MA24106A USB Power Sensor, True-RMS Average Power, 50 MHz to 6 GHz

True-RMS USB power sensor that measures average power from 50 MHz to 6 GHz over a 63 dB dynamic range without a separate power meter.

Frequency Range: 50 MHz to 6 GHz
Dynamic Range: -40 dBm to +23 dBm
Input Return Loss: > 26 dB (50 MHz to < 2 GHz); > 20 dB (2 GHz to 6 GHz)
SWR: <1.1 (50 MHz to <2 GHz); <1.2 (2 GHz to 6 GHz)

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu MA24106A is a USB power sensor that replaces a traditional power meter. It is a standalone instrument that communicates with a PC over USB. Its measurement capability mimics a thermal (thermo-electric) power sensor while offering a wider dynamic range.

The sensor measures true RMS power regardless of the type or bandwidth of the input signal, which makes it suitable for average power measurements of CW, multi-tone and modulated RF waveforms such as 3G, 4G and OFDM. A micro-controller, signal conditioning circuitry, ADC and power supply are built into the sensor, so it functions as a complete miniature power meter. Data display and acquisition take place on the PC.

Software and compatibility

The Anritsu Power Meter / PowerXpert application for Microsoft Windows PCs is supplied as standard and is used to control the sensor and analyze data. The MA24106A is also compatible with Anritsu MS272xB, MT8222A, MS202xA, MS203xA and MS271xB handheld instruments; in some cases the high accuracy power meter software option (Option 19) is required, and the handheld firmware must be at the level listed by Anritsu.

Calibration

On-board frequency and temperature corrections together with the integrated signal acquisition hardware eliminate the need for a reference calibration, simplifying the measurement process and reducing test time in production. Customers with a suitably equipped calibration laboratory can self-calibrate the sensor using the optional CalXpert software utility. The recommended calibration cycle is 12 months.

Key Features

True RMS measurements over a 63 dB dynamic range for accurate CW and modulated power measurements
Suited to installation and maintenance of base stations and testing of 3G and 4G devices, cell phones and general purpose RF devices
High damage power levels and ESD protection circuitry for ruggedness and reliability
Low power consumption (100 mA typ) extends laptop battery life
Eliminates the need for a reference calibrator, reducing test time and handling in production
Light weight, economical and easy to use with a desktop or laptop PC
One year calibration cycle and worldwide calibration and service centers
Compatible with most Anritsu RF and microwave handheld analyzers (Option 19 required in some cases)
Complimentary PowerXpert PC application for sensor control and data analysis
Self-calibration possible with the optional CalXpert software utility

Specifications

Sensor

Frequency Range	50 MHz to 6 GHz
Dynamic Range	-40 dBm to +23 dBm
Input Return Loss	> 26 dB (50 MHz to < 2 GHz); > 20 dB (2 GHz to 6 GHz)
SWR	<1.1 (50 MHz to <2 GHz); <1.2 (2 GHz to 6 GHz)
Measurement Ranges	Range 1, -40 dBm to -5 dBm; Range 2, -5 dBm to +23 dBm
Signal Channel Bandwidth	100 Hz typical
RF Connector	N (m)

Measurement Uncertainty

Linearity	± 0.13 dB (power level < +18 dBm); ± 0.18 dB (power level ≥ +18 dBm) Web page states Sensor Linearity <3%
Calibration Factor	± 0.035 dB Expanded uncertainty with K=2 for absolute power measurements on CW signal at 0 dBm calibration level from 50 MHz to 6 GHz
Noise	< 2.5 nW (-40 dBm to -5 dBm); < 0.6 µW (-5 dBm to +23 dBm) Expanded uncertainty with K=2 after zero operation, 128 averages for 5 minutes. In high aperture time mode noise is 1.3 nW and 0.3 µW in Range 1 and Range 2 respectively
Zero Set	< 10 nW (-40 dBm to -5 dBm); < 1.7 µW (-5 dBm to +23 dBm)
Zero Drift	< 3.0 nW (-40 dBm to -5 dBm); < 0.5 µW (-5 dBm to +23 dBm) After one hour warm-up and zero operation. Measured with 128 averages for one hour keeping the temperature within ± 1 ºC
Temperature Compensation	± 0.06 dB (at 0 °C to 50 °C) Measurement error with reference to a CW signal of equal power and frequency at 25 ºC
Effect of Digital Modulation	± 0.02 dB (power level < +18 dBm); ± 0.10 dB (power level ≥ +18 dBm) Measurement error with reference to a CW signal of equal power and frequency at 25 ºC

System

Measurand	True-RMS / Average power
Measurement Resolution	0.01 dB
Offset Range	± 100 dB
Averaging Range	1 to 256
Measurement Speed	10 measurements per second typical; one measurement per second, typical in high aperture time mode
Range	Auto-ranging between Range 1 and Range 2
Interface	USB 2.0

PC Requirements (PowerXpert application)

Host Operating System	Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 8, and Windows 10
Micro Processor	Intel Pentium III with 1 GB RAM or Intel Pentium IV with 512 MB RAM, or equivalent Intel Pentium IV with 1 GB RAM recommended
Supporting Software	Microsoft .NET 3.5
Disc Space	100 MB hard-disk free space
Display	Display resolution 1024 × 768
USB Port	USB 2.0 full-speed (compatible with USB 1.0 and 1.1) interface

