ML2430A Series ML2438A Dual Input CW Power Meter

Dual-input CW power meter from the ML2430A series covering 100 kHz to 50 GHz (sensor dependent) with up to 90 dB dynamic range per sensor.

Number of Input Signals: 2
Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 50 GHz
Dynamic Range (Continuous or Peak): –70 to +20 dBm
Nominal Video BW: 100 kHz

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu ML2438A is the dual-input model of the ML2430A series of CW power meters. It combines thermal-meter accuracy, diode-meter speed and the display graphics of a peak power meter in one instrument, achieving 90 dB dynamic range with a single sensor. A graphics display is included as a standard feature.

The two independent signal channels allow gain and output power of an amplifier to be measured simultaneously without multiplexing, and the dual inputs can also be used for return loss measurements under operating conditions. Each display channel can use any combination of the sensor inputs, and results can be shown as a numerical readout or as a graph profile.

Field use

The ruggedized polycarbonate chassis has no vent holes, making the meter splash resistant, and an optional front panel cover and soft case add further protection. An optional NiMH battery supports field service work.

Measurement aids and connectivity

MA24xx series sensors store calibration factor data in internal EEPROMs so the meter corrects readings automatically. An offset table of attenuation versus frequency compensates for attenuators, couplers, cables and limiters in the test path. A rear-panel BNC input measures voltage or accepts a V/GHz signal for automated calibration factor correction. The meter is controlled via GPIB, with emulation of other power meter command sets, and RS232, and the free PowerSuite software displays and archives measurement traces on a PC.

Key Features

Two independent input channels
90 dB dynamic range with a single sensor
Fast thermal sensors
GPIB speed
GPIB emulation
Triggering controls
Burst profile graphics display
Power vs. time graphics display
Parallel printer connector
Sensor EEPROM calibration factor storage with automatic correction
Offset table for path loss correction
Softkey menu control with numerical keypad
Optional NiMH smart battery
High speed voltage measurement via rear panel BNC
Remote monitoring with modem dial-out when a limit threshold is exceeded
Secure mode wipes non-volatile memory on power up
Rugged, splash-resistant polycarbonate chassis
Free PowerSuite PC software via GPIB or RS232

Specifications

Measurement

Number of Input Signals	2
Frequency Range	100 kHz to 50 GHz Sensor dependent. The product page summary lists 100 kHz — 65 GHz; datasheet value used.
Dynamic Range (Continuous or Peak)	–70 to +20 dBm Dependent on sensor, external coupler, or attenuator
Nominal Video BW	100 kHz Profile mode
Sampling Rate	31.25 kS/s Product page states the meter samples at more than 35K per second; datasheet value used.
Instrumentation Accuracy, CW Mode	< 0.5% (± 0.02 dB absolute Accuracy, ± 0.04 dB Relative Accuracy)
Instrumentation Accuracy, Pulse/Modulated Mode	< 0.8% Nominal range 7, 8
Averaging Type	Auto (Moving), Manual (Moving, Repeat)
Averaging Range	1 to 512
Low-level Averaging	Low, Medium, and High settings Apply post average low-pass filter to improve visibility at high display resolution
Amplifier Range	Dynamic range covered by five overlapping amplifier ranges: R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 Universal Sensor MA2481/82D ranges 1 to 6
Range Hold	Auto or Manual (current range or selectable 1 through 5)
Voltage Measurement Range	0.00 to 20.00 V nominal
Source Sweep	Single channel power sweep or frequency sweep
Peaking Meter	± 5 dB range CW (Readout mode) only

Display

Display	Monochrome LCD, with backlight and adjustable contrast
Display Resolution in Readout Mode	0.1 dB to 0.001 dB Linear power units, 3 to 6 digits, 1 to 3 digits selectable to right of decimal, nW to W; Voltage, 1 to 2 digits selectable to right of decimal
Display Resolution in Profile Mode	0.01 dB
Time Measurement Resolution	200 pixels display resolution Profile and P vs. T modes; for a 1 ms Profile window, cursor resolution on the display is 5 µs
Measurement Display Readout (Numerical)	2
Measurement Display Profile (Graph)	Power vs. Time graphic of readout data or Profile of Peak power for analysis of repetitive pulse or transient waveforms
Measurement Hold	Hold, Max, Min
Display Units	Watt, %, Volts, dBm, dB, dBµV, dBmV, dBr
Display Range	–199.99 dB to +199.99 dB
Offset Range	–199.99 dB to +199.99 dB Fixed value or frequency dependent table
Measurement Gates	1
Markers	2
Limit Lines	Fixed value high and low limits with audible, rear panel TTL output, and/or visible Pass/Fail alarm indication Failure indication can latch for transient failure detection

