Anritsu MS27103A Remote Spectrum Monitor in 12-port and 24-port configurations
Anritsu / Spectrum Monitoring / Remote Spectrum Monitors
MS27103A

Anritsu MS27103A 12/24-Port Remote Spectrum Monitor, 9 kHz to 6 GHz

Rack-mountable 9 kHz to 6 GHz remote spectrum monitor with 12 RF inputs (24 optional) and sweep speeds up to 24 GHz/s.

Frequency Range
9 kHz to 6 GHz
Tuning Resolution
1 Hz
Frequency Reference Accuracy
±1.5 ppm (25 °C ± 25 °C) ±1.0 ppm/year aging
Frequency Reference Accuracy with GPS
< ±50 ppb
Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu MS27103A is a remote spectrum monitor for identifying and locating interfering signals. Typical uses are cellular base station (BTS) receive monitoring, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and satellite earth stations. Interference can come from illegal transmitters or from unintended sources such as intermodulation products, and it reduces network data capacity.

The instrument sits in a rack-mountable enclosure with 12 RF inputs as standard, or 24 with Option 424. A high-speed electronic switch moves between ports in approximately 300 ns, and the datasheet specifies more than 30 dB isolation between RF input ports. The standard configuration suits three-sector BTS architectures with multiple carriers per sector. The 24-port version suits six-sector sites or other applications that need many antennas and frequency bands.

The MS27103A sweeps at up to 24 GHz/s, so it can capture periodic, transient and short bursty signals. A 20 MHz instantaneous FFT bandwidth allows wideband real-time captures for later post-processing. IQ data can be recorded in block mode or streamed. A save-on-event function records spectrum measurements only when user-set thresholds are exceeded.

Remote operation and communication

An integrated web server lets users control the monitor and view traces and spectrograms from Chrome or Firefox on any device. Communication runs over Gigabit Ethernet using DHCP, a static IP address (default 10.0.0.2) or DNS. Users can also write their own control programs with SCPI commands. IQ samples are time-stamped by the built-in GPS receiver, which supports time difference of arrival (TDOA) geolocation. For remote deployments, the monitor provides a watchdog timer, remote firmware updates and a protected "Golden" firmware image for automatic recovery.

Software

Vision software (options 400 and 401) runs on a Windows PC. Vision Monitor records spectrum data, keeps a searchable spectrum history database, raises alarms and sends email alerts. Vision Locate geolocates interference or unlicensed signals using three or more monitors. With Option 128, IQ Signal Master MX280005A software can post-process captured IQ data.

Key Features

  • 9 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range
  • 12 RF IN ports as standard, 24 with Option 424, for use with multiple antennas
  • Sweep speed up to 24 GHz/s
  • 20 MHz instantaneous FFT bandwidth
  • Integrated web server to view, control and conduct measurements via web browser (Chrome and Firefox supported)
  • Remote firmware update capable
  • Watchdog timer for long-term stability of remotely deployed monitors
  • Linux operating system
  • Low spurious signals for accurate signal discovery
  • Low power consumption < 11 watts
  • Integrated GPS receiver for monitoring location and time synchronization
  • Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed transfers
  • Measurements: occupied bandwidth and channel power
  • Interference analysis: spectrogram and signal strength
  • Dynamic range > 106 dB normalized to 1 Hz BW
  • IQ block mode and streaming with time stamping for TDOA applications
  • Remote control via SCPI commands
  • 4 GB internal memory for storing files
  • Save-on-event capture when user-set thresholds are violated
  • Optional Vision software for automated spectrum measurements, alarms and geo-locating signal sources