General

Current (via host USB Mini-B)	100 mA (typical) at 5 V (150 mA maximum)
Maximum DC Voltage at RF Port	± 25 V
Maximum CW Power	+33 dBm
Size	60.4 mm x 22.2 mm x 84.2 mm typical (2.37 in x 0.87 in x 3.31 in) Not including N connector
Weight	180 grams typical (6.4 oz)
Calibration Cycle	12 months Recommended
Warranty	1 Year

Regulatory Compliance

European Union EMC	2014/30/EU, EN 61326:2013, CISPR 11/EN 55011, IEC/EN 61000-4-2/3/4/5/6/8/11
Low Voltage Directive	2014/35/EU
Safety	EN 61010-1:2010
RoHS Directive	2011/65/EU
Australia and New Zealand	RCM AS/NZS 4417:2012
South Korea	KCC-REM-A21-0004

Environmental

Operating Temperature	0 °C to 50 °C Tests were performed per MIL-PRF-28800F (Class 3)
Storage Temperature	-51 °C to 71 °C
Maximum Relative Humidity	45% relative humidity at 55 ºC; 75% relative humidity at 40 ºC; 95% relative humidity at 30 ºC non-condensing
Mechanical Shock	30 g half-sine, 11 ms duration
Vibration	Sinusoidal: 5-55 Hz, 3 g max; Random: 10-500 Hz, power spectral density 0.03 g²/Hz

Handheld Instrument Compatibility (required firmware)

MS2721B MS2721B	> V1.24
MS2723B, MS2724B MS2723B, MS2724B	> V1.21
MT8222A MT8222A	> V1.44
MS2024A, MS2026A MS2024A, MS2026A	> V1.55
MS2034A, MS2036A MS2034A, MS2036A	> V1.11
MS2717B MS2717B	> V1.05
MS2718B, MS2719B MS2718B, MS2719B	> V1.04

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

Applications

Base station installation and maintenance
3G and 4G device testing
Cell phone testing
General purpose RF device testing
Production test
Average power measurement of CW, multi-tone and OFDM signals

Included

2000-1566-R 1.8 meters USB A to Mini-B cable
10585-00021 Quick Start Guide
PowerXpert PC application

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MA24106A-097	Option 97, Accredited Calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540 — Test report and uncertainty data included.
MA24106A-098	Option 98, Standard calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540
MA24106A-099	Option 99, Premium calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540 — Test report and uncertainty data included.
2000-1593-R	3 meters USB A to Mini-B cable — Optional accessory
2000-1594-R	5 meters USB A to Mini-B cable — Optional accessory
01-200	Calibrated torque wrench for N connector — Optional accessory
01-204	Calibrated torque wrench for K and V connectors — Optional accessory
3-1010-123	Power attenuator, N(m) to N(f), DC to 8.5 GHz, 30 dB, 50 W, 50 Ω — Recommended for cable and antenna line sweep applications only. Not recommended for low PIM.
3-1010-124	Power attenuator, N(m) to N(f), DC to 8.5 GHz, 40 dB, 100 W, 50 Ω — Recommended for cable and antenna line sweep applications only. Not recommended for low PIM.
3-1010-122	Power attenuator, N(m) to N(f), DC to 12.4 GHz, 20 dB, 5 W, 50 Ω — Recommended for cable and antenna line sweep applications only. Not recommended for low PIM.
42N50-20	Power attenuator, N(m) to N(f), DC to 18 GHz, 20 dB, 5 W, 50 Ω — Recommended for cable and antenna line sweep applications only. Not recommended for low PIM.
42N50-30	Power attenuator, N(m) to N(f), DC to 18 GHz, 30 dB, 50 W, 50 Ω — Recommended for cable and antenna line sweep applications only. Not recommended for low PIM.
510-90	Precision coaxial adapter, N(m) to 7/16 DIN(f), DC to 3.3 GHz
510-91	Precision coaxial adapter, N(f) to 7/16 DIN(f), DC to 3.3 GHz
510-92	Precision coaxial adapter, N(m) to 7/16 DIN(m), DC to 3.3 GHz
510-93	Precision coaxial adapter, N(f) to 7/16 DIN(m), DC to 3.3 GHz
33NFNF50B	Precision coaxial adapter, N(f) to N(f), DC to 18 GHz
33NNF50B	Precision coaxial adapter, N(m) to N(f), DC to 18 GHz
33NN50B	Precision coaxial adapter, N(m) to N(m), DC to 18 GHz
34AN50	Precision coaxial adapter, GPC-7 to N(m), DC to 18 GHz
34ANF50	Precision coaxial adapter, GPC-7 to N(f), DC to 18 GHz
34NFK50	Precision coaxial adapter, N(f) to K(m), DC to 18 GHz
34NFKF50	Precision coaxial adapter, N(f) to K(f), DC to 18 GHz
34NK50	Precision coaxial adapter, N(m) to K(m), DC to 18 GHz
34NKF50	Precision coaxial adapter, N(m) to K(f), DC to 18 GHz
2300-528	MA24106A CalXpert — Sensor calibration utility