Anritsu MT8862A Wireless Connectivity Test Set
MT8862A

Anritsu MT8862A Wireless Connectivity Test Set (WLAN/Bluetooth Tester)

WLAN and Bluetooth LE RF TRx tester for IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be/bn devices in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

Frequency range
2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz
Frequency range
6.0 GHz to 7.3 GHz
Frequency setting resolution
1 Hz
Level setting range
–65 to +25 dBm
Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu MT8862A Wireless Connectivity Test Set measures the RF transmit and receive characteristics of WLAN devices using IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be/bn in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, and of Bluetooth Low Energy devices. It is used in design verification, quality evaluation and manufacturing inspection.

Network Mode and Direct Mode

In Network Mode the MT8862A connects to the device under test (DUT) with standard WLAN protocol messaging, simulating either an access point (AP) or a station (STA). Tx power, modulation accuracy (EVM) and receiver sensitivity can then be measured while the DUT runs its shipping firmware, so it does not have to be placed in a dedicated test mode. Direct Mode is also supported. WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal and WPA3-Personal secure connections allow measurement without disabling DUT security settings.

Measurement functions

Tx measurements use ICMP echo requests or ACK frames, and a built-in data rate control algorithm sets the data rate used for the measurement. Rx sensitivity is measured by counting the ACK frames the DUT returns for test packets. This gives the packet error rate (PER), and sweeping the output level produces a bathtub curve automatically. Two MT8862A units can be combined for 2x2 MIMO Rx sensitivity and Tx power measurements. The unit also supports OTA testing in anechoic and reverberation chambers, including TRP and TIS measurements following the CTIA/WFA CWG test plan.

Operation and troubleshooting

The instrument is controlled through a web browser GUI served by its built-in web server over Ethernet, so no control software has to be installed. Frame capture logging saves WLAN protocol messages in pcap format for troubleshooting connection problems, and a separate rear-panel Ethernet port exchanges IP data between the DUT and an external server for connection verification tests.

Key Features

  • Network Mode: connection with WLAN devices using WLAN protocol messaging (WLAN signalling) for measurement
  • Direct Mode supported
  • Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be/bn (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands)
  • Simulates access point (AP) and station (STA)
  • 160 MHz and 320 MHz channel bandwidths in the 6 GHz band
  • 2x2 MIMO Rx sensitivity and Tx power measurement using two MT8862A units
  • WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal and WPA3-Personal encrypted connections
  • Tx measurements (Tx power, modulation accuracy, etc.) using ICMP echo request
  • Built-in data rate control algorithm for Tx measurements in Network Mode
  • PER measurement using ACK frame count for bathtub curve generation
  • Remote control and display of results from a web browser via built-in web server
  • Frame capture logging in pcap format for connection troubleshooting
  • IP data transfer to/from external server using built-in IP interface
  • Bluetooth Low Energy RF measurement

