Anritsu MA2491A – Wideband Power Sensor

The Anritsu MA2491A is a wideband power sensor engineered for precise RF and microwave power measurements from 50 MHz to 18 GHz. It delivers a 90 dB dynamic range with measurement capability from –60 dBm to +20 dBm in CW mode, making it suitable for characterizing both narrowband and complex modulated signals. The sensor integrates with Anritsu ML2480 and ML2490 series power meters, enabling fast acquisition at 64 MS/s and rise-time measurement below 18 ns.

Linearity performance varies across the operating band: <7% from 50 MHz to 300 MHz, and <3.5% from 300 MHz to 18 GHz. The sensor provides peak power, average power, crest factor, rise/fall time, statistical data, and maximum/minimum power measurements. It accepts CW input to +23 dBm and peak pulses to +30 dBm (1 µs), with a maximum DC voltage of ±20 Vdc.

Standing wave ratios range from <1.12 (150 MHz to 2.5 GHz) to <1.25 (12.4 GHz to 18 GHz).

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 50 MHz to 18 GHz


• Measurement range (CW): –60 dBm to +20 dBm


• Dynamic range: 90 dB (linearity <1.8%)


• Video bandwidth: 20 MHz


• Sampling rate: 64 MS/s (with ML2480/ML2490)


• Rise time: <18 ns at 10 dBm, room temperature


• Sensor linearity: <7% (50–300 MHz); <3.5% (300 MHz–18 GHz)


• SWR: <1.17 (50–150 MHz), <1.12 (150 MHz–2.5 GHz), <1.22 (2.5–12.4 GHz), <1.25 (12.4–18 GHz)


• Maximum input: +23 dBm CW; +30 dBm (1 µs peak)


• DC voltage input: ±20 Vdc


• RF connector: N-type (male) with precision hexagon coupling nut

Key Features

• Peak, average, and crest factor power measurements


• Statistical analysis of wideband signals


• Fall-time and rise-time capture


• Ethernet (10/100 BaseT LAN) and RS232 interfaces for remote control and software download

Compatibility & Integration

• Anritsu ML2480 series power meters


• Anritsu ML2490 series power meters