MA24106A USB Power Sensor User Guide True-RMS, 50 MHz to 6 GHz Anritsu Company 490 Jarvis Drive Morgan Hill, CA 95037-2809 USA P/N: 10585-00014 Revision: C Printed: December 2007 Copyright 2007 Anritsu Company
WARRANTY The Anritsu product(s) listed on the title page is (are) warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of shipment. Anritsu’s obligation covers repairing or replacing products which prove to be defective during the warranty period. Buyers shall prepay transportation charges for equipment returned to Anritsu for warranty repairs. Obligation is limited to the original purchaser. Anritsu is not liable for consequential damages.
ANRITSU COMPANY SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY BEFORE OPENING THE SOFTWARE PACKET. BY OPENING THE PACKET CONTAINING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOURSELF, AND YOUR EMPLOYER, IF APPLICABLE, AND ANRITSU COMPANY (“ACUS”). IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, PROMPTLY RETURN THE UNOPENED SOFTWARE PACKAGE, AND THE ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION TO ANRITSU FOR FULL CREDIT.
Table of Contents Chapter 1—General Information 1-1 Scope of Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-3 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents (Continued) 3-9 Measurement Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time Varying Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High Crest Factor Signals (peak to average ratio). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multitone Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1 — General Information 1-1 Scope of Manual This manual provides general information, installation, and operating information for the Anritsu MA24106A USB power sensor. Throughout this manual, the terms MA24106A, USB power sensor, and power sensor will be used interchangeably to refer to the device. Manual organization is shown in the table of contents. 1-2 Introduction This chapter contains general information about the MA24106A power sensor.
Preparation for Storage/Shipment General Information 1-6 Preparation for Storage/Shipment Preparing the power sensor for storage consists of cleaning the unit, packing the inside with moistureabsorbing desiccant crystals, and storing the unit in the recommended temperature environment. Please refer to the data sheet for storage temperature recommendations. To provide maximum protection against damage in transit, the power sensor should be repackaged in the original shipping container.
Chapter 2 — Installation 2-1 Introduction This chapter provides information and instructions on operating the MA24106A power sensor.
Driver Installation Installation 3. Click Next in the following screen to begin the installation process. Figure 2-2. Anritsu Power Meter Installation 4. Browse for the installation folder, select the desired permissions, and then click Next. The default installation directory is: C:\Program Files\Anritsu\AnritsuPowerMeter Figure 2-3.
Installation Driver Installation 5. Select I Agree to the license agreement, and then click Next. Figure 2-4. License Agreement 6. Select Next to continue with the software installation. Figure 2-5.
Driver Installation Installation The software will then install to the selected location. Figure 2-6. Installing Anritsu Power Meter Application 7. When the installation completes, click Close. Figure 2-7.
Installation Driver Installation 8. Connect the MA24106A power sensor to the USB port of the PC with the supplied USB cable. The status LED will light green indicating that the sensor is turned ON. 9. When the Found New Hardware Wizard installation screen appears, select No, not this time to search for software, and then click Next. If the Wizard does not start, refer to Appendix C, “Serial Port Compatibility” for troubleshooting information. Figure 2-8. Found New Hardware Wizard 10.
Driver Installation Installation 11. Select Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install, and then click Next. Figure 2-10. Found New Hardware Wizard 12. Select the hardware type Computer, and then click Next. Figure 2-11.
Installation Driver Installation 13. Click Have Disk..., and then click Next. Figure 2-12. Found New Hardware Wizard 14. Browse to the location on your hard drive where you installed the program. If the default settings were chosen during the application installation, click Browse..., as shown below, and then select: C:\Program Files\Anritsu\AnritsuPowerMeter\AnritsuMA24106A.inf 15. Click OK. Figure 2-13.
Driver Installation Installation 16. Select Anritsu MA24106A from the list, and then click Next as shown below. Figure 2-14. Found New Hardware Wizard 17. The Hardware Installation Warning dialog will appear as shown in Figure 2-15. Click Continue Anyway. Figure 2-15.
Installation Driver Installation 18. Click Finish to close the wizard. Figure 2-16. Found New Hardware Wizard 19. The MA24106A is now ready for use. Launch the Anritsu Power Meter application from the new desktop icon or from the Start | Programs menu. Refer to Chapter 3 for information about using the Anritsu Power Meter application.
