Anritsu MS2840A Spectrum Analyzer/Signal Analyzer
MS2840A

Anritsu MS2840A Spectrum Analyzer/Signal Analyzer, 9 kHz to 3.6/6/26.5/44.5 GHz

Benchtop spectrum and signal analyzer covering 9 kHz to 44.5 GHz with low close-in SSB phase noise and an optional built-in signal generator.

Frequency range
9 kHz to 3.6 GHz
Frequency range
9 kHz to 6 GHz
Frequency range
9 kHz to 26.5 GHz
Frequency range
9 kHz to 44.5 GHz
Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu MS2840A is a spectrum analyzer and signal analyzer available in four frequency configurations: 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz (MS2840A-040), 9 kHz to 6 GHz (MS2840A-041), 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz (MS2840A-044) and 9 kHz to 44.5 GHz (MS2840A-046). It is designed for research, development and manufacturing of wireless equipment and transmitter devices, with applications ranging from microwave wireless backhaul to VHF/UHF private mobile radio (PMR).

The instrument is built around close-in SSB phase noise performance, specified at –123 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz with a 10 kHz offset on all frequency models. On the 3.6 GHz and 6 GHz models, the Low Phase Noise Performance option MS2840A-066 further improves phase noise for carriers between 130 MHz and 3.7 GHz at offsets of 1 kHz to 1 MHz, making the analyzer suitable for measuring transmitter carrier close-in spurious.

Measurement functions

The standard spectrum analyzer function includes channel power, occupied bandwidth, adjacent channel leakage power, spectrum emission mask, burst average power, spurious emission, frequency counter and TOI measurements. The standard signal analyzer function provides a 31.25 MHz FFT analysis bandwidth with spectrum, power vs. time, frequency vs. time, phase vs. time, CCDF/APD and spectrogram traces, plus capture and replay of waveform data. The analysis bandwidth can be extended to 62.5 MHz or 125 MHz by option.

Options

Optional functions include phase noise measurement, noise figure measurement using the Y-factor method, precompliance EMI measurement, vector modulation analysis and analog (FM/ΦM/AM) measurement software, BER measurement and noise floor reduction. On the 3.6 GHz and 6 GHz models, a built-in vector signal generator or analog signal generator can be installed, allowing transmitter and receiver tests from a single instrument.

Key Features

  • Frequency range of 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz, 6 GHz, 26.5 GHz or 44.5 GHz
  • Built-in preamplifier option up to 44.5 GHz
  • –123 dBc/Hz SSB phase noise at 1 GHz center frequency, 10 kHz offset, on all frequency models
  • –138 dBc/Hz (meas.) at 1 GHz, 10 kHz offset with 3.6 GHz and 6 GHz models
  • –140 dBc/Hz (meas.) at 150 MHz, 10 kHz offset with 3.6 GHz and 6 GHz models
  • 31.25 MHz analysis bandwidth standard, 125 MHz max. by option
  • Built-in Tx measurements: Channel Power, Occupied Bandwidth, Adjacent Channel Leakage Power, Spectrum Mask, Frequency Counter
  • Signal analyzer traces: Frequency vs. Time, Power vs. Time, Phase vs. Time, Spectrogram, CCDF up to 44.5 GHz
  • Vector modulation analysis and analog FM/ΦM/AM measurements
  • Built-in signal generator option for all-in-one TRx and BER tests on 3.6 GHz and 6 GHz models
  • Phase Noise Measurement Function option
  • Noise Figure Measurement Function option up to 44.5 GHz
  • Pulse Radar Measurement Function option
  • Capture & replay of waveform data to internal memory
  • Power meter function with compatible USB power sensors
  • Noise Floor Reduction option subtracting internal noise (11 dB max. nominal)

