Anritsu MS27100A Spectrum Monitor Module, 9 kHz to 6 GHz Remote RF Signal Monitoring

Compact OEM spectrum monitor module, 9 kHz to 6 GHz, for remote RF interference detection and spectrum occupancy monitoring.

External Power: 11.0 to 14.5 VDC, 11 W, 5.5 mm Barrel Connector
10 MHz Reference Output: MCX(f)
IF Output: MCX(f)
IF Output Frequency: 140 MHz

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu MS27100A is a spectrum monitor module covering 9 kHz to 6 GHz, designed for OEM solutions that monitor the radio spectrum and geo-locate signals of interest. Its small form factor allows it to be placed in rack-mount systems or enclosures where space is limited, or integrated and branded into a user's own enclosure.

By monitoring the spectrum continuously, the MS27100A helps identify illegal or unlicensed interference signals as they occur. Patterns of unwanted signal activity can be examined to characterize and locate the source of interference. The module is also used to characterize spectrum occupancy, giving regulators and operators the data needed to assess band usage, and to support enforcement of spectrum regulations for services such as police, fire, air traffic control, military and emergency communications.

Remote deployment

The module has a single RF input port, Gigabit Ethernet for remote control and USB ports for accessories. It can be expanded to six RF inputs with the optional 2000-1894-R multiplexer. An integrated web server allows measurements to be viewed and controlled from a browser, and SCPI commands are supported for remote control. A watchdog timer, remote power cycling, automated recovery and remote firmware updates support long-term unattended operation. An IF output (140 MHz) is available for further processing.

Software and geolocation

IQ data can be captured in block or streaming mode and is time-stamped using the integrated GPS receiver, enabling Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) techniques. The optional Vision MX280001A software provides automated spectrum monitoring, alarms and signal geolocation using three or more probes, and the IQ Signal Master MX280005A software provides post-processing and vector signal analysis of captured IQ data.

Key Features

9 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range
Sweep speed up to 24 GHz/s
Integrated web server to view, control and conduct measurements via web browser (Chrome or Firefox)
Remote firmware updates
Watchdog timer for long-term stability of remotely deployed monitors
Low spurious levels for accurate signal discovery
20 MHz instantaneous FFT bandwidth
Low power consumption <11 watts
Integrated GPS receiver for location and time synchronization
Gigabit Ethernet
Measurements: occupied bandwidth, channel power
Interference analysis: spectrogram and signal strength
IQ block mode and streaming with time stamping for TDOA applications
Remote control via SCPI commands
Expandable to six RF input ports with optional multiplexer
Optional Vision software for automated measurements, alarms and geo-locating signal sources
AeroShield drone detection and tracking
140 MHz IF output

Specifications

Connectors

External Power	11.0 to 14.5 VDC, 11 W, 5.5 mm Barrel Connector
10 MHz Reference Output	MCX(f)
IF Output	MCX(f)
IF Output Frequency	140 MHz
GPS Antenna Input	MCX(f)
10 MHz Reference Input	+10 dBm max, +5 VDC max, MCX(f)
Ethernet	Gbit Ethernet, RJ45 connector
USB	USB Type A (4)
RF Input	SMA(f), 50Ω
RF In Damage Level	+30 dBm peak, ±50 VDC maximum continuous input ≥ 10 dB attenuation, > 100 MHz

Frequency

Frequency Range	9 kHz to 6 GHz (tunable to 0 Hz)
Frequency Span	10 Hz to 6 GHz
Tuning Resolution	1 Hz
Frequency Reference Accuracy	±1.5 ppm (25 °C ± 25 °C)
Frequency Reference Aging	±1.0 ppm/year aging
Frequency Reference Accuracy with GPS	< ±50 ppb with GPS on
Sweep Speed, 10 kHz RBW	5 GHz/s Typical, full span FFT mode
Sweep Speed, 30 kHz RBW	12 GHz/s Typical, full span FFT mode
Sweep Speed, 3 MHz RBW	24 GHz/s Typical, full span FFT mode

Bandwidth

Resolution Bandwidth (RBW)	10 Hz to 3 MHz in 1–3 sequence –3 dB bandwidth
Video Bandwidth (VBW)	10 Hz to 3 MHz in 1–3 sequence (auto or manually selectable) –3 dB bandwidth

Spectral Purity

SSB Phase Noise @ 1 GHz, 10 kHz offset	(–98 dBc/Hz) Typical
SSB Phase Noise @ 1 GHz, 100 kHz offset	(–98 dBc/Hz) Typical