Chapter 3 — Using the Power Sensor 3-1 Introduction This chapter provides information on using the Anritsu Power Meter application with the MA24106A USB power sensor. It provides a description of the Graphical User Interface, various settings of the application, basic procedures for Making Measurements, as well as information about Uncertainty of a Measurement.
Buttons Using the Power Sensor 3-3 Buttons There are nine buttons available on the user interface to perform the most common tasks as described below: • Zero: Performs the Zero operation. Removes system noise. • Hold/Run: Holds the last reading. Run releases the hold. • Frequency: Applies frequency correction to the measured power. • Power Units: Displays units of power in linear or log scale. • Normal/Relative: Displays power changes with respect to desired reference value.
Using the Power Sensor Display Window 3-5 Display Window The display window contains the following information (see Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-4): • Measured Power • Relative Power • Units of Power • Fixed Offset • Offset Table Figure 3-3. Display Window (Relative Mode with Fixed Offset On) Figure 3-4.
Menu Bar Using the Power Sensor 3-7 Menu Bar The Menu Bar contains the following menus: File Menu The File menu contains the Exit command, which terminates the application. Figure 3-6.
Using the Power Sensor Menu Bar Data Logging Menu The Data Logging menu provides choices between Data Logging On or Data Logging Off. Figure 3-8. DataLogging Menu • Data Logging On: Data is stored as comma separated value (.csv) files that can be directly opened in Microsoft Excel. The filenames have the following format: xxxxxxx_yyyy_mm_dd_hhmmss.
Menu Bar Using the Power Sensor • Data Logging Interval: Sets full speed data logging (approximately 10 measurements per second) or fixed interval data logging (user defined logging interval). Figure 3-10. Data Logging Power Graph The Power Graph feature provides the ability to plot measured power with respect to time. This feature can be used for drift testing, tuning circuits, and for monitoring circuit behaviors to external stimuli, etc. The graph is continuously updated in real time. Figure 3-11.
Using the Power Sensor Menu Bar Clicking Start in the Power Graph menu opens the power versus time graph (Figure 3-12). Figure 3-12. Power Graph Screen The default settings of the graph are as follows: • Time, X-axis: 30 minutes • Power, Y-axis: +20 dBm to –60 dBm Clicking Setup opens the Graph Setup dialog (below) where the scales of time and power axes can be changed. Power is in dBm and time is in minutes. Figure 3-13.
Menu Bar Using the Power Sensor Offset Table The Offset Table feature provides the ability to apply corrections to measurements in cases of RF devices being used between the sensor and DUT. Offset Table is different from Fixed Offset as it provides the ability to enter different offset values at different frequencies for an RF device. The frequency response of that device needs to be known before it can be entered.
Using the Power Sensor Menu Bar 5. Save the response of the device by clicking Save from the Offset Entry Screen and save as a file in the directory of your choice (see Figure 3-15). Any number of device responses can be stored. The files are stored as comma separated value files (.csv). Figure 3-15. Save As Dialog 6. To recall a response, click Open in the Offset Entry screen, select the file, and then click Apply. Similarly, S2P files can be imported as shown below: Figure 3-16.
Menu Bar Using the Power Sensor 7. To remove the Offset Table correction, click Offset Table Off. A check mark appears in front of Offset Table Off and the word Offset does not appear in the display window (see Figure 3-17). Figure 3-17. Offset Table Menu (Offset Table Off Status) Session Restore The Anritsu Power Meter application retains the set up information of a session, even if the USB power sensor becomes disconnected from the PC.
Using the Power Sensor Making Measurements 3-8 Making Measurements This section presents common procedures for using the MA24106A power sensor. These procedures refer to the MA24106A buttons and menus that were previously described. You should be familiar with the Anritsu Power Meter PC application before attempting these procedures. Basic Power Measurement To perform a power measurement: 1. Connect the sensor to a computer as shown in Figure 3-19. 2. Open the Anritsu Power Meter application. 3.
Making Measurements Using the Power Sensor Zeroing the Sensor Zero the sensor before making power measurements, particularly when operating within the lower 20 dB dynamic range of the power sensor. If frequent low-level measurements are being made, it is advised to check the sensor zeroing often and repeat as necessary. Before zeroing the sensor, connect it to the DUT (device under test) test port and remove RF power from the connection to a level 20 dB below the noise floor of the power sensor.