Specifications

Frequency
Frequency range
MS2840A-040
9 kHz to 3.6 GHz
Frequency range
MS2840A-041
9 kHz to 6 GHz
Frequency range
MS2840A-044
9 kHz to 26.5 GHz
Frequency range
MS2840A-046
9 kHz to 44.5 GHz
Frequency setting range
MS2840A-040
–100 MHz to 3.7 GHz
Resolution 1 Hz
Frequency setting range
MS2840A-041
–100 MHz to 6.1 GHz
Resolution 1 Hz
Frequency setting range
MS2840A-044
–100 MHz to 27 GHz
Resolution 1 Hz
Frequency setting range
MS2840A-046
–100 MHz to 45 GHz
Resolution 1 Hz
Reference oscillator aging rate
MS2840A-040, MS2840A-041
±1 × 10–6 /year
Standard, without MS2840A-001/002
Reference oscillator temperature characteristics
MS2840A-040, MS2840A-041
±2.5 × 10–6 (0°C to 50°C)
Standard, without MS2840A-001/002
Reference oscillator aging rate
MS2840A-002, MS2840A-044, MS2840A-046
±1 × 10–7 /year
MS2840A-002 is standard on MS2840A-044/046
Reference oscillator aging rate
MS2840A-001
±1 × 10–10 /month, ±1 × 10–9 /year
Rubidium reference oscillator
SSB Phase Noise
SSB phase noise, 10 Hz offset –80 dBc/Hz (nom.)
18º to 28°C, 1000 MHz, Spectrum Analyzer mode; without MS2840A-001 and with MS2840A-002
SSB phase noise, 100 Hz offset –92 dBc/Hz (nom.)
18º to 28°C, 1000 MHz; without MS2840A-001 and with MS2840A-002
SSB phase noise, 1 kHz offset –117 dBc/Hz (nom.)
18º to 28°C, 1000 MHz; without MS2840A-001 and with MS2840A-002
SSB phase noise, 10 kHz offset –123 dBc/Hz
18º to 28°C, 1000 MHz, Spectrum Analyzer mode
SSB phase noise, 100 kHz offset –123 dBc/Hz
18º to 28°C, 1000 MHz, Spectrum Analyzer mode
SSB phase noise, 1 MHz offset –135 dBc/Hz
18º to 28°C, 1000 MHz, Spectrum Analyzer mode
SSB phase noise, 10 MHz offset –148 dBc/Hz (nom.)
18º to 28°C, 1000 MHz, Spectrum Analyzer mode
SSB phase noise with MS2840A-066, 1 kHz offset
MS2840A-066
–122 dBc/Hz
MS2840A-066 enabled, center frequency 500 MHz, SPAN ≤ 1 MHz, 18°C to 28°C
SSB phase noise with MS2840A-066, 10 kHz offset
MS2840A-066
–133 dBc/Hz
MS2840A-066 enabled, center frequency 500 MHz, SPAN ≤ 1 MHz, 18°C to 28°C
SSB phase noise with MS2840A-066, 100 kHz offset
MS2840A-066
–133 dBc/Hz
MS2840A-066 enabled, center frequency 500 MHz, SPAN ≤ 1 MHz, 18°C to 28°C
SSB phase noise with MS2840A-066, 10 kHz offset at 1 GHz
MS2840A-066
–138 dBc/Hz (meas.)
Measured at design, not guaranteed; measured by Phase Noise Measurement function
SSB phase noise with MS2840A-066, 10 kHz offset at 150 MHz
MS2840A-066
–140 dBc/Hz (meas.)
Measured at design, not guaranteed; measured by Phase Noise Measurement function
Amplitude
Level measurement range DANL to +30 dBm
Without MS2840A-008/068/069 or Preamp OFF
Level measurement range
MS2840A-008, MS2840A-068, MS2840A-069
DANL to +10 dBm
With MS2840A-008/068/069 and Preamp ON
Maximum input level (average total power) +30 dBm
Input attenuator: ≥10 dB; +20 dBm at 0 dB attenuation; preamp off
Maximum DC voltage
MS2840A-040, MS2840A-041
±10 Vdc
Maximum DC voltage
MS2840A-044, MS2840A-046
±0 Vdc
Input attenuator range 0 to 60 dB, 2 dB Steps
MS2840A-046 without MS2840A-019 uses 10 dB steps in some attenuator/band modes
Input attenuator switching uncertainty ±0.20 dB (10 to 60 dB)
300 kHz ≤ frequency < 4 GHz, Frequency Band Mode: Normal; referenced to 10 dB, 18°C to 28°C
Reference level setting range (log scale) –130 to +50 dBm
Spectrum Analyzer function; –120 to +50 dBm for Signal Analyzer function
Linearity error ±0.07 dB
Mixer input level ≤–20 dBm, preamp off; ±0.10 dB at mixer input level ≤–10 dBm
RF frequency characteristics ±0.35 dB
300 kHz ≤ frequency < 50 MHz, 18°C to 28°C, input attenuator 10 dB, preamp off
RF frequency characteristics
MS2840A-044, MS2840A-046