Amplitude

Dynamic Range	(> 106 dB) (2.4 GHz) 2/3 (TOI-DANL) in 1 Hz RBW; typical
Measurement Range	DANL to Maximum Continuous Input
Reference Level Range	–150 dBm to +30 dBm
Attenuator Range	0 dB to 50 dB in 5 dB steps
Amplitude Units	Log Scale Modes: dBm, dBµV
Amplitude Accuracy, 9 kHz to 100 kHz	± 2.5 dB Attenuation ≤ 40 dB, preamp off for frequencies less than 100 kHz
Amplitude Accuracy, > 100 kHz to 6 GHz	± 1.5 dB Attenuation ≤ 40 dB; Quick Fact Sheet lists ±2.5 dB without frequency split
VSWR	< 2.5:1 typical

Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)

10 MHz to 3.3 GHz, preamp off	–145 dBm max, –150 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
> 3.3 GHz to 4.1 GHz, preamp off	–140 dBm max, –145 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
> 4.1 GHz to 5 GHz, preamp off	–138 dBm max, –143 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
> 5 GHz to 6 GHz, preamp off	–128 dBm max, –136 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
10 MHz to 3.3 GHz, preamp on	–162 dBm max, –165 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –50 dBm
> 3.3 GHz to 4.1 GHz, preamp on	–159 dBm max, –162 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –50 dBm
> 4.1 GHz to 5 GHz, preamp on	–156 dBm max, –160 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –50 dBm
> 5 GHz to 6 GHz, preamp on	–146 dBm max, –154 dBm typical RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –50 dBm

Spurs and Distortion

Residual Spurious, preamp off, > 10 MHz	(< –80 dBm) Typical; RF input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation
Residual Spurious, preamp on, > 10 MHz	(< –95 dBm) Typical; RF input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation
Residual Spurious, preamp on, 16 MHz to 18 MHz	(< –88 dBm) Typical; RF input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation
Input-Related Spurious	< –60 dBc 0 dB attenuation, –30 dBm input, carrier offset > 5 MHz
Input-Related Spurious Exceptions	< –60 dBc, input = 4140 MHz
Second Harmonic Distortion, 50 MHz	(–50 dBc) Typical; 0 dB attenuation, –30 dBm input
Second Harmonic Distortion, > 50 MHz to 200 MHz	< –60 dBc Typical; 0 dB attenuation, –30 dBm input
Second Harmonic Distortion, > 200 MHz to 3000 MHz	< –60 dBc Typical; 0 dB attenuation, –30 dBm input
Third-Order Intercept (TOI), 800 MHz	(+7 dBm) Typical; preamp off, –20 dBm tones 100 kHz apart, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
Third-Order Intercept (TOI), 2400 MHz	(+17 dBm) Typical; preamp off, –20 dBm tones 100 kHz apart, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
Third-Order Intercept (TOI), 200 to 2200 MHz	+10 dBm Preamp off, –20 dBm tones 100 kHz apart, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
Third-Order Intercept (TOI), > 2.2 GHz to 5.0 GHz	+8 dBm Preamp off, –20 dBm tones 100 kHz apart, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
Third-Order Intercept (TOI), > 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz	+14 dBm Preamp off, –20 dBm tones 100 kHz apart, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm

Maximum Continuous Input

100 MHz to 6 GHz, ≥ 10 dB attenuation without Option 406	+30 dBm, ±50 VDC RF input to MS27100A; for lower frequencies, derate maximum continuous input by 6 dB per decade
300 kHz to 6 GHz, < 10 dB attenuation without Option 406	+10 dBm, ±50 VDC RF input to MS27100A; for lower frequencies, derate maximum continuous input by 6 dB per decade
9 kHz to 6 GHz, preamp on without Option 406	–10 dBm, ±50 VDC RF input to MS27100A
100 MHz to 6 GHz, ≥ 10 dB attenuation MS27100A-0406	+20 dBm, ±50 VDC RF input to multiplexer; for lower frequencies, derate maximum continuous input by 4 dB per decade
300 kHz to 6 GHz, < 10 dB attenuation MS27100A-0406	+10 dBm, ±50 VDC RF input to multiplexer; for lower frequencies, derate maximum continuous input by 4 dB per decade
9 kHz to 6 GHz, preamp on MS27100A-0406	–10 dBm, ±50 VDC RF input to multiplexer