Triggering

Source	Internal, External (TTL or RF Blanking), GPIB, Manual, or Continuous
Internal Trigger Dynamic Range	–15 dBm to +20 dBm All diode sensors, selectable to –25 dBm
Internal Trigger Level Accuracy	1 dB Typical
Internal Trigger Settable Resolution	0.1 dB
Trigger Delay Range	0 ms to 999 ms
Trigger Delay Settable Resolution	0.5% of display period or 100 ns
External Trigger Range	TTL rising or falling edge (BNC input)
Trigger/Display Capture Range	Profile mode: 10 ms to 7 s; P v T mode: 1 m to 24 hrs

Reference Calibrator

Reference Calibrator Power	1 mW
Power Accuracy	± 1.2% per year Traceable to National Standards
Frequency	50 MHz (nominal)
Frequency Accuracy	< 1%
VSWR	< 1.12
Connector Type	N female Nominal input impedance is 50 ohms

Interfaces

GPIB (IEEE–488.2, IEC–625)	> 600 readings/second (per input channel) Emulation of Anritsu ML4803, Agilent 436, 437, and 438
RS232	Supports software download, instrument control, and modem dial-out 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 Baud rates are supported
Parallel Printer Port	Compatible with Deskjet 540 and 340 Models (other 500 Series and 300 Series and later are typically compatible). Canon BJC 80.
Cal Factor Voltage Input (BNC)	Input Range: 0 V to 20 V; Resolution: 0.5 mV Display voltage reading on selected channel, or voltage proportional to frequency for sensor calibration factor compensation
External Trigger (BNC)	TTL, maximum frequency of 800 kHz
Analog Output (BNC)	Two outputs configurable to Log or Lin; Output Range: –5.0 V to +5.0 V; Resolution: 0.1 mV AC Modulation Output: Output 1 only; Dwell Output: Output 2 only
Save/Recall	10 storage registers plus RESET default settings
Secure Mode	Wipes non-volatile memory on power up when active
Remote Monitoring	Yes Modem compatible

Power

DC Power Requirements	12 to 24 VDC, Reverse protected to –40 V Maximum input 30 V
AC Power Requirements	85 VAC to 240 VAC, 47 Hz to 400 Hz, 40 VA Maximum Quick Fact Sheet lists 90 to 250 VAC, 47 to 440 Hz; datasheet value used
Battery Option	> 6 hr usable with 3000 mAhr (NiMH) battery
Non-Volatile RAM Battery	Lithium (10 year life)

Environmental

Operating Temperature	0 °C to 40 °C Quick Fact Sheet lists 0° to 50 °C; datasheet value used
Storage Temperature	–40 °C to 70 °C
Moisture	Splash and rain resistant, 95% humidity non-condensing
Operating Elevation	4,600 m Per W31P4Q-18-007
Environment	For indoor use only, Pollution Degree 2
Military Compliance	MIL-T-28800F, class 3

Physical

Dimensions	223 mm x 150 mm x 390 mm Quick Fact Sheet lists 213 mm W x 88 mm H x 390 mm D; datasheet value used
Weight	3 kg Excluding battery option
Warranty	Power meters have a standard 1 year warranty Quick Fact Sheet states 3-year standard for power meters; datasheet and compliance guide state 1 year

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

Applications

CW power measurement
Amplifier gain and output power measurement
Return loss measurement
TDMA and pulsed signal profile display
Field service
Automated test equipment (ATE) systems
Remote power monitoring

Included

Power cord for destination country
One 1.5 m sensor cord per meter input
PowerSuite software
Operation Manual (soft copy)
Programming Manual (soft copy)
Certificate of Calibration

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
ML2400A-05	Front Bail Handle
ML2400A-08	Rear Mount Inputs A, B and Reference on ML2438A — Options 6, 7, 8 and 9 are mutually exclusive for any given ML2430A unit
ML2400A-09	Rear Mount Inputs A and B on ML2438A — Options 6, 7, 8 and 9 are mutually exclusive for any given ML2430A unit
2000-1603	NiMH Battery
2000-996-R	Desktop Battery Charger with Power Supply
2000-1534-R	Desktop Battery Charger (for use in Japan only)
2000-1545	Bulkhead Adapter
10585-00001	Hard Copy Operation and Programming Manuals
10585-00003	Hard Copy Maintenance Manual
ML2400A-98	Calibration to ISO 17025 and/or ANSI/NCSL Z540
ML2400A-99	Premium Calibration
760-209	Hardside Transit Case
D41310	Soft Carry Case with Shoulder Strap
2000-1535	Front Panel Cover
2400-82	Rack Mount, Single Unit — Options 5, 2400-82, and 2400-83 are mutually exclusive
2400-83	Rack Mount, Side-by-Side — Options 5, 2400-82, and 2400-83 are mutually exclusive
2000-1536-R	0.3 m Sensor Cable
2000-1537-R	1.5 m Sensor Cable — Standard sensor cable; peak and pulse sensor performance is specified with this cable
2000-1538-R	3 m Sensor Cable
2000-1539-R	5 m Sensor Cable
2000-1540-R	10 m Sensor Cable
2000-1541-R	30 m Sensor Cable
2000-1542-R	50 m Sensor Cable
2000-1543-R	100 m Sensor Cable
2000-1544	RS-232 Bootload Cable