Using the Power Sensor Making Measurements Table 3-1, describes the number of averages needed to attain a certain noise level for a particular power level measurement with the Low Aperture Time mode setting. Table 3-1. MA24106A Averaging Table (Low Aperture Time, Default Mode) Input Power (dBm) Input Power (mW) Number of Averages Needed for < ±0.20 dB Noise 20 100 1 1 1 1 1 15 31.6 1 1 1 1 1 10 10.0 1 1 1 1 1 5 3.16 1 1 1 1 2 0 1.00 1 1 1 4 16 -5 0.
Measurement Considerations Using the Power Sensor Error States This section details some of the error messages that may appear on the application screen. In most cases, the error condition can be easily corrected. The status LED will light yellow when an error state occurs. If not, note the error message and contact an Anritsu Service Center. Table 3-3.
Using the Power Sensor Measurement Considerations High Crest Factor Signals (peak to average ratio) High crest factor signals, such as CDMA/WCDMA, may have crest factors as high as 10 dB. To ensure the most accurate power measurement, the statistically-low peak signals should not exceed +30 dBm. For example, if a signal has an expected crest factor of 10 dB, then the highest average power measured should not exceed +20 dBm.
Measurement Considerations Using the Power Sensor For example, a CW tone at –30 dBm is to be measured to 0.01 dB resolution. Using the table in the sensor manual, the required number of averages is 38 averages using High Aperture Time mode (the same measurement would require more than 256 averages in Low Aperture Time mode). Settling Time The MA24106A samples power continuously every 70 ms in the Low Aperture Time (LAT) mode and 700 ms in the High Aperture Time (HAT) mode.
Using the Power Sensor Uncertainty of a Measurement 3-10 Uncertainty of a Measurement Power measurements have many component parts that affect overall measurement uncertainty when measuring power with the MA24106A sensor: • Sensor Linearity and Temperature Compensation: Sensor Linearity and Temperature Compensation describe the relative power level response over the dynamic range of the sensor. Temperature Compensation should be considered when operating the sensor at other than room temperature.
Uncertainty of a Measurement Using the Power Sensor Uncertainty Example An example of a measurement uncertainty calculation (for Low Aperture Time mode) is detailed for the MA24106A in Table 3-4 below. The MA24106A is used to measure the power of a 3 GHz, +12.0 dBm and –35 dBm CW signal from a signal source with 1.5:1 VSWR. Table 3-4.
Chapter 4 — Remote Operation 4-1 Introduction Once connected to a PC using a USB cable, the MA24106A shows up as an RS-232 Serial COM port on the PC. You can check the COM port number from the Tools drop-down menu or by using the Windows control panel. The COM port number and following settings are needed in order to control the sensor remotely: • Baud Rate: 115200 • Data Bits: 8 • Parity: None • Stop Bits: 1 When the power sensor is connected to a PC using a USB cable, it will be configured in idle mode.
Remote Operation Command Details Remote Operation 4-3 Remote Operation Command Details Each command needs to be followed by a Line Feed (0x0A, ASCII 10) termination character. Response from the sensor will have a Line Feed (0x0A, ASCII 10) termination character attached at the end. START Description: Puts the power sensor in measurement mode. Syntax: START + LF Return Value: None for the first time, OK for any subsequent command sent.
Remote Operation Remote Operation Command Details FREQ? Description: Gets the current cal factor frequency value from the sensor. Syntax: FREQ? + LF Return Value: Current cal factor frequency in GHz FREQ Description: Sets the current cal factor frequency value for the sensor. Syntax: FREQ fghz + LF Return Value: OK or ERR Remarks: “fghz” is the cal factor frequency value in GHz. “fghz” must be between 0.05 GHz to 6 GHz. Available resolution is 3 digits after the decimal point.
Remote Operation Command Details Remote Operation HAT Description: Sets the high aperture time mode. Syntax: HAT + LF Return Value: OK or ERR Remarks: This command will put the sensor in high aperture time mode. In this mode, the A to D converter integration time is about 160 milliseconds. LAT Description: Sets the low aperture time mode. Syntax: HAT + LF Return Value: OK or ERR Remarks: This command will put the sensor in low aperture time mode.
Chapter 5 — Sensor Operational Tests 5-1 Introduction The test methodology and equipment described herein can be used to gain some confidence in the measurement accuracy of the MA24106A Power Sensor. This is accomplished by comparing the sensor to another sensor with a specified cal factor and linearity performance or uncertainty. General commercially available equipment is used for these tests; however, these procedures are not sufficiently accurate to verify sensors to factory specification.
