US : Anritsu Company introduces the Signature (MS2781A), a groundbreaking signal analyzer with performance, capabilities, and simplicity that redefines the high-end signal analyzer market. Designed with power never before available in a signal analyzer, Signature provides the spectrum and signal analysis tools engineers require to design and manufacture advanced RF and Microwave communications systems, including WLAN, 3G, and 4G.

Signature has been developed with a new and advanced architecture that provides unprecedented spectrum analyzer performance as well as digital modulation analysis over the 100 Hz to 8 GHz frequency range. In addition the architecture provides an optional 30 MHz resolution bandwidth for capturing, measuring and analyzing wide modulation bandwidth signals. The architecture also provides an open Windows environment - the first time available in a signal analyzer - allowing popular simulation and analysis tools to be easily integrated into the analyzer. The Windows XP environment, with its familiar drop down menus and tool bars, also creates an instrument that is much easier to use. Combining all this capability and performance, Signature allows engineers to analyze complex RF signals better than ever before.

High-end Performance
Unlike existing signal analyzers that force users to trade off either spectrum analysis or vector signal analysis capability, the MS2781A delivers high-end performance in both areas. One of the reasons is the state of the art architecture utilizing a 9.5 GHz to 17.5 GHz synthesized first local oscillator (LO) and 9.5 GHz IF. This fundamental mixing approach allows the entire 100 Hz to 8 GHz frequency range to be measured in one sweep, without bandswitching or preselection.

Because of this approach, Signature has improved sensitivity, intermodulation distortion (TOI), and better dynamic range over comparable signal analyzers. Signature has TOI of +23 dBm, DANL of < -147 dBm, and typical amplitude accuracy of <0.65 dB over the entire frequency range.

For digital modulation analysis, Signature, optionally, has measurements for error vector magnitude(EVM), carrier leakage, and I/Q imbalance, all without a separate computer and post processing. The signal analyzer has > 80 dB WCDMA ACPR (typical) and 2% EVM. A 30 MHz IF bandwidth option is also available.

Design Tool Compatibility
Anritsu has designed Signature in an open Windows XP environment so it can facilitate the exchange of simulated and measured data necessary to accurately analyze today's complex digital modulation. Users can easily design new or proprietary digital modulations by adding the MATLAB® Connectivity Option. The option allows live update viewing of MATLAB processed results with measurements. No other signal analyzer offers this capability.

Signature is also the only signal analyzer that allows charting of data right on the instrument. Users can easily integrate measured traces into Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files for reporting purposes.

Ease of Use
The open Windows platform makes Signature much easier to use. Familiar drop-down menus simplify measurement selection. Menus are optimized for touch screen operation with single click activation.

A series of "smart" one button functions make measurements easier than ever before. Most common measurements, including channel power, adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR), and occupies bandwidth (OBW), can be made with a single key.

Easy operation extends beyond the display. The front panel keys are backlit when activated, and they are clearly and logically arranged. The signal analyzer has a DVD-ROM & CD R/W drive and two USB interfaces on the front panel for enhanced connectivity. An additional USB port, as well as GPIB and Ethernet interfaces, are on the rear panel to provide more flexibility.

The MS2781A includes the following options:

Option 3, GPIB Interface
Option 22, 30 MHz IF Bandwidth
Option 35 QAM/PSK Modulation Measurements
Option 40, MATLAB Connectivity
Delivery is 16 weeks ARO.