Anritsu ShockLine ME7869A PhaseLync distributed 2-port VNA system

Anritsu / Series · Vector Network Analyzers

ShockLine ME786xA (ME7868A / ME7869A) Distributed Modular 2-port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer

Distributed 2-port USB VNA built from two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A modules, 1 MHz to 8, 20 or 43.5 GHz, with ports up to 100 m apart.

ME7868A-010: 1 MHz to 8 GHz
ME7868A-020: 1 MHz to 20 GHz
ME7868A-043: 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz
ME7868A system lengths: 2 Meters to 25+ Meters

View Models Datasheet

Overview

The ShockLine ME7868A and ME7869A are distributed, fully reversing 2-port vector network analyzer systems from Anritsu covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz, 20 GHz or 43.5 GHz. Each system consists of two ShockLine MS46131A 1-port VNAs that are phase synchronized with PhaseLync technology. The two MS46131A modules act as the test ports and provide the source and measurement capabilities, so their performance determines the performance of the 2-port system. The 43.5 GHz configuration uses Extended-K connectors.

Because the small, lightweight ports connect directly to the device under test, the systems perform vector transmission measurements over distance without the long cable runs needed with a conventional benchtop VNA. This reduces insertion loss in the test setup and improves measurement stability. The ME7868A is offered in 2 m, 5 m and 25 m configurations; the ME7869A uses the MN25132A PhaseLync control module with MS46131A-025/050/100 length options for synchronization up to 100 m.

Configuration and software

The port configuration can be set session by session as a single 1-port, dual 1-port or single 2-port VNA. Both modules are controlled over USB from an external Windows PC running the common ShockLine software, which provides a graphical user interface for debugging and manual testing and a command syntax shared across the ShockLine VNA family for remote programming. IVI-C drivers support LabVIEW, LabWindows, C#, .NET, MATLAB and Python.

The optional MS46131A-002 time domain with time gating adds low-pass and band-pass time domain modes; low-pass mode gives a TDR-like display for characterizing discontinuities. The units have no on-board data storage, which simplifies use in secure areas.

Models in this series

Model	Description
ME7868A-010-2	ShockLine ME7868A-010-2 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 8 GHz, 2 Meter System Distributed modular 2-port VNA covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz, built from two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A VNAs with a 2 meter cable set.	Details →
ME7868A-010-25	ShockLine ME7868A-010-25 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync VNA, 1 MHz to 8 GHz, 25 Meter System Distributed 2-port ShockLine VNA system covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz with PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A ports for 25 meter separation.	Details →
ME7868A-010-5	ShockLine ME7868A-010-5 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 8 GHz, 5 Meter System Distributed 2-port ShockLine VNA system covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz, built from two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A VNAs with a 5 meter separation.	Details →
ME7868A-020-2	ShockLine ME7868A-020-2 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 20 GHz, 2 Meter System Distributed modular 2-port ShockLine VNA system, 1 MHz to 20 GHz, built from two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A VNAs with 2 m cabling.	Details →
ME7868A-020-25	ShockLine ME7868A-020-25 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 20 GHz, 25 Meter System Distributed modular 2-port VNA covering 1 MHz to 20 GHz, with two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A ports up to 25 meters apart.	Details →
ME7868A-020-5	ShockLine ME7868A-020-5 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 20 GHz, 5 Meter System Distributed 2-port ShockLine VNA system covering 1 MHz to 20 GHz with two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A ports and a 5 meter cable set.	Details →
ME7868A-043-2	ShockLine ME7868A-043-2 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz, 2 Meter System Distributed modular 2-port VNA covering 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz, built from two PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A 1-port VNAs with a 2 meter interconnect.	Details →
ME7868A-043-25	ShockLine ME7868A-043-25 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz, 25 Meter System Distributed 2-port PhaseLync vector network analyzer system covering 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz with a 25 meter port separation configuration.	Details →
ME7868A-043-5	ShockLine ME7868A-043-5 Modular 2-Port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz, 5 Meter System Distributed 2-port ShockLine VNA system covering 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz with 5 meter PhaseLync-synchronized MS46131A test ports.	Details →
ME7869A-010	ShockLine ME7869A-010 Modular 2-port PhaseLync Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 8 GHz Distributed 2-port PhaseLync VNA system covering 1 MHz to 8 GHz with test ports synchronized up to 100 meters apart.	Details →
ME7869A-020	ShockLine ME7869A-020 PhaseLync Modular 2-port Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 20 GHz Distributed modular 2-port PhaseLync VNA system covering 1 MHz to 20 GHz with test ports up to 100 meters apart.	Details →
ME7869A-043	ShockLine ME7869A-043 PhaseLync Modular 2-Port Vector Network Analyzer System, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz Distributed 2-port ShockLine VNA system covering 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz, with PhaseLync-synchronized ports up to 100 meters apart.	Details →