Specifications

Frequency
Frequency Range 9 kHz to 6 GHz
Tunable to 0 Hz
Tuning Resolution 1 Hz
Frequency Reference Accuracy ±1.5 ppm (25 °C ± 25 °C) ±1.0 ppm/year aging
Frequency Reference Accuracy with GPS < ±50 ppb
GPS on
Frequency Span 10 Hz to 6 GHz
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
–3 dB bandwidth; auto or manually selectable
Instantaneous FFT Bandwidth 20 MHz
Datasheet highlights list 20 MHz IF bandwidth
Spectral Purity
SSB Phase Noise @ 1 GHz, 10 kHz offset –98 dBc/Hz
Typical. Product page and flyers state –99 dBc/Hz; datasheet value used
SSB Phase Noise @ 1 GHz, 100 kHz offset –98 dBc/Hz
Typical
Amplitude
Dynamic Range > 106 dB
Typical; 2.4 GHz, 2/3 (TOI-DANL) in 1 Hz RBW
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 dBm, dBµV
Log scale modes
Amplitude Accuracy, Port 1, 9 kHz to 5 GHz ±2.5 dB
Attenuation ≤ 40 dB, preamp off for frequencies less than 100 kHz
Amplitude Accuracy, Port 1, > 5 GHz to 6 GHz ±3.0 dB
Attenuation ≤ 40 dB
Amplitude Accuracy, Ports 2 to 12, 9 kHz to 5 GHz ±3.0 dB
Typical
Amplitude Accuracy, Ports 2 to 12, > 5 GHz to 6 GHz ±3.5 dB
Typical
Amplitude Accuracy, Ports 13 to 24, 9 kHz to 5 GHz
MS27103A-0424
±3.0 dB
Typical
Amplitude Accuracy, Ports 13 to 24, > 5 GHz to 6 GHz
MS27103A-0424
±3.5 dB
Typical
VSWR < 2.5:1
Typical
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)
DANL, preamp off, 10 MHz to 3.3 GHz –140 dBm
Port 1; typical –145 dBm; reference level –20 dBm; RBW normalized to 1 Hz, 0 dB attenuation
DANL, preamp off, > 3.3 GHz to 4.1 GHz –133 dBm
Port 1; typical –138 dBm
DANL, preamp off, > 4.1 GHz to 5 GHz –130 dBm
Port 1; typical –135 dBm
DANL, preamp off, > 5 GHz to 6 GHz –115 dBm
Port 1; typical –123 dBm
DANL, preamp on, 10 MHz to 3.3 GHz –157 dBm
Port 1; typical –160 dBm; reference level –50 dBm
DANL, preamp on, > 3.3 GHz to 4.1 GHz –152 dBm
Port 1; typical –155 dBm
DANL, preamp on, > 4.1 GHz to 5 GHz –148 dBm
Port 1; typical –152 dBm
DANL, preamp on, > 5 GHz to 6 GHz –133 dBm
Port 1; typical –141 dBm. Other ports typical and within 1 dB of Port 1
Spurs
Residual Spurious, preamp off, 10 MHz to 4.5 GHz < –80 dBm
Typical; RF input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation
Residual Spurious, preamp off, > 4.5 GHz to 6.0 GHz < –70 dBm
Typical; RF input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation
Residual Spurious, preamp on, 10 MHz to 5.0 GHz < –95 dBm
Typical; RF input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation
Residual Spurious, preamp on, 16 MHz to 18 MHz < –88 dBm
Typical
Residual Spurious, preamp on, > 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz < –85 dBm
Typical
Input-Related Spurious < –60 dBc
0 dB attenuation, –30 dBm input, carrier offset > 5 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
0 dB attenuation, –30 dBm input
Second Harmonic Distortion, > 200 MHz to 3000 MHz < –60 dBc
0 dB attenuation, –30 dBm input
Third-Order Intercept (TOI)
TOI, 800 MHz +7 dBm
Typical; preamp off, –20 dBm tones 100 kHz apart, 0 dB attenuation, reference level –20 dBm
TOI, 2400 MHz +17 dBm
Typical
TOI, 200 to 2200 MHz +10 dBm
TOI, > 2.2 GHz to 5.0 GHz +8 dBm
TOI, > 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz +14 dBm
Maximum Continuous Input
100 MHz to 6 GHz, ≥ 10 dB attenuation +22 dBm, ±50 VDC
For lower frequencies, derate maximum continuous input by 4 dB per decade
300 kHz to 6 GHz, < 10 dB attenuation +10 dBm, ±50 VDC
For lower frequencies, derate maximum continuous input by 4 dB per decade
9 kHz to 6 GHz, preamp on –10 dBm, ±50 VDC
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
GPS time-stamped; product page states less than 9 ns
Antenna Port Isolation, ≤ 3 GHz > 40 dB
Typical
Antenna Port Isolation, > 3 GHz > 30 dB
Typical
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, 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
Internal Trace/Setup Memory 4 GB internal memory available for storing files
Mode Switching Automatically stores/recalls most recently used setup parameters in the mode
Power Consumption < 11 watts
Warranty Standard three-year warranty
Connectors
RF In 12 SMA(f) ports, 50 Ω
RF In (optional)
MS27103A-0424
24 SMA(f) ports, 50 Ω
External Power 11 W, ±20 VDC to ±70 VDC 2-pin spade/lug
Standard
External Power (Option 110)
MS27103A-0110
110/220 VAC
Option 110 replaces screw terminal with 3-pin AC line receptacle
Ethernet One RJ45 connector for Gbit LAN, 2nd port optional for daisy chain
USB Two USB Type A connectors
External Reference In 10 MHz, +10 dBm max, +5 VDC max, BNC(f)
GPS SMA(f)
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
Applies to instruments with CE marking placed on the market after July 22, 2017
Australia and New Zealand RCM AS/NZS 4417:2012
South Korea KCC-REM-A21-0004
Canada ICES-1(A)/NMB-1(A)
Environmental
Environmental Standard MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3
Operating Temperature Range 0 ºC to 50 ºC
Quick Fact Sheet states -40 ºC to 50 ºC; datasheet 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 g
Altitude 4600 meters, operating and non-operating
ESD, RF Input Pin Withstands up to ±4 kV
Size and Weight
Size 480 mm x 90 mm x 300 mm (18.9 in x 3.5 in x 11.8 in)
Weight, 12-port 3.9 kg (8.9 lb)
Weight, 24-port
MS27103A-0424
4.5 kg (9.9 lb)