VSWR Pretest Sensor Operational Tests 5-3 VSWR Pretest The most common cause of power sensor failure is excess input power. Applying power exceeding the damage level shown on the label will damage the sensor’s sensing element resulting in impedance change. Input match will be degraded when element impedance is changed. If you suspect that a senor is damaged, you should start with an input match pretest. The maximum VSWR values are listed in the Performance Specification section of this manual.
Sensor Operational Tests Calibration Factor Test 5-4 Calibration Factor Test In this test the calibration factors of the MA24106A are compared against another sensor (referred to in this procedure as the “reference sensor”) with known calibration factor uncertainties. This reference sensor should be calibrated by a reputable standards laboratory which has low published measurement uncertainty.
Calibration Factor Test Sensor Operational Tests 2. Connect the reference sensor to the synthesizer with the appropriate adapter and attenuator in-line (see Figure 5-1). 3. Apply the appropriate Cal factor to the reference sensor per the manufacturer’s instruction. 4. Record the power indicated by the reference meter in the appropriate space in Table 5-3. 5.
Sensor Operational Tests Linearity Test 5-5 Linearity Test The linearity correction of the MA24106A is compared to a thermal power sensor, which has very good inherent linearity over a power range of about –20 to +10 dBm. For this reason, the MA24106A will be compared to the thermal sensor in two ranges, keeping the power levels to the thermal sensor in the range of –17 dBm to +5 dBm, while the power to the MA24106A will vary from about –26 dBm to about +14 dBm. Test Procedure 1.
Linearity Test Sensor Operational Tests n. Increase averaging on the MA24106A by clicking the Averages button, enter “16” and then click Apply. Figure 5-2. Linearity Test Setup 2. Apply the appropriate Cal factor to the reference sensor per the manufacturer’s procedure. 3. Apply the appropriate Cal factor to the MA24106A as follows: Click the Frequency button on the Power Meter application, and then enter the frequency of the measurement in GHz. 4.
Sensor Operational Tests Linearity Test 7. Set up the test for the second 20 dB range as follows: a. Remove the 10 dB attenuator from in between the reference sensor and splitter and connect the reference sensor directly to the splitter. b. Remove the MA24106A from the splitter and connect the 10 dB attenuator between the splitter and the MA24106A power sensor (see Figure 5-3). c. Turn Off the synthesizer’s RF output and perform a low-level Zero of both the Reference sensor and the MA24106A. d.
Linearity Test Sensor Operational Tests d. Repeat the measurement for synthesizer output levels of 0, –5, and –10 dBm. Table 5-4.
Sensor Operational Tests Table 5-5.
Linearity Test Table 5-7.
Appendix A — Connector Care and Handling Anritsu MA24106A Power Sensors are high-quality precision laboratory instruments and should receive the same care and respect afforded to such instruments. Follow the precautions listed below when handling or connecting these devices. Complying with these precautions will guarantee longer component life and less equipment down time due to connector or device failure.
Connector Care and Handling Avoid over torquing connectors Over torquing connectors is destructive; it may damage the connector center pin. Always use a connector torque wrench when tightening connectors. Never use pliers to tighten connectors. Avoid mechanical shock Precision connectors are designed to withstand years of normal bench handling. However, do not drop or otherwise treat them roughly. Mechanical shock will significantly reduce their service life.
Appendix B — Sample Visual Basic Code B-1 Demo Application The MA24106A CD contains a demo application that allows you to interface with the power sensor using the remote programming protocol. The sample code is written in Microsoft® Visual Basic® 6.0 and is given at the end of this appendix. The complete project, DempApp.vbp, is available on the CD that shipped with the sensor. The Demo Application’s main form is shown below: Figure B-1.
Using the Demo Application Sample Visual Basic Code ************************************************************************ // This sample program shows how to control Anritsu MA24106A USB power sensor using //Microsoft Visual basic 6.0 Option Explicit Public gstrInputBuffer As String 'Event handler for InitializeComPort button Private Sub btnInitializeComPort_Click() Call SetCommPort(Val(Trim(txtCOMPORTNo.