±2.50 dB
13.8 GHz < frequency ≤ 40 GHz, preamp off
1 dB gain compression ≥+3 dBm
At mixer input level, 300 MHz ≤ frequency ≤ 4 GHz, preamp off
Second harmonic distortion ≤–65 dBc
300 MHz < input frequency ≤ 1 GHz, mixer input level –30 dBm, preamp off; SHI ≥+35 dBm
Residual responses ≤–100 dBm
1 MHz ≤ frequency ≤ 1 GHz, input attenuator 0 dB, 50Ω terminated
Residual responses
MS2840A-046
≤–80 dBm (nom.)
26.5 GHz < frequency ≤ 44.5 GHz
Average display noise level -164 dBm/Hz (1 GHz, preamp ON)
Brochure table lists –165 dBm/Hz at 1 GHz with preamp on for the 3.6/6 GHz models
TOI +16 dBm(1 GHz)
Displayed Average Noise Level (3.6 GHz/6 GHz models)
DANL, 30 MHz, preamp none
MS2840A-040, MS2840A-041
–153 dBm/Hz
Spectrum Analyzer function, without Low Phase Noise Performance
DANL, 1 GHz, preamp none
MS2840A-040, MS2840A-041
–151 dBm/Hz
Spectrum Analyzer function
DANL, 6 GHz, preamp none
MS2840A-041
–146 dBm/Hz
Spectrum Analyzer function
DANL, 30 MHz, preamp on
MS2840A-008
–166 dBm/Hz
Spectrum Analyzer function
DANL, 1 GHz, preamp on
MS2840A-008
–165 dBm/Hz
Spectrum Analyzer function
DANL, 6 GHz, preamp on
MS2840A-008
–161 dBm/Hz
Spectrum Analyzer function
Third order intercept (TOI), 1 GHz
MS2840A-040, MS2840A-041
+16 dBm
Preamp none; dynamic range 167 dB
Spectrum Analyzer
Span
MS2840A-040
0 Hz, 300 Hz to 3.6 GHz
Span
MS2840A-041
0 Hz, 300 Hz to 6 GHz
Span
MS2840A-044
0 Hz, 300 Hz to 26.5 GHz
Span
MS2840A-046
0 Hz, 300 Hz to 44.5 GHz
Span accuracy ±0.2%
Trace Point 10,001; resolution 2 Hz
Resolution bandwidth (RBW) 1 Hz to 3 MHz (1-3 sequence), 500 Hz, 50 kHz, 2 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 31.25 MHz
1 Hz to 10 Hz cannot be set when Span 0 Hz; 31.25 MHz only when Span 0 Hz
RBW selectivity (–60 dB/–3 dB) 4.5: 1
Nominal, 1 Hz to 10 MHz
Video bandwidth (VBW) 1 Hz to 10 MHz (1-3 sequence), 5 kHz, Off
VBW mode: Video Average/Power Average
Signal Analyzer
Analysis bandwidth 31.25 MHz
Standard; 50 MHz max. sampling rate, ADC resolution 16 bits
Analysis bandwidth
MS2840A-077
62.5 MHz
100 MHz max. sampling rate, ADC resolution 14 bits
Analysis bandwidth
MS2840A-077, MS2840A-078
125 MHz
200 MHz max. sampling rate, ADC resolution 14 bits; image response received above 31.25 MHz bandwidth
Max. capture time 0.5 s to 2000 s
Depends on span
Max. number of samples 100 Msamples
Signal Generator Options (3.6 GHz/6 GHz models)
Vector signal generator frequency range
MS2840A-020
250 kHz to 3.6 GHz
Vector signal generator frequency range
MS2840A-021
250 kHz to 6 GHz
Vector signal generator output level
MS2840A-020, MS2840A-021
–40 to +20 dBm (>25 MHz)
Standard; –136 to +15 dBm (>25 MHz) with MS2840A-022 installed
Vector modulation bandwidth
MS2840A-020, MS2840A-021
120 MHz
Waveform memory
MS2840A-020, MS2840A-021
64 Msamples (Standard), 256 Msamples (with MS2840A-027 installed)
Analog signal generator frequency setting range
MS2840A-088
100 kHz to 3 GHz
Output modulation FM, ΦM, AM
Measurement Function Options
Phase noise measurement offset range
MS2840A-010
10 Hz to 10 MHz
Noise figure measurement frequency range (noise source)
MS2840A-017
0.01 GHz to 40.0 GHz
Y-factor method; Noisecom NC346 series noise sources supported
BER input bit rate
MS2840A-026
100 bps to 10 Mbps
Input level TTL 3.3 V, rear panel AUX connector
Preamplifier frequency range
MS2840A-008, MS2840A-040
100 kHz to 3.6 GHz
Gain of about 20 dB
Preamplifier frequency range
MS2840A-008, MS2840A-041
100 kHz to 6 GHz
Gain of about 20 dB
Precompliance EMI RBW
MS2840A-016
200 Hz (6 dB), 9 kHz (6 dB), 120 kHz (6 dB), 1 MHz (Imp)
Detectors: Quasi-Peak, CISPR-AVG, RMS-AVG

