Anritsu Introduces In-Line Peak Power Sensor

12/07/2011

Anritsu Company introduces the MA24105A, a standalone, compact, and highly accurate in-line peak power sensor that provides a wide range of power measurement capability over a frequency range of 350 MHz to 4 GHz. Featuring a 2 mW to 150 W dynamic range, and a combination of forward and reverse measurement functionality, the MA24105A can be used by both manufacturing and field engineers in a variety of commercial cellular, land mobile radio and general-purpose military/defense RF applications.

Highly accurate average power measurements can be made with the MA24105A. The wide dynamic range eliminates the need for lower power sensors, reducing setup and measurement times. Accuracy is assured because the calibration data is stored directly in the sensor and all necessary corrections are done inside the microprocessor of the sensor. Also, return loss and directivity are optimized to maintain high accuracy.

A “dual path” architecture in the MA24105A enables True-RMS measurements over the entire frequency and, coupled with the dynamic range, allows users to measure CW, multi-tone and digitally modulated signals, such as GSM/EDGE, CDMA/EV-DO, W-CDMA/HSPA+, WiMAX, and TD-SCDMA. A forward direction path includes a 4-MHz bandwidth channel that has peak and comparator/integrator circuits that add measurement functions, such as peak envelope power, crest factor, CCDF, and burst average power. Another detection circuit on the reverse direction adds reverse power measurement capabilities, including reverse power, reflection coefficient, return-loss, and SWR. The presence of a micro-controller, along with signal conditioning circuitry, ADC, and power supply in the sensor, make the MA24105A a complete miniature power meter.

Versatile, the MA24105A can be used in numerous applications. Its good match and low insertion loss make the sensor well suited for continuous power monitoring of transmitter systems and antennas. Additionally, the 350 MHz bottom end frequency makes the sensor perfect for testing P25 and TETRA networks.

The MA24105A is compatible with the S3xxE series Site Master™ cable and antenna analyzers, MS271xE and MS272xB Spectrum Master™ handheld spectrum analyzers, MT8212E Cell Master™, MT822xB BTS Master™, and MS202xA/B and MS203xA VNA Master™. It can be used with the MS271xB economy bench top spectrum analyzers, as well.

Operation can also be performed through a PC. When working via a computer, the PowerExpert™ application replicates a front panel display to make the computer appear like a power meter. Users can record measured power over time to a hard disc or other storage media via a data logging function. Other features include power vs. time graphs, and offset tables for quick and accurate measurements.

Anritsu Corporation, www.anritsu.com.