industry news
Subscribe Now

Anritsu Introduces Universal USB Power Sensors with Best-in-Class Measurement Speed and Over-Power Protection Levels

Morgan Hill, CA – May 28, 2015 – Anritsu Company introduces the MA24208A/MA24218A Universal USB Power Sensors that leverage Anritsu’s patented triple path architecture to provide highly accurate, true RMS measurements of CW, multi-tone, and digitally modulated signals up to 18 GHz. Featuring best-in-class measurement speeds and over-power protection levels, the MA24208A/MA24218A have been designed to increase throughput and reduce cost-of-test in any lab, high-volume manufacturing and field environment.

Combining a broad measurement range of -60 to +20 dBm with measurement speeds of >1,600 readings/s continuous and >11,000 readings/s buffered, the MA24208A/MA24218A bring a high level of performance to a variety of applications. In addition, they offer the best damage protection of up to +30 dBm CW and +34 dBm peak at < 10 µs.

The broad frequency coverage of 10 MHz to 18 GHz allows the MA24208A/MA24218A sensors to conduct accurate modulated power measurements on signals, including WCDMA, LTE and WLAN standards. A built-in internal and external trigger facilitates multi-slot measurement of TDD waveforms, such as GSM, WiMAX, and TD-SCDMA.

In device under test (DUT) characterization and other applications requiring large amounts of data, a Continuous Average Buffer feature in the MA24208A/MA24218A sensors allows users to buffer up to 8,192 continuous average measurements before reading the results over the bus. This saves considerable time compared to conventional methods that send measurements individually. For the best possible accuracy when conducting measurements on modulated signals, the USB sensors have an Enhanced Modulation feature. The sensors also have a triggering hysteresis capability that minimizes the risk of triggering on an unintended edge for greater accuracy.

The MA24208A/MA24218A sensors can be used with any Windows-based PC and controlled via PowerXpert™. For field applications, the sensors are also compatible with most of Anritsu’s industry leading handheld instruments, including the Site Master™ cable and antenna analyzer, Spectrum Master™ handheld spectrum analyzer, Cell Master™ base station analyzer, and VNA Master™ vector network analyzer (may require Option 19).

The MA24208A/MA24218A sensors add to Anritsu’s broad power measurement portfolio. The ML2490A series has the performance required for narrow fast rising-edge pulse power measurements, including radar, while the ML2480B series is suited for wide-band power measurements on signals, such as W-CDMA, WLAN, and LTE. The ML2430A power meters are designed for CW applications, offering a combination of accuracy, speed and flexibility in a low-cost package, and can be battery operated. With seven different families of power sensors (including USB sensors), Anritsu provides engineers with the right solution for precision power measurement, whatever the application.

About Anritsu Company

Anritsu Company is the United States subsidiary of Anritsu Corporation, a global provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions for more than 110 years. Anritsu provides solutions for existing and next-generation wired and wireless communication systems and operators. Anritsu products include wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital instruments as well as operations support systems for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. With offices throughout the world, Anritsu sells in over 90 countries with approximately 4,000 employees.

To learn more, visit www.anritsu.com.

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Apr 24, 2026
A thought experiment in curiosity, confusion, and cosmic consequences....

featured paper

Quickly and accurately identify inter-domain leakage issues in IC designs

Sponsored by Siemens Digital Industries Software

Power domain leakage is a major IC reliability issue, often missed by traditional tools. This white paper describes challenges of identifying leakage, types of false results, and presents Siemens EDA’s Insight Analyzer. The tool proactively finds true leakage paths, filters out false positives, and helps circuit designers quickly fix risks—enabling more robust, reliable chip designs. With detailed, context-aware analysis, designers save time and improve silicon quality.

Click to read more

featured chalk talk

GaN for Humanoid Robots
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Infineon
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Eric Persson and Amelia Dalton explore why power is the key driver for efficient and reliable robot movements and how GaN technologies can help motor control solutions be more compact, integrated and efficient. They also investigate the role of field-oriented control in humanoid robotic applications and why the choice of a GaN power transistor can make all the difference in your next humanoid robot project!
Apr 20, 2026
7,023 views