USB VNAs pack price, performance into compact package

3rd March 2015

Mick Elliott

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Anritsu says its newly launched ShockLine MS46121A series of 1-port USB Vector Network Analysers (VNAs) bring the price, performance, and ease-of-use advantages of it’s patented ShockLine VNA technology to an extremely compact package. Two models with frequency coverage of 40 MHz to 4 GHz and 150 kHz to 6 GHz are powered and controlled via a user-supplied computer to simply and cost-efficiently test cables, antennas, and other passive RF devices where 1-port measurements up to 6 GHz are required.

To maximise throughput in manufacturing, engineering, and education environments, a single computer connected to a USB hub with enough ports can run up to 16 different VNAs. Sweeps can be conducted at 100 microseconds per point and the MS46121A VNAs have a corrected directivity of 42 dB so engineers have greater measurement confidence.

Wide dynamic range and multiple IF bandwidths optimise measurement setups to shorten test times and maximise throughput. The MS46121A series is controlled through the powerful ShockLine software that provides the tools and graphical user interface (UI) for easy debug and testing of 1-port RF devices. It also provides remote programming capabilities that enable the VNAs to be easily programmed and integrated into manufacturing applications.

Anritsu has developed two models for specific measurement requirements. The USB VNA with 40 MHz to 4 GHz frequency coverage is well suited for base station antenna testing where limited frequency bands are required. The wider frequency range model covers 150 kHz to 6 GHz and is designed to test cellular handset antennas and other devices that must transmit and receive on multiple frequency bands.