New USB VNAs powered and controlled by computer deliver many advantages

Anritsu has introduced the ShockLine MS46121A series of 1-port USB vector network analyzers (VNAs) that bring the price, performance, and ease-of-use advantages of Anritsu’s patented ShockLine VNA technology to an extremely compact package. Two models with frequency coverage of 40MHz to 4GHz and 150kHz to 6GHz are powered and controlled via a user-supplied computer to simply and cost-efficiently test cables, antennas, and other passive RF devices where 1-port measurements up to 6GHz are required. To maximize throughput in manufacturing, engineering, and education environments, a single computer connected to a USB hub with enough ports can run up to 16 different ShockLine MS46121A VNAs. Sweeps can be conducted at 100 microseconds per point and the MS46121A VNAs have a corrected directivity of 42dB so engineers have greater measurement confidence. Wide dynamic range and multiple IF bandwidths optimize measurement setups to shorten test times and maximize throughput. The MS46121A series is controlled through the powerful ShockLine software that provides the tools and graphical user interface (UI) for easy debug and testing of 1-port RF devices. It also provides remote programming capabilities that enable the ShockLine MS46121A to be easily programmed and integrated into manufacturing applications. Anritsu has developed two MS46121A models for specific measurement requirements. The USB VNA with 40MHz to 4GHz frequency coverage is well suited for base station antenna testing where limited frequency bands are required. The wider frequency range model covers 150kHz to 6GHz and is designed to test cellular handset antennas and other devices that must transmit and receive on multiple frequency bands. With the introduction of the MS46121A VNAs, the ShockLine family now has five series, all of which bring unprecedented value and performance to cost-sensitive engineering and production environments. The other ShockLine series are the MS46122A low-cost full-reversing 2-port VNAs, the MS46522A 2-port series with coverage of 50kHz to 4.5/8.5GHz, Economy ShockLine MS46322A 2-port VNA for measurements up to 40GHz, and the MS46524A 4-port VNAs for differential and multi-port device testing.