Anritsu MF1602A Frequency Counter

The Anritsu MF1602A is a dual-channel frequency counter engineered for high-speed, high-resolution RF measurements across communication and test applications. It delivers 10-digit display resolution in one second using reciprocal and vernier techniques, with a measurement throughput of 80 ms. The instrument performs frequency, period, pulse width, and totalizing measurements with specialized capabilities for burst signals, noisy environments, and delayed-gate analysis.

Technical Specifications

• Channel 1: 0.1 mHz to 100 MHz


• Channel 2: 10 MHz to 1 GHz


• Overall: 0.1 mHz to 1 GHz Measurement Performance


• Throughput: 80 ms


• Time base stability: 0.05 ppm/year


• Time base aging: ≤4 × 10⁻⁸/week, ≤8 × 10⁻⁸/month, ≤1 × 10⁻⁷/year


• Channel 1 sensitivity: 0.01 Vrms


• Gate times: 0.4 ms, 2 ms, 20 ms, 0.2 s, 2 s, 20 s (selectable)

Key Features Measurement Modes

• Frequency: High-speed and high-resolution across full 0.1 mHz to 1 GHz range


• Period: 10 ns to 1000 s


• Pulse width: 10 ns single-shot resolution; 300 ps average mode resolution; positive or negative slope selectable


• Totalizing: Up to 100 MHz pulse counting Advanced Capabilities


• Burst signal measurement with synchronous gate opening; 6-digit display achievable at 0.4 ms gate time


• Signal masking: Period measurement immunity to noise for 5 μs to 1600 s ranges - suited for relay switching characterization


• Gate mask function: Adjustable measurement delay from 1 μs to 16 s to suppress transient signal artifacts


• Data processing: ppm display, arithmetic operations, ratio/deviation/unit conversion, measurement setup storage and recall

Compatibility & Integration Optional GP-IB interface enables automated measurement and monitoring system integration. Standard accessories include J0127A coaxial cable, J0017 power cord, J0266 adaptor, and F0010 fuse.