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

Applications

  • Cellular operators monitoring their spectrum at the BTS
  • DAS interference monitoring
  • White space monitoring with multiple antennas
  • Satellite earth station uplink and downlink monitoring
  • Network interference monitoring
  • Geo-location of interference signals
  • Spectrum occupancy measurements
  • Spectrum activity history and threshold alarms
  • Applications requiring multiple directional antennas

Included

  • 2000-1528-R Magnet Mount GPS antenna, SMA(m) with 5 m (16.4 ft) cable, requires 5 VDC
  • 2000-1371-R Ethernet Cable, 2.13 m (7 ft)

Options & Accessories

Option Description
MS27103A-0706 9 kHz to 6 GHz Frequency Range — Required frequency option
MS27103A-0128 Vector Signal Analysis Enabled — Use with MX280005A
MS27103A-0424 Expands Input Ports to 24 SMA(f)
MS27103A-0110 110/220 VAC Power Supply input
MS27103A-0412 Two Ethernet Ports
MS27103A-0400 Vision Monitor Enabled
MS27103A-0401 Vision Locate Enabled — Requires Option 400
MS27103A-0407 Vision High-Speed Port Scanner Enabled
MS27103A-0486 Vision Coverage Mapping — Requires Option 407
760-287-R Large Transit Case with Wheels and Handle — Quick Fact Sheet lists part number 760-285-R

Documents & Resources

Spectrum Monitoring and Surveillance Poster
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IQ Signal Master MX280005A Vector Signal Analysis Software Product Brochure
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C-RAN In The City Poster
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Vision Software MX280001A Product Brochure
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Remote Spectrum Monitor MS27103A Product Brochure
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Remote Spectrum Monitor MS27103A Quick Fact Sheet
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Remote Spectrum Monitor Declaration of Conformity
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Creating an Off-Line Map for Use with Vision Software, AeroShield Software, and the Mobile InterferenceHunter Application Note
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Understanding IBW In-Building Wireless: DAS to Small Cells Application Note
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Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA)
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Resolving Interference Issues at Satellite Ground Stations Application Note
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Network Operator Interference Detection and Geo-Location Challenges Application Note
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Electronic Measuring Instruments Digest 2026 Catalog
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Precision RF & Microwave Components Catalog
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Remote Spectrum Monitors MS2710xA Configuration Quick Start Guide
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Vision Remote Spectrum Monitor Software MX280001A Quick Start Guide
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Vision Software MX280001A User Guide
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IQ Signal Master MX280005A Vector Signal Analysis Software User Guide
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Remote Spectrum Monitor MS2710xA User Guide
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Remote Spectrum Monitor MS2710xA Installation Guide
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IQ Signal Master MX280005A Help
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Vision Software MX280001A API Programming Manual
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