Sample Visual Basic Code Using the Demo Application ' 'Event handler for MSComm1 event Private Sub MSComm1_OnComm() 'Get data from Input buffer gstrInputBuffer = MSComm1.Input 'Display received result on the Received text box txtReceived.Text = gstrInputBuffer End Sub 'Event handler for GetFreq button Private Sub btnGetFreq_Click() txtCommand.Text = "FREQ?" Call btnSend_Click End Sub 'Event handler for GetPower button Private Sub btnGetPower_Click() txtCommand.
Using the Demo Application Sample Visual Basic Code 'Delay routine Public Sub Delay(ByVal Seconds As Single) ' Dim fStartTimer As Single Dim fFinish As Single ' fStartTimer = Timer ' Do DoEvents fFinish = Timer If Abs(fFinish - fStartTimer) > Seconds Then Exit Do End If Loop ' End Sub ************************************************************************ B-4 MA24106A UG
Appendix C — Serial Port Compatibility (For Anritsu Power Meter 1.0 Only) The Anritsu Power Meter 1.0 application requires that the serial ports between COM1 and COM16 be used. You can find out the COM port number by going to Start | Settings | Control Panel | System | Hardware | Device Manager | Ports (COM & LPT). Disconnect and reconnect the power sensor’s USB cable from the computer and notice the new COM port number that appears in the Ports list. Figure C-1.
Method 1–Download Updated Software Serial Port Compatibility C-1 Method 1–Download Updated Software The preferred method for resolving serial port compatibility issues is to download software updates for your product from www.us.anritsu.com. C-2 Method 2–Trying a Different USB Port 1. Disconnect the USB end of your power sensor from your computer (or USB hub). 2. Connect the USB power sensor to a different USB port on your computer.
Serial Port Compatibility Method 3–Remapping a Serial Port 2. Select the Hardware tab and click the Device Manager button to open the Device Manager. Figure C-2.
Method 3–Remapping a Serial Port Serial Port Compatibility 3. Click the + box next to Ports (COM & LPT) to expand the installed ports list. Figure C-3. Device Manager 4. Select the port that is assigned to the power sensor. Disconnect and reconnect the sensor and notice the new COM port number that appears. The new port is the current port assignment for the power sensor. 5.
Serial Port Compatibility Method 3–Remapping a Serial Port 7. Click the Advanced button to show the advanced property settings for the port. Figure C-4. Advanced Settings for COM Port 8. Select a COM Port Number in the range of 1 through 16. If possible, select a port which is NOT marked as “in use” in the COM Port Number list. If all of the ports are marked as being in use, select port number 16 unless you know for sure that something is actually using COM16.
Method 3–Remapping a Serial Port Serial Port Compatibility 9. You will get an alert when you close the window telling you that the COM port number may be in use by another device and asking if you want to continue. Click Yes to continue. Figure C-5. Device Manager 10. Close all windows that you have opened up to this point.
Appendix D — Upgrading the Firmware D-1 Upgrading the Firmware The Anritsu Power Meter application provides the necessary software to upgrade the MA24106A power sensor’s firmware. The current sensor firmware can be determined from the Help | About menu in the Anritsu Power Meter application. To upgrade the firmware, proceed as follows: 1. Download the latest firmware upgrade files from http://www.us.anritsu.com and save them in a recoverable location. 2.
Upgrading the Firmware Upgrading the Firmware 4. Once the upgrade driver has been installed, click OK on the dialog below. Figure D-3. Firmware Upgrade Dialog 5. Select the power sensor that you intend to upgrade from the drop-down list box. Figure D-4.
Upgrading the Firmware Upgrading the Firmware 6. Click Load Hex File and select the HEX file from the directory in which it was saved. Figure D-5. Open File Dialog Warning: Do Not disconnect the MA24106A power sensor from the USB port or interrupt the firmware write sequence as this will cause an unrecoverable programming error.
Upgrading the Firmware Upgrading the Firmware 7. Click Program Device. The following messages will be displayed during the program operation: MESSAGE - Programming FLASH Completed MESSAGE - Erasing and Programming FLASH... Figure D-6. Firmware Upgrade Application 8. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable from the power sensor, and then click OK to complete the firmware upgrade procedure. Figure D-7. 9. Launch the Anritsu Power Meter application to begin using the upgraded sensor.
Symbols to L Index Symbols .Net Framework 2.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 A ADC_TEMP_OVERRNGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14 aperture time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 aperture time, setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14 application demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1 apply button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 data entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M to S M MA24106A contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T to Z T table averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14 offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 remote commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 temperature compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 out of range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .