MA24108A Microwave USB Power Sensor, True-RMS, 10 MHz to 8 GHz

True-RMS USB power sensor measuring average power from 10 MHz to 8 GHz over 60 dB of dynamic range, with internal and external triggering.

Frequency range: 10 MHz to 8 GHz
Dynamic range (CW): -40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Timeslot): -40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Scope): -40 dBm to +20 dBm

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu MA24108A is a microwave USB power sensor that provides average power measurements from 10 MHz to 8 GHz over 60 dB of dynamic range. It uses a dual-path architecture in which two diode detector paths are kept in the square-law region and the appropriate path output is selected, giving True-RMS measurements across the full frequency and dynamic range. This allows average power measurement of CW, multi-tone and digitally modulated signals without a limit on modulation bandwidth. A built-in attenuator improves SWR performance and reduces mismatch error, and a DC block at the front end protects the sensor from RF signals carrying DC content.

The sensor contains a microcontroller, signal conditioning circuitry, ADCs and power supply, so it operates as a complete miniature power meter. All calibration factors, linearity corrections and temperature corrections are stored inside the sensor, and the standards used for calibration are traceable to the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Because the USB cable carries only corrected digital power data, the 50 MHz, 1 mW reference calibrator normally required by power meters is not needed.

Triggering and measurement modes

The MA24108A can trigger internally from the signal under test or accept an external trigger through an MCX connector. These capabilities support Scope mode, which displays power versus time for burst measurements, and Time Slot mode, which calculates the average power in each slot of TDMA waveforms such as GSM/EDGE. The sensor ADC samples at 140,000 samples per second with a capture time of up to 300 ms, supports up to 128 slot intervals, and allows positive or negative trigger delay and user-definable exclusion periods. Scope and Time Slot measurements require a PC with PowerXpert or remote programming commands.

Compatibility

The sensor is controlled from a Windows PC over USB with the supplied PowerXpert application, which provides a power-meter style display, data logging and power versus time graphs. It is also compatible with Option-19-enabled Anritsu handheld and benchtop instruments, including Site Master (S3xxE), Spectrum Master (MS271xE and MS2720T), Cell Master (MT821xE), BTS Master (MT822xB), VNA Master (MS202xA/B and MS203xA) and the MS271xB Economy Benchtop Microwave Spectrum Analyzers, connecting via a USB A to Micro-B cable. Multiple sensors can be controlled from a single PC, and a USB-to-LAN converter allows remote monitoring beyond the 5 m USB cable limit.

Key Features

Broad frequency range, 10 MHz to 8 GHz
True RMS measurements over 60 dB dynamic range
NIST traceable calibrations
Compatible with Option-19-enabled Anritsu handheld and benchtop instruments
Built-in internal and external trigger for timeslot and burst power measurements (used with a PC)
High damage level of +33 dBm with ESD protection
1 mW reference calibrator not required
Removable silicone protective covering for field durability
Dual-path architecture keeps diode detectors in the square-law region
Built-in attenuator minimizes mismatch error
DC block at the front end protects against DC content on the RF signal
Calibration factors, linearity and temperature corrections stored in the sensor
Two-color LED reports sensor functional status
N connector designed for use with a torque wrench
Scope mode with gate and fence feature for burst measurements
Time Slot mode supporting up to 128 slots and 300 ms total capture time
Multiple sensors can be controlled remotely from a single PC
Software toolkit with sample program and source code for ATE environments
Low power requirements preserve laptop battery life
Worldwide calibration and service centers

Specifications

Sensor

Frequency range	10 MHz to 8 GHz
Dynamic range (CW)	-40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Timeslot)	-40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Scope)	-40 dBm to +20 dBm
SWR	< 1.17, 10 MHz to 150 MHz; < 1.12, 150 MHz to 2 GHz; < 1.22, 2 GHz to 8 GHz
Signal channel rise time	8 µs typical
Video bandwidth	50 kHz typical
Sampling rate	140 ks/s typical
Measurement ranges	Range 1, +20 dBm to -7 dBm typical; Range 2, -7 dBm to -40 dBm typical; Auto ranging between range 1 and 2

Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty	< 4% Expanded uncertainty with K=2 for power measurements of a CW signal greater than -20 dBm with zero mismatch errors
Linearity	< 3%
Cal factor	< 2.3% at 10 MHz; < 1.5%, 50 MHz to 8 GHz Expanded uncertainty with K=2 for absolute power measurements on CW signal at 0 dBm and calibration frequencies 10 MHz, 50 MHz, 100 MHz, 300 MHz, 500 MHz, and 1 GHz to 8 GHz in 1 GHz increments
Noise	< 8 µW, Range 1; < 40 nW, Range 2 Expanded uncertainty with K=2 after zero operation when measured with 1 average, and 20 ms aperture time for 5 minutes; noise goes down as square root of number of averages and aperture time
Zero set	< 1 µW, Range 1; < 10 nW, Range 2 Expanded uncertainty with K=2 after zero operation when measured with 1 average, and 20 ms aperture time for 5 minutes
Zero drift	< 0.5 µW, Range 1; < 3 nW, Range 2 Expanded uncertainty with K=2 after one hour warm-up and zero operation, 1 average, 20 ms aperture time, and keeping the temperature within ±1 ºC
Effect of temperature	< 1.4%
Effect of digital modulation	< 0.5%, < +18 dBm; < 1.4%, > +18 dBm Measurement error with reference to a CW signal of equal power and frequency at 25 ºC

System

Measurand	Average power
Measurement resolution	0.01 dB max via PowerXpert, 0.001 dB max via remote command Resolution in PowerXpert application is 2 digits after the decimal; native resolution of the sensor is 3 digits after the decimal
Offset correction	-100 dB to +150 dB Available only through PowerXpert application; no remote command in the sensor firmware
Averaging	Auto, Manual
Averaging type	Moving, Repeat
Number of averages (manual)	1 to 40,000 Maximum in Continuous Average mode and Timeslot mode is 40,000; in scope, the maximum number of averages equals 8231936 divided by data points
Auto average resolution	1 dB, 0.1 dB, 0.01 dB, 0.001 dB Averaging resolution of 0.001 dB is not available with PowerXpert application
Auto average source (slot # or scope data point number)	Timeslot: 1 to 128; Scope: 1 to 1024

Continuous Average Mode

Duty cycle correction	0.01% to 100%
Aperture time	0.01 ms to 300 ms
Measurement time	N x (Capture Time x 2.5) + Td + Tcom Data throughput at the A end of the USB A to Micro-B cable; Td = 0 for Capture Time > 9 ms, 3 ms for 2 ms < Capture Time < 9 ms, 5 ms for Capture Time < 2 ms; Tcom = 5 ms command processing time

Scope Mode

Capture time	0.01 to 300 ms
Data points	1 to 1024
Resolution	0.007 ms, max via remote command; 0.01 ms, max via PowerXpert
Measurement time	N x (Capture Time x 3.75) + (Pn x Tdp) + Tcom N = number of repeat averages (1 for moving average mode), Pn = number of points, Tdp = 0.05 ms communication delay per point, Tcom = 5 ms command processing time

Timeslot Mode

Maximum number of slots	128
Slot width	0.01 ms to 100 ms
Maximum capture time	300 ms (slot width x number of slots)
Resolution	0.007 ms, max via remote command; 0.01 ms, max via PowerXpert
Exclusion periods	Start exclusion 0 ms to 10 ms; End exclusion 0 ms to 10 ms
Measurement time	N x (Capture Time x 3.75) + (Pn x Tdp) + Tcom N = number of repeat averages (1 for moving average mode), Pn = number of points, Tdp = 0.05 ms communication delay per point, Tcom = 5 ms command processing time

Trigger

Source	Bus, Continuous, Internal and External Bus trigger not available in PowerXpert application
Internal trigger dynamic range	-20 dBm to +20 dBm
Internal trigger level accuracy	± 0.5 dB typical
Internal trigger slope	Positive or negative
Internal trigger delay range	-5 ms to +10 s
Internal trigger delay resolution	10 µs
External trigger impedance	100 kΩ
External trigger type	TTL/CMOS
External trigger slope	Positive or negative
External trigger delay range	-5 ms to +10 s
External trigger delay resolution	10 µs
External trigger positive threshold voltage	2.0 V typical
External trigger negative threshold voltage	1.2 V typical
External trigger hysteresis	0.8 V typical

