering 10 MHz to 20 GHz, extendable down to 70 kHz with Option 70.

Frequency range: (Optional 70 kHz) 10 MHz to 20 GHz
Test ports: 2-port, K(male)
Output default power: +5 dBm
Recommended calibration cycle: 12 months

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu VectorStar MS4642B is the 20 GHz model of the MS4640B Series of microwave vector network analyzers (VNAs). It is a 2-port instrument with K(male) test ports that covers 10 MHz to 20 GHz as standard, and 70 kHz to 20 GHz with Option 70 Low-End Frequency Extension.

The MS4642B is intended for S-parameter characterization of RF and microwave devices in device modeling, R&D and manufacturing environments. The MS4642B is supplied in configurations with Option 61 or 62 (Active Measurement Suite), and its system dynamic range and power range are specified for those configurations, with and without the Option 31 dual source.

Measurement Applications

Software options extend the instrument beyond S-parameters. IMDView provides real-time intermodulation distortion measurements, and with the Option 32 internal combiner the analyzer can switch between S-parameter and IMD measurements without reconnecting the device under test. PulseView supports pulsed measurements, and DifferentialView supports analysis of differential devices using the dual internal source option.

Spectrum Analysis and Noise Figure

Option 49 adds a spectrum analyzer mode covering 70 kHz to 20 GHz on the MS4642B. It is used for harmonics, spurious, distortion and spectral occupancy measurements. Noise figure (Option 41) uses a cold source technique, and Option 48 adds differential noise figure measurement.

Calibration and De-embedding

The analyzer supports 12-term SOLT, sliding load, .s1p-based and AutoCal calibrations. Universal Fixture Extraction (Option 21) provides de-embedding tools for test fixtures, and time domain analysis is available with Option 2.

Key Features

Frequency range 10 MHz to 20 GHz, extendable to 70 kHz with Option 70
2-port configuration with K(male) test ports
Spectrum analyzer option (MS4642B-049) covering 70 kHz to 20 GHz
Dual SPA mode for mixer, amplifier, harmonics and spurious testing
Peak, minimum, RMS and mean detection types in spectrum analyzer mode
Sources and receivers independently configurable; usable as a tracking generator
Universal Fixture Extraction (UFX) software option for test fixture de-embedding
IMDView with internal combiner option for S-parameter and IMD measurements in a single connection
PulseView with 2.5 ns pulse resolution and 100 dB dynamic range
DifferentialView analysis of differential devices with the dual internal source option
Internal trace-based eye diagram option with time domain and S-parameter display
Noise figure based on a cold source technique, plus a Differential Noise Figure option
Optoelectronic measurements using the MN4765B O/E Calibration Module

Specifications

General

Frequency range	(Optional 70 kHz) 10 MHz to 20 GHz 70 kHz low end with Option 070
Test ports	2-port, K(male)
Output default power	+5 dBm Option 51, 61, or 62
Recommended calibration cycle	12 months Residual specifications also require calibration kit calibration cycle adherence

System Dynamic Range

0.07 to 0.3 MHz Option 61, Option 62	81 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 112 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62. Option 61 value corresponds to S21; for S12 add 2 dB
> 0.3 to 2 MHz Option 61, Option 62	98 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 124 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
> 2 to 10 MHz Option 61, Option 62	111 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 132 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz Option 61, Option 62	114 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 135 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
2.5 to 20 GHz Option 61, Option 62	115 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 130 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
0.07 to 0.3 MHz (with Option 31) Option 31	83 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 114 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
> 0.3 to 2 MHz (with Option 31) Option 31	100 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 126 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
> 2 to 10 MHz (with Option 31) Option 31	113 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 134 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz (with Option 31) Option 31	116 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 137 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62
2.5 to 20 GHz (with Option 31) Option 31	116 dB at Ports 1 or 2; 131 dB at b1 or b2 Option 61 or 62

Noise Floor

0.07 to 0.3 MHz Option 61, Option 62	–73 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –104 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62; 10 Hz IF bandwidth, –10 dBm port power. Port 1 value is 1 dB more negative on MS4642B
> 0.3 to 2 MHz Option 61, Option 62	–90 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –116 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62
> 2 to 10 MHz Option 61, Option 62	–103 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –124 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz Option 61, Option 62	–104 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –125 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62
2.5 to 20 GHz Option 61, Option 62	–103 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –118 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62; table band 2.5 to 40 GHz

