Anritsu ML2408A – Dual Input Power Meter

The Anritsu ML2408A is a dual-channel RF power meter engineered for simultaneous measurement of two independent signals across frequencies up to 65 GHz. Built on NCDMA technology with 1.4 MHz bandwidth (IS-95 signal channel), it delivers power measurements from -70 dBm to +47 dBm (0.1 nW to 50 W) with dynamic range up to 90 dB depending on sensor selection. The instrument captures peak and average power of CDMA signals, pulse measurements down to 1 µs with rise times as low as 0.6 µs, and displays results in dBm, dB, dBr, dBmV, dBuV, W, %, or Volts. Independent measurement channels eliminate multiplexing latency, enabling real-time dual-channel characterization of wireless communication systems, radar devices, and RF/microwave test applications. The ML2408A accepts MA and MP Series sensors—including specialized MA2468B and MA2469C variants for IS-95 deployments—and features dual analog outputs for corrected and scaled measurements. GPIB high-speed interface, RS-232, IEEE, and synthesizer controls support integration into automated test environments. Dual bar graph peaking meters, marker table functions, and max/min hold display enable efficient tuning procedures and long-term drift analysis. Low SWR ripple and excellent return loss design minimize mismatch uncertainty and improve measurement repeatability across the full dynamic range. The ML2408A operates continuously for 6 hours on optional battery power. Environmental protection includes optional front panel cover and softcase.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: DC to 65 GHz (sensor dependent)
• Power measurement range: -70 dBm to +47 dBm (0.1 nW to 50 W)
• Dynamic range: Up to 90 dB (MA2470A Series), 87 dB CW (MA2440A Series), 80 dB (MA2460A/B and MA2480A Series), 50 dB (MA2420A/B Series)
• Offset range: -99.999 dB to +99.999 dB (fixed value or frequency dependent table)
• Bandwidth: 1.4 MHz (IS-95 signal channel)
• Pulse measurement: Down to 1 µs; rise time as low as 0.6 µs (MA2469A)
• Display units: dBm, dB, dBr, dBmV, dBuV, W, %, Volts
• Channels: 2 independent
• Battery life: 6 hours continuous operation

– Key Features

• Independent dual-channel architecture eliminates multiplexing
• Simultaneous peak and average power measurement of CDMA signals
• Dual bar graph peaking meter for tuning applications
• Marker table for power analysis between or at specific positions
• Dual analog outputs for real-time corrected and scaled measurements
• Max/min hold display for drift and peak identification
• Trigger key for high-speed precision measurement control
• Low SWR ripple and excellent return loss design

– Typical Applications

• Wireless communication system characterization and acceptance testing
• Radar system performance validation
• RF/microwave device measurement and tuning
• CDMA signal analysis and power profiling
• Pulse and modulated signal measurement

– Compatibility & Integration

• Sensor compatibility: MA and MP Series power sensors
• Specialized IS-95 sensors: MA2468B and MA2469C
• Interfaces: GPIB (high speed), IEEE, RS-232, parallel printer, synthesizer control with zero blanking
• Environmental options: Front panel cover and softcase