Specifications

Receiver
Frequency range
MT8862A-001
2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz
Frequency range
MT8862A-002, MT8862A-010
6.0 GHz to 7.3 GHz
Frequency setting resolution 1 Hz
Level setting range –65 to +25 dBm
Level setting resolution 0.1 dB
Level accuracy (300 kHz measurement bandwidth) ±0.7 dB (–30 dBm ≤ Setting Level ≤ +25 dBm), ±0.9 dB (–55 dBm ≤ Setting Level < –30 dBm), ±1.1 dB (–65 dBm ≤ Setting Level < –55 dBm)
CW, 20°C to 30°C, input signal lower than setting level, excluding linearity error, after calibration; 2.4–2.5 GHz, 5.0–6.0 GHz and 6.0–7.3 GHz
Level accuracy (160 MHz measurement bandwidth) ±0.7 dB (–30 dBm ≤ Setting Level ≤ +25 dBm), ±1.0 dB (–50 dBm ≤ Setting Level < –30 dBm)
CW, 20°C to 30°C, after calibration; 2.4–2.5 GHz, 5.0–6.0 GHz and 6.0–7.3 GHz
Level accuracy (320 MHz measurement bandwidth) ±0.7 dB (–30 dBm ≤ Setting Level ≤ +25 dBm), ±1.0 dB (–50 dBm ≤ Setting Level < –30 dBm)
CW, 20°C to 30°C, after calibration; 5.785 GHz ≤ Frequency ≤ 7.3 GHz
Linearity ±0.4 dB (–40 dBm ≤ Input Level)
CW, measurement bandwidth 160 MHz or 320 MHz, 0 to –30 dB of setting level
Transmitter
Output frequency range
MT8862A-001
2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz
Output frequency range
MT8862A-002, MT8862A-010
6.0 GHz to 7.3 GHz
Frequency setting resolution 1 Hz
Frequency accuracy Depends on reference oscillator accuracy
Level setting range –120 to 0 dBm
Level setting resolution 0.1 dB
Level accuracy ±1.0 dB, ±0.7 dB (typ.) (2.4 GHz ≤ Frequency ≤ 2.5 GHz); ±1.3 dB, ±1.0 dB (typ.) (5.0 GHz ≤ Frequency ≤ 6.0 GHz); ±1.3 dB, ±1.0 dB (typ.) (6.0 GHz < Frequency ≤ 7.3 GHz)
CW, 20°C to 30°C, Output Level ≥–110 dBm, after calibration
Harmonic ≤–25 dBc
Reference Oscillator
At start ±5 × 10–7 (2 minutes after power-on), ±5 × 10–8 (3 minutes after power-on)
At 25°C referenced to frequency at 1 hour after power-on
Aging rate ±1 × 10–7/year
Temperature characteristics ±2 × 10–8 (5°C to 45°C)
Shipped frequency accuracy ±2.2 × 10–8
1 hour after power-on at 20°C to 30°C
RF Input/Output
Main 1, 2 connector N-J, 50Ω (nominal)
Front panel
Main 1, 2 VSWR ≤1.5 (2.4 GHz ≤ Frequency ≤ 2.5 GHz), ≤1.7 (5.0 GHz ≤ Frequency ≤ 6.0 GHz), ≤1.7 (6.0 GHz < Frequency ≤ 7.385 GHz)
Aux Out connector N-J, 50Ω (nominal)
Front panel, output only
Aux Out VSWR ≤1.5 (2.4 GHz ≤ Frequency ≤ 2.5 GHz), ≤1.6 (5.0 GHz ≤ Frequency ≤ 6.0 GHz), ≤1.6 (6.0 GHz < Frequency ≤ 7.38 GHz)
Rear Panel Connectors
External reference input BNC-J, 10 MHz, 50Ω; operation range ±1 ppm; input level –15 dBm ≤ Level ≤+20 dBm (AC coupled)
Reference signal output BNC-J, 10 MHz, 50Ω; output level ≥0 dBm (AC coupled)
Trigger input 1/2 BNC 1/2, Input Level: TTL
Trigger output 1/2 BNC 1/2, Output Level: TTL
Ethernet (Remote) RJ-45, 1000BASE-T
Required for remote control from external controller
Ethernet (IP Data) RJ-45, 1000BASE-T
IP data transfer
USB USB 2.0, USB-A, 2 Ports
General purpose
Expansion I/O 50 pin (DX10A-50S)
Synchronization of primary/secondary units for MIMO measurement
General
Dimensions 426 (W) × 177 (H) × 390 (D) mm
Excluding projections
Mass ≤14 kg
Rated voltage 100 V(ac) to 120 V(ac) or 200 V(ac) to 240 V(ac)
Rated frequency 50 Hz/60 Hz
Power consumption ≤350 VA
Operating temperature +5°C to +45°C
Storage temperature –20°C to +60°C
CE EMC: 2014/30/EU, EN61326-1, EN61000-3-2; LVD: 2014/35/EU, EN61010-1; RoHS: 2011/65/EU, (EU) 2015/863, EN IEC 63000: 2018
UKCA EMC: S.I. 2016 No.1091, EN 61326-1, EN61000-3-2; LVD: S.I. 2016 No.1101, EN 61010-1; RoHS: S.I. 2012 No.3032, EN IEC 63000: 2018
WLAN Measurement Software MX886200A
Supported standards IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be/bn (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands)
802.11ac/ax/be/bn require MX886200A-001/002/003/004
2.4 GHz band frequency range 2412 MHz to 2484 MHz
With MT8862A-001 installed