Key Features

2-port VNA with frequency options from 1 MHz to 8 GHz / 20 GHz / 43.5 GHz
Remote ports up to 100 meters apart with PhaseLync synchronization (20, 50 and 100 meter options)
Small, lightweight ports connect directly to the DUT, eliminating long cable runs
Guaranteed performance to 43.5 GHz with Extended-K ports
Fully reversing 2-port S-parameter and time domain measurements
Configurable as single 1-port, dual 1-port or single 2-port VNA session by session
PC control uses the processing power and functionality of an external computer
No on-board data storage for use in secure applications
Common ShockLine control software for debug and test
PhaseLync control module MN25132A (ME7869A)

Specifications

Models and Operating Frequencies

ME7868A-010 ME7868A-010-2, ME7868A-010-5, ME7868A-010-25	1 MHz to 8 GHz Applies to all PhaseLync cable lengths
ME7868A-020 ME7868A-020-2, ME7868A-020-5, ME7868A-020-25	1 MHz to 20 GHz Applies to all PhaseLync cable lengths
ME7868A-043 ME7868A-043-2, ME7868A-043-5, ME7868A-043-25	1 MHz to 43.5 GHz Applies to all PhaseLync cable lengths
ME7868A system lengths ME7868A	2 Meters to 25+ Meters For distances > 25 meters, contact the factory
ME7869A-010 ME7869A-010	1 MHz to 8 GHz
ME7869A-020 ME7869A-020	1 MHz to 20 GHz
ME7869A-043 ME7869A-043	1 MHz to 43.5 GHz
ME7869A length options ME7869A	20 Meter, 50 Meter, 100 Meter MS46131A-025 for lengths ≤ 20 m, -050 for ≤ 50 m, -100 for ≤ 100 m; two required, enabled on both VNAs

System Dynamic Range

1 MHz to 5 GHz	97 (110 typical) High source power minus RMS noise floor at 10 Hz IF bandwidth, high isolation mode
> 5 GHz to 8.5 GHz	97 (105 typical) ME7868A: satellite unit SDR degrades > 5 GHz to 7 GHz to 89 (105 typical); may be degraded near 8 GHz in -020 and -043 models due to receiver residuals
> 8.5 GHz to 20 GHz	98 (110 typical)
> 20 GHz to 40 GHz	102 (110 typical)
> 40 GHz to 43.5 GHz	99 (110 typical)

Output Power and Compression

Receiver compression level, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz	+ 5 Port power beyond which response may be compressed more than 0.1 dB; typical
Power setting High (default)	0 dBm ±2dB Typical
Power setting Low	– 20 dBm ±2dB Typical
Power setting Off	-50 dBm Typical

Measurement Stability — 2-Port

1 MHz to 8 GHz ME7868A	0.015 dB/ºC, 0.3 deg/ºC Typical; 15 m PhaseLync interconnect, electrically short thru
> 8 GHz to 20 GHz ME7868A	0.015 dB/ºC, 0.5 deg/ºC Typical; 15 m PhaseLync interconnect
> 20 GHz to 43.5 GHz ME7868A	0.02 dB/ºC, 0.8 deg/ºC Typical; 15 m PhaseLync interconnect
1 MHz to 8 GHz ME7869A	0.015 dB/ºC, 0.4 deg/ºC Typical; 20 m PhaseLync interconnect
> 8 GHz to 20 GHz ME7869A	0.015 dB/ºC, 0.5 deg/ºC Typical; 20 m PhaseLync interconnect
> 20 GHz to 43.5 GHz ME7869A	0.02 dB/ºC, 1.25 deg/ºC Typical; 20 m interconnect. For 50 m or more above 20 GHz, approximately 2 degrees per °C
Measurement stability — 1-port, 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz	0.02 dB/ºC, 0.3 deg/ºC Typical