Power Range

70 kHz to 0.01 GHz Option 61, Option 62	+8 to –95 dBm Option 61 or 62; for Option 61 applies to Port 1, for Port 2 add 1 dB to the maximum
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz Option 61, Option 62	+10 to –95 dBm Option 61 or 62
2.5 to 20 GHz Option 61, Option 62	+11 to –90 dBm Option 61 or 62
70 kHz to 0.01 GHz (with Option 31) Option 31	+10 to –95 dBm
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz (with Option 31) Option 31	+12 to –95 dBm
2.5 to 20 GHz (with Option 31) Option 31	+12 to –90 dBm
Source 1 to Port 1, 70 kHz to 0.01 GHz (Option 31 and 32) Option 31, Option 32	+8 to –95 dBm Option 61 or 62
Source 1 to Port 1, > 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz (Option 31 and 32) Option 31, Option 32	+10 to –95 dBm Option 61 or 62
Source 1 to Port 1, 2.5 to 20 GHz (Option 31 and 32) Option 31, Option 32	+10 to –90 dBm Option 61 or 62
Source 2 to Port 2, 70 kHz to 0.01 GHz (Option 31 and 32) Option 31, Option 32	+6 to –95 dBm Option 61 or 62
Source 2 to Port 2, > 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz (Option 31 and 32) Option 31, Option 32	+8 to –95 dBm Option 61 or 62
Source 2 to Port 2, 2.5 to 20 GHz (Option 31 and 32) Option 31, Option 32	+9 to –90 dBm Option 61 or 62

Power Accuracy, Linearity, and Resolution

Power accuracy, 70 kHz to 0.01 GHz	± 1.5 dB Measured at default power
Power accuracy, > 0.01 to 20 GHz	± 1.5 dB Measured at default power; table band > 0.01 to 40 GHz
Power linearity, 70 kHz to 0.01 GHz	± 1.5 dB Measured between default and 5 dB below default port power
Power linearity, > 0.01 to 20 GHz	± 1.0 dB Measured between default and 5 dB below default port power
Power resolution	0.01 dB

Receiver Compression and IP3

0.1 dB compression, 0.07 to 0.3 MHz Option 61, Option 62	+5 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –15 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62, Port 2; 0.3 dB for < 0.3 MHz. For MS4642B Port 1 subtract 1 dB. Characteristic
0.1 dB compression, > 0.3 MHz to < 2.5 GHz Option 61, Option 62	+12 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –9 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62, Port 2. Characteristic
0.1 dB compression, 2.5 to 5 GHz Option 61, Option 62	+12 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –4 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62, Port 2. Characteristic
0.1 dB compression, > 5 to 20 GHz Option 61, Option 62	+12 dBm at Ports 1 or 2; –3 dBm at bx loops Option 61 or 62, Port 2. Characteristic
Third order intercept point (IP3), 0.07 MHz to 0.3 MHz	+20 dBm At Port 2, nominal
Third order intercept point (IP3), 0.3 MHz to 1.0 GHz	+25 dBm At Port 2, nominal
Third order intercept point (IP3), > 1.0 GHz to 20 GHz	+35 dBm At Port 2, nominal

High Level Noise

70 kHz to 500 kHz	< 0.04 dB magnitude; < 0.4° phase 1 kHz IF bandwidth, default power, RMS
> 500 kHz to 20 GHz	< 0.0045 dB magnitude; < 0.05° phase 1 kHz IF bandwidth, default power, RMS

Measurement Stability

70 kHz to 0.01 GHz	< 0.04 dB/°C magnitude; < 0.4 degree/°C phase Ratio measurement, ports shorted. Characteristic
> 0.01 to 20 GHz	< 0.02 dB/°C magnitude; < 0.2 degree/°C phase Ratio measurement, ports shorted. Characteristic

Frequency Resolution, Accuracy, and Stability

Frequency resolution	1 Hz
Frequency accuracy	± 5 x 10-7 Hz/Hz At time of calibration
Frequency stability	< 5 x 10-9/°C over 0 °C to 50 °C; < 1 x 10-9/day aging, instrument on

