Anritsu MS46524B – ShockLine™ 4-Port Performance Vector Network Analyzer

The Anritsu MS46524B ShockLine™ 4-Port Performance Vector Network Analyzer delivers high-speed, high-dynamic-range S-parameter measurement across RF and microwave frequencies. Built on a four-port architecture with four independent sources and eight receivers, it measures all 16 single-ended and mixed-mode S-parameters simultaneously, making it ideal for characterizing passive multiport devices, differential interconnects, and mobile network components. Measurement speed reaches 30 µs per point with up to 20,001 points per sweep and dynamic range to 140 dB (43.5 GHz and below).

The instrument supports real-time time domain functionality with bandpass and lowpass modes, delivering TDR-like impedance displays over distance or time. SCPI programming and LAN connectivity enable integration into automated test environments, while an optional graphical interface supports manual operation via external touchscreen, keyboard, and mouse.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 50 kHz to 8.5 GHz (MS46524B-010); 50 kHz to 20 GHz (MS46524B-020); 50 kHz to 43.5 GHz (MS46524B-043); 55 GHz to 92 GHz WR-12 waveguide (MS46524B-082)


• Ports: 4-port configuration


• S-Parameters: Up to 16 single-ended and mixed-mode (SD1D1, SD1D2, SD1C1, SD1C2, SD2D1, SD2D2, SD2C1, SD2C2, SC1D1, SC1D2, SC1C1, SC1C2, SC1D2, SC2D2, SC2C1, SC2C2)


• Measurement Speed: 30 µs per point


• Graph Points: Up to 20,001


• Dynamic Range: Up to 140 dB (to 43.5 GHz); 120 dB (Option 82)


• Source Power: −30 dBm to +15 dBm typical (−50 dBm to 0 dBm for Option 82)


• Receiver Compression Point: +15 dBm at 43.5 GHz


• Directivity: Up to 42 dB (SmartCal/manual calibration); up to 50 dB (AutoCal)


• Noise Floor: 0.005 dB magnitude, 0.05° phase (typical, simultaneous sweep mode)


• Frequency Stability: ±0.02 ppm/24 hours; ±0.2 ppm/1 month; ±1.0 ppm/1 year; ±2.0 ppm/3 years


• Temperature Coefficient: 0.02 dB/°C magnitude, 0.5°/°C phase (300 kHz–8.5 GHz); 0.01 dB/°C magnitude, 1.0°/°C phase (>8.5 GHz–40 GHz)

Key Features

• Independent four-source, eight-receiver architecture


• Real-time bandpass and lowpass time domain with TDR-like display


• File-based signal integrity debugging tools (Option 22)


• Advanced Time Domain capability (Option 022)


• SCPI command programming


• LAN communications for remote control


• Optional graphical interface for manual testing

Typical Applications

• Mobile network equipment characterization


• Differential cable measurement


• High-speed data interconnect analysis


• Multiport passive device testing

Compatibility & Integration LAN-based remote control supports automated test environments. Manual operation requires user-supplied touchscreen monitor, keyboard, and mouse.