Frequency Resolution, Accuracy, and Stability

Resolution	1 Hz
Accuracy	± 1.0 ppm At time of calibration
Stability	± 1.0 ppm from -10 °C to +55 °C Typical
Aging	± 1.0 ppm/year Typical

Uncorrected (Raw) Port Characteristics

Directivity / port match, 1 MHz to 6 GHz ME7868A	> 6 dB / > 6 dB Typical; user and system correction off
Directivity / port match, > 6 GHz to 8 GHz ME7868A	> 5 dB / > 6 dB Typical
Directivity / port match, > 8 GHz to 43.5 GHz ME7868A	> 10 dB / > 10 dB Typical
Directivity / port match, 50 kHz to 4 GHz ME7869A	> 21 dB / > 17 dB Typical; user correction off, system correction on; port match is worst of source and load match
Directivity / port match, > 4 GHz to 43.5 GHz ME7869A	> 15 dB / > 15 dB Typical

Error-Corrected Performance, 36585K Precision AutoCal (MS46131A-043)

1 MHz to < 10 GHz ME7868A-043, ME7869A-043	Directivity ≥ 50 dB, source match ≥ 49 dB, load match ≥ 42 dB Load match characteristic; reflection tracking ± 0.15 dB, transmission tracking ±0.06 dB
10 GHz to < 20 GHz ME7868A-043, ME7869A-043	Directivity ≥ 45 dB, source match ≥ 49 dB, load match ≥ 36 dB
20 GHz to < 30 GHz ME7868A-043, ME7869A-043	Directivity ≥ 45 dB, source match ≥ 45 dB, load match ≥ 36 dB
30 GHz to 40 GHz ME7868A-043, ME7869A-043	Directivity ≥ 45 dB, source match ≥ 45 dB, load match ≥ 30 dB

Measurement Throughput

Measurement speed, 1-port	180 µs/point 1-port calibrated data, typical; 300 kHz IFBW, 1601 points. Web page summary lists 170 µs/point typical
Measurement speed, 2-port	250 µs/point 2-port calibrated data, phase compensation ON, IF gain ranging OFF, typical

Standard Capabilities

2-port measurements	S11, S21, S22, S12, and any user-defined combination of a1, a2, b1, b2, 1
Domains	Frequency Domain, Time (Distance) Domain (Option 002)
Frequency sweep types	Linear, Log, CW, or Segmented
Maximum data points	2 to 16,001 points
IF bandwidth	10, 20, 50, 70, 100, 200, 300, 500, 700 Hz; 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 100, 200, 300 kHz
Averaging	Point-by-point, maximum number of averages = 200; sweep-by-sweep, maximum number of averages = 4096
Channels and traces	16 channels, each with up to 16 traces
Markers	12 markers + 1 reference marker
Calibration methods	SOLT, SSLT, SSST, SOLR, LRL / LRM, TRL / TRM, SmartCal, AutoCal

Connectors and Interfaces

Test port, -010 ME7868A-010	N(f)
Test port, -020 ME7868A-020	Ruggedized K(m)
Test port, -043 ME7868A-043	Ruggedized Extended-K™(m)
Damage input levels	+23 dBm maximum, ±50 VDC maximum
10 MHz In	SMA(f), +0 dBm, typical; 50Ω, nominal Signal presence is auto-sensing
External trigger input	SMA(f), 0 to 3.3 V input (5 V tolerant), > 100 k Ω, 50 ns minimum pulse width Trigger delay 6 µs typical
External trigger output	0 to 3.3 V (HCMOS logic), 12 mA maximum Pulse width 1 µs, typical
PC interface	One USB 2.0 (or higher) type A port per MS46131A used Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10; 32 or 64 bit