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

Applications

  • Research and development of wireless equipment
  • Manufacturing test of wireless transmitters
  • Microwave wireless backhaul
  • VHF/UHF private mobile radio (PMR)
  • Transmitter close-in spurious measurement
  • Phase noise characterization of local oscillators
  • Noise figure measurement
  • Receiver sensitivity and BER testing
  • Precompliance EMI measurement
  • Radar transmitter measurement

Options & Accessories

Option Description
MS2840A-040 3.6 GHz model — 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz
MS2840A-041 6 GHz model — 9 kHz to 6 GHz
MS2840A-044 26.5 GHz model — 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz
MS2840A-046 44.5 GHz model — 9 kHz to 44.5 GHz
MS2840A-001 Rubidium Reference Oscillator — 10 MHz reference with ±1 × 10–9 start-up characteristics 7 minutes after power-on
MS2840A-002 High Stability Reference Oscillator — 10 MHz reference crystal oscillator, aging rate ±1 × 10–7 /year
MS2840A-005 Analysis Bandwidth Extension to 31.25 MHz
MS2840A-006 Analysis Bandwidth 10 MHz
MS2840A-008 Preamplifier — Gain of about 20 dB to improve DANL for low-level signal measurement
MS2840A-009 Analysis Bandwidth Extension to 31.25 MHz
MS2840A-010 Phase Noise Measurement Function — Phase noise measurement with a frequency offset range of 10 Hz to 10 MHz
MS2840A-011 Secondary SSD — Removable SSD for storing user data, no OS installed
MS2840A-014 Removable SSD, Win10 — User-changeable SSD with the same Windows OS and programs as the factory system SSD
MS2840A-016 Precompliance EMI Function — Adds CISPR detection modes and RBWs to the spectrum analyzer function
MS2840A-017 Noise Figure Measurement Function — Y-factor noise figure measurement using a noise source
MS2840A-019 2 dB Step Attenuator for Millimeter-wave
MS2840A-020 Vector Signal Generator, 3.6 GHz — 250 kHz to 3.6 GHz
MS2840A-021 Vector Signal Generator, 6 GHz — 250 kHz to 6 GHz
MS2840A-022 Low Power Extension for Vector Signal Generator — Extends the output level lower limit from –40 dBm to –136 dBm; upper limit drops by 5 dB
MS2840A-026 BER Measurement Function — BER measurement up to 10 Mbps
MS2840A-027 ARB Memory Upgrade 256 MSa for Vector Signal Generator — Extends ARB memory from 64 Msamples to 256 Msamples
MS2840A-028 AWGN — Adds Additive White Gaussian Noise to the output signal
MS2840A-029 Analog Function Extension for Vector Signal Generator — Adds an analog signal generator function to MS2840A-020/021
MS2840A-051 Noise Floor Reduction — Subtracts internal noise components (11 dB max. nominal) from the displayed result
MS2840A-066 Low Phase Noise Performance — Improves SSB phase noise for signals from 130 MHz to 3.7 GHz at offsets of 1 kHz to 1 MHz
MS2840A-067 Microwave Preselector Bypass
MS2840A-068 Microwave Preamplifier
MS2840A-069 26.5 GHz Microwave Preamplifier
MS2840A-077 Analysis Bandwidth Extension to 62.5 MHz — Extends analysis bandwidth to 62.5 MHz
MS2840A-078 Analysis Bandwidth Extension to 125 MHz — Extends analysis bandwidth to 125 MHz; requires MS2840A-077
MS2840A-088 3.6 GHz Analog Signal Generator — FM, ΦM and AM signal output, 100 kHz to 3 GHz
MS2840A-189 Vector Function Extension for Analog Signal Generator — Adds a vector signal generator function to MS2840A-088
MX269017A Vector Modulation Analysis Software — Measures modulation accuracy, carrier frequency and Tx power for digital radios
MX269017A-001 APSK Analysis — 16APSK, 32APSK
MX269017A-011 Higher-Order QAM Analysis — 512QAM, 1024QAM, 2048QAM
MX269018A Analog Measurement Software — Tx performance measurement of AM, FM and ΦM analog radios
MX269902A TDMA IQproducer — PC software for generating TDMA waveform patterns
MX269904A Multi-Carrier IQproducer — PC software for generating multichannel waveform patterns
MX284090A External Mixer Connection Function