Signal Processing

Data Types, I/Q time series	8, 10, 16 or 24 bit resolution
Data Types, spectrum trace	100 to 4000 points
Data Transfer Modes	I/Q time series or spectrum trace in streaming or block mode
I/Q Data Streaming Rate	Gapless on 100Base-T network, Up to 2.6 MHz signal bandwidth
I/Q Data Time Stamp Resolution	8.7 ns
I/Q Recording Time, 20 MHz signal bandwidth	1.3 s (24 bits), 2.5 s (16 bits), 3.8 s (10 bits), 5 s (8 bits) Typical; output data rate 76.25 / 3 MSPS
I/Q Recording Time, 2.67 MHz signal bandwidth	8.4 s (24 bits), 16.8 s (16 bits), 25.2 s (10 bits), 33.6 s (8 bits) Typical; output data rate 76.25 / 20 MSPS
I/Q Recording Time, 267 kHz signal bandwidth	1.4 min (24 bits), 2.8 min (16 bits), 4.2 min (10 bits), 5.6 min (8 bits) Typical; output data rate 76.25 / 200 MSPS
I/Q Recording Time, 1.33 kHz signal bandwidth	4.66 h (24 bits), 9.33 h (16 bits), 13.99 h (10 bits), 18.65 h (8 bits) Typical; output data rate 76.25 / 40000 MSPS

General

System Status	Temperature, Serial Number, Firmware Version, Options Installed, Self Test, Application Self Test, GPS
Internal Trace/Setup Memory	4 GB internal memory available for storing files
Power Consumption	<11 watts
Warranty	Standard three-year warranty

Environmental

Operating Temperature Range	0 ºC to 50 ºC Quick Fact Sheet lists -40 ºC to 50 ºC; technical data sheet value used
Storage Temperature Range	–40 ºC to 71 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity	95 % RH at 30 ºC, non-condensing
Vibration, Sinusoidal	5 Hz to 55 Hz
Vibration, Random	10 Hz to 500 Hz
Half Sine Shock	30 gn
Altitude	4600 meters, operating and non-operating
Explosive Atmosphere	MIL-PRF-28800F, Section 4.5.6.3; MIL-STD-810G, Method 511.5, Procedure 1
ESD, RF Input Pin	Withstands up to ±4 kV

Mechanical

Weight	0.93 kg (2.05 lb) without packaging
Size	165.36 x 244.00 x 27.75 (mm)

Optional 6-Port Multiplexer 2000-1894-R

Frequency 2000-1894-R	9 kHz to 6 GHz All specifications typical
Insertion Loss 2000-1894-R	2 dB at 1 GHz, 5 dB at 6 GHz Typical
Antenna Port Isolation 2000-1894-R	> 40 dB < 3 GHz, > 30 dB ≥ 3 GHz Typical
DC Power 2000-1894-R	5 VDC via USB
Weight 2000-1894-R	0.18 kg (0.40 lb)
RF Antenna Inputs 2000-1894-R	SMA(f) (x6)
RF Output 2000-1894-R	SMA(f) (connects to MS27100A RF In, RF cable NOT included)

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

Applications

Detection of illegal or unlicensed AM/FM/cellular broadcasts
Sensitive site monitoring (national borders, military facilities, nuclear power plants)
Airport monitoring
Monitoring jails and prisons for illegal broadcasts
Positive Train Control (PTC) communication channel monitoring
Cable TV leakage monitoring
Government enforcement of spectrum policies
Spectrum occupancy characterization
White space analysis
Signal coverage monitoring

Included

40-187-R AC/DC Power Supply, 1 m, 12 VDC Output

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MS27100A-0706	9 kHz to 6 GHz Frequency Range — The MS27100A requires one frequency option
MS27100A-0128	Vector Signal Analysis Enabled (use with MX280005A) — Listed on the web page as MS27102A-0128; technical data sheet code used
MS27100A-0406	Enables USB Interface to 6-port RF multiplexer (requires 2000-1894-R)
MS27100A-0400	Vision Monitor Enabled
MS27100A-0401	Vision Locate Enabled (requires Option 400)
MS27100A-0407	Vision High-Speed Port Scanner Enabled
MS27100A-0486	Vision Coverage Mapping (requires Option 407)
MS27100A-0098	Standard Calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 — Includes calibration certificate
MS27100A-0099	Premium Calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 — Includes calibration certificate, test report, and uncertainty data
2000-1894-R	6-Port RF Multiplexer — Optional six-to-one multiplexer controlled via a USB-A to 5-pin connection; switch insertion loss correction is linked to the MS27100A through this USB interface (requires Option 406)
3-67367	USB-A to HC5 5-pin header cable, 30 cm — Requires software Option 406