Environmental

Environmental standard	MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2
Operating temperature range	-10 ºC to 55 ºC
Storage temperature range	–51 ºC to 71 ºC
Maximum relative humidity	95 % RH at 30 ºC, non-condensing
Altitude	4600 meters, operating and non-operating
Safety	EN 61010-1:2010

Applications

Long cable insertion loss testing
Antenna testing
Over the Air (OTA) applications
Chamber installations
Large vehicle RF shielding and propagation testing
System calibration
Path-loss characterization
General S-parameter and time domain measurements
Secure area testing with external computer control over USB

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
ME7869A-010	8 GHz, 2 port VNA system
ME7869A-020	20 GHz, 2 port VNA system
ME7869A-043	43.5 GHz, 2 port VNA system
MN25132A	2-port PhaseLync Control Module — Required for ME7869A systems
MS46131A-025	Option 25, PhaseLync synchronization to 20 meters — One required for each MS46131A in an ME7869A
MS46131A-050	Option 50, PhaseLync synchronization to 50 meters — One required for each MS46131A in an ME7869A
MS46131A-100	Option 100, PhaseLync synchronization to 100 meters — One required for each MS46131A in an ME7869A
2000-2123-R	PhaseLync 2 meter cable set — ME7869A: order 2 cable sets; total length within the PhaseLync option length
2000-2124-R	PhaseLync 5 meter cable set
2000-2125-R	PhaseLync 10 meter cable set
2000-2126-R	PhaseLync 25 meter cable set
2000-2127-R	PhaseLync 50 meter cable set
2000-2128-R	PhaseLync 75 meter cable set
ME7868A-010-2	8 GHz, 2 meter system
ME7868A-010-5	8 GHz, 5 meter system
ME7868A-010-25	8 GHz, 25 meter system
ME7868A-020-2	20 GHz, 2 meter system
ME7868A-020-5	20 GHz, 5 meter system
ME7868A-020-25	20 GHz, 25 meter system
ME7868A-043-2	43.5 GHz, 2 meter system
ME7868A-043-5	43.5 GHz, 5 meter system
ME7868A-043-25	43.5 GHz, 25 meter system
MS46131A-002	Time Domain with Time Gating — Required on each MS46131A for time domain to be enabled in the 2-port system
MS46131A-098	Standard Calibration, ISO 17025 compliant, without data
MS46131A-099	Premium Calibration, ISO 17025 compliant, with data
MN25208A	2-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz — Connector options -001 N(f), -002 K(f), -003 3.5 mm(f)
MN25408A	4-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz
MN25218A	2-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 20 GHz — K(f) connectors
MN25418A	4-port USB SmartCal Module, 300 kHz to 20 GHz — K(f) connectors
36585K-2M	K Precision AutoCal Module, 70 kHz to 40 GHz, K(m) to K(m)
36585K-2F	K Precision AutoCal Module, 70 kHz to 40 GHz, K(f) to K(f)
36585K-2MF	K Precision AutoCal Module, 70 kHz to 40 GHz, K(m) to K(f)
2000-1809-R	Serial to USB Adapter — Required for 36585 AutoCal module if control PC does not have a serial port
TOSLN50A-8	Precision N Male Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 8 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLNF50A-8	Precision N Female Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 8 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLK50A-20	Precision K Male Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 20 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLKF50A-20	Precision K Female Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee, DC to 20 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLK50A-43.5	Precision K Male Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee with S1P data, DC to 43.5 GHz, 50 Ω
TOSLKF50A-43.5	Precision K Female Through/Open/Short/Load Mechanical Calibration Tee with S1P data, DC to 43.5 GHz, 50 Ω
3663-3	N Connector Verification Kit
3668-4	43.5 GHz K Connector Verification Kit
760-299-R	Transit case for the ME7869A VNA system
760-295-R	Transit case for the ME7868A VNA system
01-201	Torque End Wrench, 5/16 in, 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in) — For tightening male devices, for SMA, 3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, K, and V connectors
01-203	Torque End Wrench, 13/16 in, 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in) — For tightening ruggedized SMA, 2.4 mm, K and V test port connectors
01-204	End Wrench, 5/16 in, Universal, Circular, Open-ended — For SMA, 3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, K, and V connectors