5 GHz band frequency range 5180 MHz to 5825 MHz (with MT8862A-001 installed); 5180 MHz to 5885 MHz (with MT8862A-001, 002, 010 installed)
6 GHz band frequency range 5955 MHz to 7115 MHz
With MT8862A-001, 002, 010 installed
Input level range –50 to +25 dBm
Input level accuracy ±0.7 dB (–30 dBm ≤ Input Level ≤+25 dBm), ±1.0 dB (–50 dBm ≤ Input Level <–30 dBm)
After calibration at 20°C to 30°C
Amplitude measurement linearity ±0.4 dB (–40 dBm ≤ Input Level, 0 to –30 dB range compared to setting level)
Bandwidth 40 MHz/20 MHz (802.11n), 20 MHz (802.11a/b/g), 160/80/40/20 MHz (802.11ac, with MX886200A-001 installed), 160/80/40/20 MHz (802.11ax, with MX886200A-002, 030 installed), 320/160/80/40/20 MHz (802.11be, with MX886200A-003, 030, 031 installed), 320/160/80/40/20 MHz (802.11bn, with MX886200A-004, 030, 031 installed)
Spectrum measurement input level range –10 to +25 dBm
EVM measurement range –20 to +25 dBm
Residual EVM, DSSS <–28 dB
–20 dBm ≤ Input Level, average of 20 packets
Residual EVM, OFDM (802.11a/g/n) <–40 dB
–20 dBm ≤ Input Level, average of 20 packets, channel estimate: full packets
Residual EVM, OFDM (802.11ac)
MX886200A-001
<–38 dB
–10 dBm ≤ Input Level, average of 20 packets, channel estimate: full packets
Residual EVM, OFDM (802.11ac, 160 MHz)
MX886200A-001, MX886200A-030
<–44 dB (nom.)
–10 dBm ≤ Input Level, average of 20 packets, MCS9
Residual EVM, OFDM (802.11ax)
MX886200A-002
<–42 dB (nom.)
–10 dBm ≤ Input Level, average of 20 packets, channel estimate: full packets
Residual EVM, OFDM (802.11ax, with 160 MHz option)
MX886200A-002, MX886200A-030
<–44 dB (nom.)
–10 dBm ≤ Input level, average of 20 packets, MCS11
Residual EVM, OFDM (802.11be/bn, 320 MHz)
MX886200A-003, MX886200A-004, MX886200A-030, MX886200A-031
<–44 dB (nom.)
–10 dBm ≤ Input level, average of 20 packets, MCS13
EVM data format / resolution % or dB; 0.01% or 0.01 dB
Carrier frequency measurement level range –20 to +25 dBm
Carrier frequency accuracy (802.11b, a/g/n/ac) ± (Setting Frequency × Reference Oscillator Accuracy + 1 kHz)
Average of 20 packets
Carrier frequency accuracy (802.11ax/be/bn) ± (Setting Frequency × Reference Oscillator Accuracy + 5 Hz) (nom.)
More than 100 symbols and 242 tones, channel estimate: full packets
Signal generator level setting range –120 to 0 dBm (Aux Out); –120 to 0 dBm (Main 1/2, Frequency ≤ 6 GHz and Channel Band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz); –120 to –5 dBm (Main 1/2, Frequency > 6 GHz or Channel Band 6 GHz)
Signal generator EVM, 802.11b ≤–38 dB rms
2412 MHz to 2484 MHz, long preamble, Gaussian filter BT0.5, 5°C to 45°C, packet length 1472 byte
Signal generator EVM, 802.11be/bn 320 MHz ≤–43 dB rms (nom.)
6105 MHz to 6905 MHz, 0.8 μs GI, MCS13, 20°C to 30°C
Network connection role Access Point (AP), Station (Non-AP STA)
Frame capture 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 MB
Tx test measurement type Data, ACK
Rx test measurement type Packet Error Rate (PER), Frame Reception Rate (FRR)
Payload type All 0’s, 0101, 1010, PN7, PN9, Random, Counting
MIMO signals for receiver testing 802.11n/ac (with MX886200A-010), 802.11ax (with MX886200A-011), 802.11be (with MX886200A-012)
Beamforming not supported
Security encryption
MX886200A-020
WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal
With MX886200A-020 installed
Bluetooth Low Energy Measurement Software MX886220A
Measurement targets Bluetooth Low Energy Signal Packet
Frequency range 2.4 GHz Band: 2402 MHz to 2480 MHz
Input level range –50 to +25 dBm
Input level accuracy ±0.7 dB (–30 dBm ≤ Input Level ≤+25 dBm), ±1.0 dB (–50 dBm ≤ Input Level <–30 dBm)
After calibration at 20°C to 30°C
Linearity ±0.4 dB (–40 dBm ≤ Input Level, 0 to –30 dB range compared to setting level)
Verified PC Operation Environment
OS / Browser Windows 11 / Chrome
CPU Intel Core i5 processor, 2.5 GHz
Memory / disk 4 GB minimum / 500 MB minimum free space
LAN 100 Base-T LAN (1000-base T preferred)
Display WXGA 1024 × 768 minimum