General

RF connector	N male
Interface to host	USB 2.0 full speed (compatible with USB 1.0 and 1.1)
Current consumption	150 mA typical
External trigger input	MCX (female), 12 V max
Damage levels at RF port	+33 dBm, ± 20 V DC
Size	25 mm x 45 mm x 110 mm Excluding N connector and silicone protective covering
Weight	230 g (0.51 lb)

Environmental

Operating temperature range	0 ºC to 50 ºC Tests performed per MIL-PRF-28800F (Class 2). Datasheet descriptive text states accuracy is assured over 0 ºC to 55 ºC; the specification table value is used here
Storage temperature range	-51 ºC to +71 ºC
Humidity	45% relative humidity at 55 ºC (non-condensing); 75% relative humidity at 40 ºC (non-condensing); 95% relative humidity at 30 ºC (non-condensing)
Shock	30 g half-sine, 11 ms duration
Vibration	Sinusoidal: 5 Hz to 55 Hz, 3 g max.; Random: 10 Hz to 500 Hz, Power Spectral Density: 0.03 g²/Hz
EMC	EN 61326
Safety	EN 61010-1

PowerXpert v2.0 PC Requirements

Processor and RAM	Minimum: Equivalent to Intel Pentium III with 1 GB RAM or Intel Pentium IV with 512 MB RAM; Recommended: Equivalent to Intel Pentium IV with 1 GB RAM
Operating system	Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000
Hard-disk free space	100 MB, minimum
Display resolution	1024 × 768, minimum
Interface	USB 2.0 full speed (compatible with USB 1.0 and 1.1)

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

Applications

General purpose RF and microwave power measurement
Aerospace and defense testing
Satellite communications
Cellular base station installation and maintenance
Microwave point-to-point radio installation and maintenance
Production test and ATE systems
R&D of wireless devices and systems
TDMA timeslot power measurement (GSM, EDGE, TD-SCDMA)
Burst power measurement (WiMAX)
Antenna measurements over LAN or Ethernet
Remote power monitoring via USB-to-LAN converter

Included

10585-00021 Quick Start Guide
2000-1605-R 1.5 m BNC (m) to MCX (m) cable
2000-1606-R 1.8 m USB A to Micro-B cable with latch
PowerXpert application software
Software toolkit with sample program and source code

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MA24108A-097	Option 97, Accredited Calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540 — Test report and uncertainty data included.
MA24108A-098	Option 98, Standard calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540
MA24108A-099	Option 99, Premium calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540 — Test report and uncertainty data included.
01-200	Calibrated torque wrench for N connector
01-204	Calibrated torque wrench for K and V connectors
2000-1614-R	5.0 m USB A to Micro-B cable with latch
3-1010-123	Power attenuator, DC to 8.5 GHz, 30 dB, 50 W, 50 Ω — N (m) to N (f)
3-1010-124	Power attenuator, DC to 8.5 GHz, 40 dB, 100 W, 50 Ω — N (m) to N (f)
3-1010-122	Power attenuator, DC to 12.4 GHz, 20 dB, 5 W, 50 Ω — N (m) to N (f)
42N50-20	Power attenuator, DC to 18 GHz, 20 dB, 5 W, 50 Ω — N (m) to N (f)
42N50-30	Power attenuator, DC to 18 GHz, 30 dB, 50 W, 50 Ω — N (m) to N (f)
41KB-3	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 3 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
41KB-6	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 6 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
41KB-10	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 10 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
41KB-20	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 20 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
43KB-3	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 3 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
43KB-6	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 6 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
43KB-10	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 10 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
43KB-20	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz, 20 dB, 50 Ω — K (m) to K (f)
510-90	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz, N (m) to 7/16 DIN (f)
510-91	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz, N (f) to 7/16 DIN (f)
510-92	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz, N (m) to 7/16 DIN (m)
510-93	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz, N (f) to 7/16 DIN (m)
33NFNF50B	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (f) to N (f)
33NNF50B	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (m) to N (f)
33NN50B	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (m) to N (m)
34AN50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, GPC-7 to N (m)
34ANF50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, GPC-7 to N (f)
34NFK50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (f) to K (m)
34NFKF50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (m) to K (f)
34NK50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (m) to K (m)
34NKF50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (m) to K (f)
1091-26	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (m) to SMA (m)
1091-27	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (m) to SMA (f)
1091-80-R	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (f) to SMA (m)
1091-81-R	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz, N (f) to SMA (f)