The MA24126A, a microwave USB power sensor that can make highly-accurate
power measurements from 10MHz to 26GHz over 60dB of dynamic range has been
introduced by Anritsu.
The sensor employs a 'dual-path' architecture that provides true-RMS
measurements over a broad frequency range and a dynamic range of 0.1µW to
100mW (-40dBm to +20dBm), allowing engineers and field technicians to
conduct average power measurements on CW, multi-tone, and
digitally-modulated signals used in all major cellular and microwave
point-to-point (P2P) bands, as well as in aerospace and defence
applications.
The MA24126A has built-in internal and external triggers, so the sensor can
conduct multi-slot measurements of TDD waveforms used in GSM, WiMAX, and
TD-SCDMA. The triggering capability also allows the sensor to conduct burst
power measurements of periodic and non-periodic waveforms. Its ability to
handle +33dBm of power makes the MA24126A ideal for conducting high crest
factor signal measurements.
Precise average power measurements of modulated signals are assured due to
the sensor design, which stores all calibration data directly in the sensor,
so all necessary corrections, such as frequency and temperature, are done
inside the microprocessor of the sensor. Also, the return loss of the
instrument are optimized to maintain high accuracy. All standards used to
calibrate the sensor are directly traceable to NIST, making the MA24126A
well suited for aerospace and defence applications.
The versatile MA24126A can be used with Anritsu’s award-winning handheld
analyzers, including the new E-series Site Master family, BTS Master,
Spectrum Master, and VNA Master. It also is compatible with the MS271xB
economy microwave spectrum analyzers.
The MA24126A can be used as a standalone test solution when connected to a
Windows-based PC via Anritsu’s PowerXpert 2.0 data and analysis software.
PowerXpert provides a front panel display that turns a PC into a highly
advanced power meter. It allows users to drag gates and fences using a
mouse, for interactive measurement capability. The software also supports
simultaneous display of up to eight different sensors, and screen shots can
be saved in popular image formats.
Field technicians can use the MA24126A with a compatible handheld analyzer
to verify base station and microwave P2P transmitter output power, as well
as simultaneously monitor the power of several antennas on a continuous
basis. The high-performance of the MA24126A also allows it to be a
cost-effective production test alternative for microwave component and
subsystem manufacturers, system integrators, and base station and handset
manufacturers, says the company.