Phase Noise and Spurious

SSB phase noise, > 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz	–90 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz; –92 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz; –96 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset Typical, at default power
SSB phase noise, 2.5 to 5 GHz	–93 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz; –94 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz; –95 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset Typical, at default power
SSB phase noise, > 10 to 20 GHz	–81 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz; –84 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz; –84 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset Typical, at default power
Harmonics (second and third)	–20 dBc Typical from 2.5 to 2.7 GHz on MS4642B
Non-harmonic spurious at > 1 kHz offsets	–30 dBc > 0.01 GHz; –20 dBc from 70 kHz to 0.01 GHz. Characteristic

Uncorrected (Raw) Port Characteristics

70 kHz to 0.01 GHz	Directivity > 10 dB; Port Match > 8 dB Raw directivity degraded to 4 dB (typical) below 300 kHz
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz	Directivity > 9 dB; Port Match > 10 dB Raw directivity degraded to 4 dB (typical) in a 300 MHz window below 2.5 GHz
2.5 to 5 GHz	Directivity > 20 dB; Port Match > 10 dB Characteristic
> 5 to 20 GHz	Directivity > 17 dB; Port Match > 9 dB Characteristic

Corrected Performance, 12-Term SOLT Sliding Load, 3652A-1 K Cal Kit

70 kHz to 0.01 GHz	Directivity > 38 dB; Source Match > 36 dB; Load Match > 38 dB; Reflection Tracking ± 0.02 dB; Transmission Tracking ± 0.05 dB
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz	Directivity > 42 dB; Source Match > 41 dB; Load Match > 42 dB; Reflection Tracking ± 0.005 dB; Transmission Tracking ± 0.03 dB
2.5 to 20 GHz	Directivity > 43 dB; Source Match > 39 dB; Load Match > 43 dB; Reflection Tracking ± 0.006 dB; Transmission Tracking ± 0.07 dB

Corrected Performance, 12-Term, 36585K AutoCal

70 kHz to 0.01 GHz	Directivity > 40 dB; Source Match > 40 dB; Load Match > 43 dB; Reflection Tracking ± 0.10 dB; Transmission Tracking ± 0.10 dB Typical performance below 2 MHz
> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz	Directivity > 43 dB; Source Match > 46 dB; Load Match > 43 dB; Reflection Tracking ± 0.05 dB; Transmission Tracking ± 0.03 dB
2.5 to 20 GHz	Directivity > 46 dB; Source Match > 46 dB; Load Match > 46 dB; Reflection Tracking ± 0.09 dB; Transmission Tracking ± 0.03 dB

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

Applications

S-parameter measurements of RF and microwave devices
Device modeling
R&D component design
Manufacturing test
Intermodulation distortion measurements
Pulsed RF measurements
Differential device characterization
Noise figure measurements
Harmonics and spurious measurements
Mixer and amplifier test
Test fixture de-embedding
Time domain analysis
Electro-optical and opto-electrical component measurements
Material measurements
Antenna measurements

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MS4642B-049	70 kHz to 20 GHz Spectrum Analyzer option
Option 001	Rack Mount
Option 002	Time Domain with advanced capabilities
Option 007	Receiver Offset with Multiple Source Control for frequency-translated measurements
Option 021	Universal Fixture Extraction
Option 031	Dual Source
Option 032	Internal Combiner
Option 036	Extended Memory — Must be purchased with Option 35
Option 041	Noise Figure
Option 042	PulseView
Option 043	DifferentialView
Option 044	IMDView
Option 046	Fast CW
Option 047	Eye Diagram
Option 048	Differential Noise Figure
Option 053	External ALC leveling
Option 05x	Direct Access Loops
Option 06x	Active Measurement Suites with 2 or 4 attenuators
Option 070	70 kHz Low-end Frequency Extension
Option 08x	Broadband/Millimeter Wave Interface
MN469xC	4-port Test Sets, K and V — For 70 kHz to 70 GHz multi-port solutions
MN4765B	O/E Calibration Module — Optical VNA measurements; options available for 40, 70 GHz and 110 GHz, at 850, 1060, 1310, and 1550 nm wavelengths