Documents & Resources

Signal Analyzer MS2840A-040/041 (3.6 GHz/6.0 GHz model)
brochure · PDF
Measurement Software MX2690xxA / MX2830xxA / MX2840xxA / MX2850xxA series
brochure
Signal Analyzer MS2840A-044/046 (26.5 GHz/44.5 GHz model)
brochure · PDF
MX269xxxA series Software - Waveform Pattern MX2690xxA / IQproducer MX2699xxA
brochure
Signal Analyzer MS2840A
datasheet · PDF
Signal Analyzer MS2840A
manual
Measuring mmWave Spectrum using External Waveguide Mixers
app note
Using MATLAB Applications with Signal Analyzer
app note
Comparison of MS2830A/MS2840A and NF Analyzer for Noise Figure Measurements
app note
Basic of Remote Control over Ethernet with Windows Instrument
app note
Noise Figure Measurement Method (Noise Figure Measurement Function MS269xA-017/MS2830A-017/MS2840A-017)
app note
Extended Frequency Measurement Solution - External Mixer Connection Function MX284090A
brochure
Millimeter Wave Measurement Solutions
brochure
Signal Analyzer MS2840A
brochure · PDF
Analog Wireless (FM/ΦM/AM) Test Solution Analog Measurement Software MX269018A
brochure
Vector Modulation Analysis Software MX269017A
brochure
Extended Frequency Measurement Solution - V-band (50 ~ 75 GHz) Evaluation
brochure
Extended Frequency Measurement Solution using External Mixer
brochure
Automotive Testing & Verification Solutions
brochure
Extended Frequency Measurement Solution - E-band (60 ~ 90 GHz) Evaluation
brochure
RF Signaling call box, Signal Analyzer and Signal Generator for 5G/LTE User Equipment RF Evaluation
brochure
Internal Memory and Information Security in Signal Analyzer and Signal Generator
brochure
Technical Note - The Basis of Spectrum Analyzers
other
Basics of Radar and Transmitter Measurements
app note
Anti-Virus Measures for Instruments with Windows Operating System
app note
Wireless Backhaul Challenging Large-Capacity and High-Speed Transfers
app note
Build an Efficient Test Environment for Radar Manufacturing and Maintenance
app note
Struggling with Time-consuming Radar Transmission Evaluation?
app note
Wideband Measurement Using External Mixers for Millimeter-wave Radar
app note
Signal Analyzers and Spectrum Analyzers Selection Guide
brochure
Electronic Measuring Instruments Digest 2026 Catalog
brochure
Automotive Test Solutions
brochure
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A Signal Analyzer Vector Signal Generator Operation Manual IQproducerTM
manual
MX370104A/MX269904A Multi-carrier IQproducerTM Operation Manual
manual
MX370102A/MX269902A TDMA IQproducer Operation Manual
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Signal Analyzer Function Remote Control
manual
MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Signal Analyzer Function Operation
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Phase Noise Measurement Function Operation
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Phase Noise Measurement Function Remote Control
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Spectrum Analyzer Function Remote Control
manual
MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Spectrum Analyzer Function Operation
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Mainframe Remote Control
manual
MS2840A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Mainframe Operation
manual
MS2830A/MS2840A Signal Analyzer Vector Signal Generator Operation Manual Remote Control
manual
MS2830A/MS2840A Signal Analyzer Vector Signal Generator Operation Manual Operation
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A Signal Analyzer Vector Signal Generator Operation Manual Standard Waveform Pattern
manual
MX269018A Analog Measurement Software/ MS2830A/MS2840A Signal Analyzer Analog Signal Generator Operation Manual
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Noise Figure Measurement Function Operation
manual
MX269017A Vector Modulation Analysis Software Operation Manual Operation
manual
MX269017A Vector Modulation Analysis Software Operation Manual Remote Control
manual
MX269018A Analog Measurement Software Operation Manual Remote Control
manual
MS2690A/MS2691A/MS2692A and MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A Signal Analyzer Operation Manual Noise Figure Measurement Function Remote Control
manual
Software Package Install Simple Operation Guide
manual
Software License Install Simple Operation Guide
manual
How to Use Spurious Measurement Function Parameters
manual
MS2840A/MS2850A Security Update against WannaCrypt Ransomware Installation Instructions
manual
BER Measurement Simple Operation Guide (MS2830A-026, MS2840A-026)
manual
Simple Guide to Using Waveform Patterns
manual
RF Signal Capture & Playback Simple Operation Guide
manual
MS2840A Software Download (Firmware, Operation Manual)
software