Anritsu Co. introduces the ML2480B series wideband peak power meters that combine wide 20 MHz bandwidth and 64 MS/s sampling rate that allow the instruments to conduct highly accurate peak power measurements on next-generation wireless and military communications signals. The new power meters provide best-in-class performance and ease of use, which make them well suited for evaluating chipsets, modules, handsets, customer premise equipment (CPE) and base stations during R&D and manufacturing.

There are two power meters in the series, both of which are designed to measure average power, peak power and crest factor, as well as provide statistical analysis of complex modulated signals. The ML2487B supports single sensor input while the ML2488B supports dual sensor inputs. The dual-channel sensor input and display of the ML2488B allow for the simultaneous monitoring of WLAN and Bluetooth®–enabled devices, and provides critical testing for the co-existence of multiple standards.

Featuring best-in-class 20 MHz video bandwidth, the ML2480B series is well suited for both present and future testing requirements. The wide video bandwidth enables high accuracy peak power measurements to be made on the most demanding power envelope conditions.

The ML2480B series has been designed with a number of features to make measurements easier, including an Ethernet remote control interface, preset of 18 popular predefined and configurable measurements, and an external video port that supports LCD and CRT monitors for easier viewing of results. The incorporation of the popular Ethernet interface makes it easy to integrate the power meters into PC-centric ATE racks that need to be controlled remotely via a LAN.

Further simplifying operation is a remote graphical user interface, PowerMax, which provides an enhanced visualization of instrument display and streamlines remote control of the ML2480B. PowerMax allows measurement results for up to eight gates and up to four marker readings to be simultaneously displayed on a monitor. The software also creates configuration tabs so that the instruments can be easily controlled directly from a PC. Measurement result images and traces can be saved directly on a computer’s hard drive or removable storage, allowing raw data to be recalled and used as reference.

Six families of CW, average, wideband, pulse and thermal power sensors up to 50 GHz are compatible with the ML2480B series. The sensors, which cover a wide range of measurement applications, offer exceptional speed, sensitivity and wide dynamic range.

The ML2487B is priced at $5,270 and the ML2488B is $6,220. Delivery is four weeks ARO.