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

Applications

  • Design verification of WLAN devices
  • Manufacturing inspection
  • Quality evaluation of finished products
  • OTA testing (TRP/TIS) in anechoic and reverberation chambers
  • ETSI receiver blocking and EMC PER testing
  • Smartphones and tablets
  • Smart appliances and IoT devices
  • Wearable devices
  • Access points, routers and gateways
  • Automotive WLAN equipment
  • Medical devices
  • AR/VR devices

Included

  • J0017F Power Cord: 1
  • DVD (Operation Manual): 1
  • W3901AE MT8862A Operation Manual (Operation) [DVD]
  • W3902AE MT8862A Operation Manual (Remote Control) [DVD]
  • W3903AE MX886200A WLAN Measurement Software Manual (Operation) [DVD]
  • W3904AE MX886200A WLAN Measurement Software Manual (Remote Control) [DVD]

Options & Accessories

Option Description
MT8862A-001 RF Frequency 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz — Basic hardware configuration
MT8862A-002 RF Frequency 6 GHz
MT8862A-010 Extended RF Hardware
MT8862A-011 Extended Bandwidth Hardware
MT8862A-102 RF Frequency 6 GHz Retrofit — Must be returned to factory in Japan
MT8862A-202 RF Frequency 6 GHz Retrofit — Must be returned to service center outside of Japan
MT8862A-110 Extended RF Hardware Retrofit — Must be returned to factory in Japan
MT8862A-210 Extended RF Hardware Retrofit — Must be returned to service center outside of Japan
MT8862A-310 Extended RF Hardware Retrofit — No need to return
MT8862A-111 Extended Bandwidth Hardware Retrofit — Must be returned to factory in Japan
MT8862A-211 Extended Bandwidth Hardware Retrofit — Must be returned to service center outside of Japan
MT8862A-311 Extended Bandwidth Hardware Retrofit — No need to return
MT8862A-UG190 Retrofit Service with Service Cert.
MT8862A-UG290 Retrofit Service with Service Cert.
MX886200A WLAN Measurement Software — Supports 802.11b/g/a/n
MX886200A-001 WLAN 802.11ac Option
MX886200A-002 WLAN 802.11ax Option
MX886200A-003 WLAN 802.11be Option
MX886200A-004 WLAN 802.11bn Option
MX886200A-010 2×2MIMO Measurement Software — Supports 802.11n/ac
MX886200A-011 2×2MIMO Measurement Software 802.11ax
MX886200A-012 2×2MIMO Measurement Software 802.11be
MX886200A-020 WLAN Security Function
MX886200A-030 160 MHz Bandwidth
MX886200A-031 320 MHz Bandwidth
MX886200A-070 Remote Control Expansion
MX886220A Bluetooth Low Energy Measurement Software
MX886220A-070 LE Remote Control Expansion
MX886220A-TS120 LE 1 Year Technical Support Service
MT8862A-ES210 2 Years Extended Warranty Service
MT8862A-ES310 3 Years Extended Warranty Service
MT8862A-ES510 5 Years Extended Warranty Service
J0127A Coaxial Cord, 1 m (BNC-P, RG-58A/U, BNC-P)
J0127B Coaxial Cord, 2 m (BNC-P, RG-58A/U, BNC-P)
J0127C Coaxial Cord, 0.5 m (BNC-P, RG-58A/U, BNC-P)
J0576B Coaxial Cord, 1 m (N-P, 5D-2W, N-P)
J0576D Coaxial Cord, 2 m (N-P, 5D-2W, N-P)
J0322A Coaxial Cord, 0.5 m (SMA-P, SMA-P)
J0322B Coaxial Cord, 1.0 m (SMA-P, SMA-P)
J0322C Coaxial Cord, 1.5 m (SMA-P, SMA-P)
J0322D Coaxial Cord, 2.0 m (SMA-P, SMA-P)
J0004 Coaxial Adapter (N-P, SMA-J)
J1261A Ethernet Cable (Straight, 1 m)
J1261B Ethernet Cable (Straight, 3 m)
J1261C Ethernet Cable (Cross, 1 m)
J1261D Ethernet Cable (Cross, 3 m)
J1777A Expansion IO Cable
B0635A Rack Mount Kit (EIA)
B0657A Rack Mount Kit (JIS)
B0636C Carrying Case (Hard type, with a front cover and casters) — Includes a Front Panel Protective Cover (B0671A)
B0671A Front Cover (1MW4U)

Documents & Resources

Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A
datasheet · PDF
IEEE 802.11be Compliant TRx Characteristics Evaluation − Supporting 11be, 6 GHz Band, 320 MHz Channel Bandwidth, and WPA3 −
app note
IEEE 802.11ax Compliant TRx Characteristics Evaluation − Supporting 11ax, 6 GHz Band, 160 MHz Bandwidth, and WPA3 −
app note
Wireless Connectivity eBook - Wireless LAN and Bluetooth® Technologies Permeate Our Lives
app note
IoT, Medical & Healthcare Device Wireless Communication Quality Improvement
app note
Test Solutions for IoT Devices -Quality Assurance from Development to Manufacturing and Field Operation
brochure
Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A Product Introduction
brochure · PDF
IEEE 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8) WLAN RF Performance Test Support
brochure
Automotive Testing & Verification Solutions
brochure
For ETSI EN 301 489-17 Immunity Test - PER Measurement for Wireless LAN Devices
brochure
For Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 RF and Network Evaluation
brochure
Concerned About Poor Sensitivity of WLAN Products? –Resolving Noise Problems Even After Clearing EMC Regulations–
brochure
Easy RF Evaluation of WLAN Products
brochure
WLAN Product Evaluation Examples Benchmark Test -Introduction to WLAN Measuring Instruments-
brochure
Evaluating WLAN Products Transmitter Characteristics -Introduction to WLAN Measuring Instruments-
brochure
Evaluating WLAN Products Receiver Characteristics -Introduction to WLAN Measuring Instruments-
brochure
Anritsu Automotive Product Lineup: Test Expertise for the Future of Transportation
brochure
Wireless LAN Signal Quality Test - All-in-One Intelligent Signaling and Non-signaling Evaluations
brochure
IEEE 802.11ax Test Challenge
brochure
Measurement Improves CPE Product Quality
brochure
New WLAN Applications for EVs Appearance of Wireless Charging - Wireless Charging Requiring Communications Technologies -
brochure
Unknowingly Transmitting Abnormal Output? -Tx Power Mode Usage Examples-
brochure
WLAN Devices Issues with Poor Sensitivity USB Noise -Noise problems that cannot be solved simply by clearing EMC regulations-
brochure
Do your WLAN products have poor connection / call drop problems?
brochure
Evaluation of RF Characteristics using Optimized OTA Measurement by MT8862A - CTIA/WFA CWG V. 2.1 Test Plan Conformance -
brochure · PDF
Receiving WLAN Signal Everywhere in Cabin?
brochure
How to Ensure Wi-Fi Performance of EMC-compliant Medical Devices
app note
Profound Contents to Be Enabled by Wireless Connectivity of AR/VR
app note
Electronic Measuring Instruments Digest 2026 Catalog
brochure
Automotive Test Solutions
brochure
Case Study Aillis, Inc.
app note