Anritsu MA2421A Fast Thermal Sensor, 0.1MHz to 18GHz

The Anritsu MA2421A is a fast thermal sensor for broadband RF power measurement across 0.1 MHz to 18 GHz. It delivers true average power measurement of any incident waveform using thermal sensing principles, with rise and fall times under 4.0 ms each. The sensor features an internal EEPROM storing factory calibration data as a function of frequency, power, and temperature, enabling automatic interpolation and correction by compatible power meters.

N-type RF connectors provide direct integration into test setups.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 0.1 MHz to 18 GHz


• Power Range: −30 dBm to +20 dBm


• Dynamic Range: 50 dB


• Rise Time: Less than 4.0 ms


• Fall Time: Less than 4.0 ms


• RF Connector: N-type


• Measurement Principle: True average power (thermal sensing)


• Return Loss Performance: Exceptional


• Compliance: EN61326:2006, EN55011:2007 Group 1 Class A

Key Features

• Factory calibration data stored in internal EEPROM indexed by frequency, power, and temperature


• Automatic reading correction via compatible power meter interpolation


• Excellent power measurement accuracy across the full operating range


• Fast thermal response supports dynamic signal characterization


• Wideband operation from RF through microwave frequencies

Typical Applications

• Wireless communication equipment verification


• Precision RF power measurement in production and field testing


• Signal characterization requiring thermal averaging of complex waveforms


• Integration into automated test systems requiring high-speed measurement

Compatibility & Integration The MA2421A operates with Anritsu ML2430A Series Power Meters. When used with MA24xxD Series power sensors, the ML2430A power meter firmware must be revision 3.10 or higher.