Anritsu ME453K Microwave System Analyzer

The Anritsu ME453K Microwave System Analyzer measures IF and baseband signal characteristics in terrestrial radio relay links and satellite communication systems. It delivers group delay, differential phase and gain, modulator/demodulator linearity, frequency deviation, AM/PM conversion, and return loss measurements across selectable IF bands and baseband frequencies. The instrument combines dual-trace CRT display with LED readouts, automatic receiver configuration, signal averaging for low C/N operation, and threshold extension for INTELSAT equipment analysis.

Built for link adjustment, construction, maintenance, and R&D applications across FDM-FM and digital microwave systems.

Technical Specifications

• IF Band: 70 MHz and 140 MHz (selectable)


• Baseband Frequencies: Eight selectable frequencies via pushbutton; three low frequencies are model-dependent (K, L, or M designations); Option 05 adds 55.6 kHz or 27.8 kHz


• Measurement Parameters: Group delay, modulator/demodulator linearity, differential phase and gain, IF and BB amplitude, IF and BB band return loss, frequency deviation, spectrum, AM/PM conversion coefficient, DC characteristics, IF/BB power, gain, and loss


• Display: Dual-trace CRT with alphanumeric parameter display; 4-digit LED display for transmitter settings; 5-digit LED display (ME538 series)


• Sweep Capability: Baseband-to-baseband amplitude response with automatic sweep width reduction for modulated sidebands and carrier sweep modulation compensation


• Signal Processing: Automatic receiver tuning (deviation, IF level, BB frequency, level); automatic calibration and attenuation; signal averaging for noise reduction; signal subtraction for system component elimination


• Advanced Functions: Threshold extension for low C/N group delay measurement; automatic CRT calibration and ranging; scale intensity adjustment for photography


• Power Requirements: AC 100–127 V or 200–254 V, 48–66 Hz; approximately 260 VA


• IF Output: −10 dBm fixed output at IF frequency for return loss measurement

Key Features

• Dual-trace CRT with automatic scaling and alphanumeric result overlay


• Automatic receiver settings eliminate manual tuning iterations


• Signal averaging reduces noise in satellite link measurements


• Threshold extension optimizes group delay measurement on low C/N systems


• Wide IF band selection (70 and 140 MHz) accommodates diverse link standards

Typical Applications

• Terrestrial radio relay link characterization and adjustment


• Satellite communication system analysis (INTELSAT compatible)


• FDM-FM and digital microwave link commissioning


• Modulator and demodulator performance validation


• Maintenance and fault diagnosis of active RF chains

Compatibility & Integration The ME453K interfaces via IF output for return loss measurements and accepts AC mains power across 100–254 V range, suitable for field deployment and laboratory environments.