Benchtop features and bandwidth in a handheld spectrum analyzer!

The MS2721B handheld spectrum analyzer is designed to conduct highly accurate analysis on the new wave of wireless LAN and cellular signals, including 802.11a, 3G, ultra-wideband, WiMAX, and wireless medical patient monitoring systems. The MS2721B is ideal for AM and FM broadcast proofing because the wide dynamic range and low phase noise make NRSC measurements on analog and IBOC signals easy with no need for an external carrier notch filter. The MS2721B is a small and easy to use portable spectrum analyzer with unprecedented measurement capability for applications up to 7.1 GHz. Weighing in at less than 7 pounds, it is equally at home on the engineering bench and in the field.

Other members of the B series family include the MS2723B that covers up to 13 GHz and the MS2724B that covers up to 20 GHz

Options for this instrument enable the user to add WCDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and HSDPA measurement. Options for measuring and demodulating fixed WiMAX signals are available. The tracking generator option delivers specified performance from 400 kHz to 7.1 GHz. A GPS receiver can be added to allow measurements to location-stamped and to greatly improve time base accuracy.

Another option adds spectrogram, signal strength and RSSI. There is an option to add a user definable channel scanner option that is excellent for interference mitigation work in complicated RF environments.

Several smart measurements are built into the MS2721B, including channel power, adjacent channel power ratio, Carrier to Interference ratio (C/I), and field strength. In addition, an AM/FM/SSB demodulator is included. Demodulated signals can be monitored using the internal speaker or by using a universal 2.5 mm 3-wire headset, such as used with many cellular telephones.

The MS2721B spectrum analyzer has low phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offsets, best in its class typical DANL of -163 dBm in a 1 Hz RBW, resolution bandwidth (RBW) range of 1 Hz to 3 MHz and video bandwidth (VBW) range of 1 Hz to 3 MHz. It also has the fastest sweep speeds of any spectrum analyzer in its class. It automatically sets the fastes possible sweep speed consistant with accuracte measurement results.

The use of Compact Flash memory modules or USB Flash Drives up to 512 MB allows an unlimited number of traces and setups to be stored. Measurements may be stored directly to the compact flash module or the USB Flash drive. A 512 MB module will hold over 20,000 Spectrum Analyzer measurements. Remote programming using the Ethernet 10/100 Base-T connection is provided using SCPI programming. The Ethernet connection gives the user flexibility in remotely operating the instrument using Anritsu's remote access software, shipped with the product. Measurements and setups may be uploaded and downloaded using either the Ethernet or the USB connection.

Quasi-peak detection is included along with CISPR resolution bandwidths.

The MS2721B is shipped with a User's Guide, a soft carrying case, an AC - DC Adapter, an Automotive Cigarette Lighter/12 Volt DC Adapter, a CD ROM containing Master Software Tools and USB driver, a USB A-mini B cable, an Ethernet Cable, a rechargeable Li-ion battery pack, a 256 MB USB Flash drive, a type-N male to SMA female adapter, a type-N male to BNC female adapter.

Every MS2721B has a one year warranty for parts and labor and is shipped with a certificate of calibration & conformance.

A wide range of accessories are available including an external dual battery charger, part number 2000-1374.

Features

• Handheld, battery-operated design
• Large daylight viewable transflective color display
• Built in pre-amplifier (standard)
• Lightweight at only 6.9 lbs (typical)
• Best in class Displayed Average Noise Level < -163 dBm typical in a 1 Hz resolution bandwidth at 1 GHz
• Quick Zoom-in, Zoom-out display in 1-2-5 sequence
• RBWs: 1 Hz to 3 MHz in 1-3 sequence
• VBWs: 1 Hz to 3 MHz in 1-3 sequence
• Automatic or manual input attenuator control
• Amplitude Accuracy +/- 0.5 dB typical
• Dedicated smart measurements
• Trace Averaging
• Normal, Max hold, Min hold, user settable averaging (more than 65,000 traces can be averaged!)
• Reference Level Offset
• Three traces
• Multilingual User Interface (English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Italian)
• Capability to create two custom languages using Master Software Tools and download the languages into the MS2721B
• Store over 1000 test set-ups internally
• Save over 1000 measurement traces internally
• Save directly to compact Flash or USB Flash Drive
• Alphanumeric labeling of saved measurements
• Automatic time and date stamp of saved data
• Rechargeable/field-replaceable Li-Ion battery
• 6 Markers plus 6 delta markers or choose one marker with 6 delta markers
• Multi-segmented upper and lower limit lines
• 50-ohm Interface standard (75-ohm interface capability - instrument internally corrects for adapter loss)
• RJ45 Ethernet 10/100 Base T and USB 2.0 Interfaces
• AM, FM and SSB demodulation with built-in speaker and headset jack
• Quasi peak detector with CISPR bandwidth included

Applications

Convenient operating procedures, high sensitivity, excellent repeatability and exceptional performance enable the MS2721B to simplify measurements on wireless systems for easy verification of system compliance. Typical applications include:

• Transmitter Spectrum Analysis - occupied bandwidth, channel power, adjacent channel power ratio and modulation
• Received Signal Analysis - location and identification of in-band interference and out-of-band spurious signals and spectral masks
• Signal Strength Mapping - to determine the most suitable location for antennas, base stations and repeaters
• Field analysis of 3G signals – fast sweep speed, field-swappable battery, smart measurements and daylight-viewable display make the MS2721B an ideal choice for the challenge of rugged environments
• Broadcast measurement AM & FM analog and IBOC proofing measurements
• Interference mitigation in many diverse situations including wireless patient telemetry in hospitals