Ultra-sensitive millimeter-wave spectrum analysis possible
High-performance Waveguide Mixer MA2808A Released

Anritsu has established a complete lineup of millimeter-wave measurement solutions.

The company announced the release of the MA2808A, a new high-performance waveguide mixer (60–90 GHz) for the widely used spectrum/signal analyzer MS2830A.

The newly released MA2808A is combined with the MS2830A in a 26.5GHz/43GHz configuration (MS2830A-044/045) to support the development and production of equipment for vehicle collision avoidance radar (77/79 GHz) as well as E-band (70/80 GHz) wireless backhaul.

The MA2808A, which integrates outstanding minimum sensitivity performance and a wide measurement range into an easy-to-use configuration, supports millimeter-wave measurements that cannot be performed with legacy harmonic mixers and down-converters. The company stated that it expects its new measurement solution to be widely utilized in the development of devices and equipment for the growing number of millimeter-wave broadband wireless services.



Vehicle radar and wireless backhaul services use millimeter wave technology. To enable high-sensitivity detection of relatively small targets that cannot be recognized by legacy vehicle radars, such as pedestrians and vehicles, it is necessary to develop a 79-GHz broadband radar.

79-GHz broadband radar must be developed for high-sensitivity detection

Furthermore, in the wireless backhaul market, which uses wireless technology to connect base stations supporting small areas (small cells) with core networks, there is a search for the gradual development of E-band equipment supporting high-capacity communication. It is expected that numerous small cells will need to be distributed across urban areas to meet the demand for high-capacity, high-speed mobile communication.

Evaluating automotive radar and wireless backhaul equipment requires a simple solution that accurately measures millimeter-wave ultra-wideband Tx signal components. Previous measurement methods had problems with very large signal conversion losses as well as the appearance of non-existent ghost signals, known as image signals. Anritsu explained that the new high-performance waveguide mixer MA2808A, featuring easy operation, simple setup, and high sensitivity, can solve these issues.

MA2808A is connected to MS2830A-044/045 to support the measurement of E-band signals (60–90 GHz) with a bandwidth of 1 GHz or more, such as occupied bandwidth, spectrum, and mask. The MS2830A signal analyzer/spectrum analyzer is a precision instrument for developing and manufacturing various wireless communication equipment and devices, and can be selected according to the application from five models with various upper frequency limit options (3.6/6/13.5/26.5/43 GHz).

Outstanding P1dB performance and lowest sensitivity

Combining the MA2808A and MS2830A-044/045 can provide P1dB performance better than 0dBm over a best-in-class wide dynamic range and a minimum sensitivity of –150 dBm/Hz (meas). Therefore, this setup enables the measurement of very weak signals that cannot be monitored by legacy measurement systems and supports the design and testing of higher-level millimeter-wave radio equipment.

When using the MS2830A-044/045 and MA2808A together, which are designed to support a high IF of 1.875 GHz, it is possible to perform spectrum and mask measurements of signals with a 1 GHz bandwidth and display the results without image response effects. In addition, a new feature (patent pending) that can expand the measurement range supports measurements up to a maximum bandwidth of 7.5 GHz.

Previously, high-sensitivity millimeter-wave measurements required the use of downconverters in complex and limited setups, along with mixers, spectrum analyzers, expensive microwave signal generators for generating local signals, and multipliers. In contrast, a simple cable connection between the MA2808A and MS2830A-044/045 allows for the easy configuration of a system for millimeter-wave spectrum measurements.

Convenient measurement is another advantage of this device. With just a single press of a button, conversion loss data covering the entire frequency range from the USB memory stick provided with the MA2808A can be pre-loaded into the MS2830A-044/045 to automatically calibrate the measurement results for each frequency.