ANALOG

TRANSMISSION
CHARACTERISTICS
MEASURING
INSTRUMENTS

Calibration Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442

Level Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Transmission Measuring Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Selective Level Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Resistance Attenuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447

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 ANALOG TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
CALIBRATION RECEIVER
ML2530A
100 kHz to 3 GHz

Measuring Level while Observing Signals under Test

GPIB

The ML2530A is a receiver for calibrating the output power level of

such devices as signal generators and attenuators, covering the
range of 100 kHz to 3 GHz. It is suitable for use as a reference lev-
el meter for the RF communications bands used by the world’s mo-
bile communications markets. High linearity is achieved by using a
level detector that uses DSP technology. The level can be measured
while observing the signal waveform to be measured by using the
spectrum monitor function.

Features
• Wide dynamic range of –140 to +20 dBm and high linearity
• Provides measurement bandwidth of 1 Hz to 100 kHz, so that even
signals with large residual FM can be measured using the 1 Hz
bandwidth.
• Supports level units

Manual tuning mode

Monitor mode

442 For product ordering information, see pages 4 – 10

 ANALOG TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
Specifications
• ML2530A (main frame)
Frequency range 0.1 to 3000 MHz
Level range –140 to +20 dBm
Connector: N-J
Impedance: 50 Ω
RF input connector VSWR: ≤1.25 (Range 1), ≤1.40 (Range 2), ≤1.50 (Range 3)
Max. input level: +20 dBm, 0 Vdc
Connector: N-J
Impedance: 50 Ω
Frequency: 50 MHz ±500 kHz
CAL output∗1
Level: 1.000 mW
Level accuracy: ±1.2% (RSS: ±0.9%)
Harmonic frequency: ≤–50 dBc
General

Frequency: 10 MHz
Start-up characteristics: ≤±5.1 x 10–8/day (10 minutes after power on, with reference to frequency at 24 hours after power on)
Reference oscillator Aging rate: ≤±2.1 x 10–8/day, ≤±10.1 x 10–8/year (with reference to frequency at 24 hours after power on)
Temperature characteristics: ≤±5.1 x 10–8 (with reference to frequency at 25˚C in 0˚ to 50˚C temperature range)
Accuracy: ≤±15.1 x 10–8 (24 hours after power on, within 6 months of calibration)
Connector: BNC-J
Impedance: 50 Ω
External reference input
Frequency: 10 MHz ±10 Hz
Level: 0.5 to 5.0 Vp-p
Connector: BNC-J
Impedance: 50 Ω
Internal reference output Frequency: 10 MHz
Frequency accuracy: Same as reference oscillator
Level: 2.1 V ±0.6 Vp-p (when 2 m coaxial cable terminated with 50 Ω)
Manual tuning: Measures level of frequency input directly by ten keys and encoder
Measurement modes
Monitor: Measures level of frequency specified by marker on spectrum monitor
Measured frequencies Range: 100 kHz to 3000 MHz, Resolution: 1 Hz
Range: 1 Hz to 100 kHz (1-10 sequence)
Measurement bandwidth Filter: Gaussian type
Accuracy (3 dB width): ±20% (BW: 1 Hz), ±5% (BW: 10 Hz to 100 kHz)
Range: –140 to +20 dBm
Measured level
Resolution: 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 dB
Range Range 1: –35 to +20 dBm, Range 2: –80 to –25 dBm, Range 3: –140 to –70 dBm
Total relative error: In-range linearity + range switching error + noise floor error +1 digit error
Total absolute error:
Total relative error + CAL output level accuracy + mismatch error at CAL + sensor module calibration factor
uncertainty + calibration receiver linearity + sensor module insertion loss reproducibility + mismatch error
In-range linearity: ±0.05 dB/55 dB (BW: 1/10/100 Hz, RSS: ±0.03 dB/55 dB)
±0.09 dB/55 dB (BW: 1/10 kHz, RSS: ±0.07 dB/55 dB)
±0.22 dB/55 dB (BW: 100 kHz, RSS: ±0.20 dB/55 dB)
∗In same range, BW: 100 kHz, frequency: ≥1 MHz
Level measurement

Error∗2 Range switching error: ±0.01 dB (at range switch point: –30, –75 dBm)
Noise floor (BW: at 100 Hz):
≤–70 dBm (Range 1, ≤11 MHz), ≤–80 dBm (Range 1, >11 MHz), ≤–115 dBm (Range 2, ≤11 MHz),
≤–120 dBm (Range 2, >11 MHz), ≤–125 dBm (Range 3, ≤11 MHz), ≤–135 dBm (Range 3, >11 MHz),
Noise floor error: ±0.05 dB (S/N: ≤35 dB), ±0.04 dB (S/N: ≤25 dB), not specified (S/N: ≤10 dB)
Frequency drift error: ±0.007 dB (1% of BW frequency drift relative to set signal frequency)
BW switching error: ±0.01 dB (BW: 1 Hz to 10 kHz), ±0.05 dB (BW: 1 Hz to 100 kHz, frequency: ≥1 MHz)
∗Excluding effect of measured signal residual FM
Average Measurement times: 1 to 256
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dBm, dB, dBµ, dBµ (emf)
Display units W, mW, µW, pW, fW, aW (automatically chosen best unit for measured value)
V, mV, µV, nV, pV (automatically chosen best unit for measured value)
dB units: 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 dB
Display digits
W/V units: 3, 4, 5 digits
Set any value: –180 to +60 dBm
Reference Meas → Ref: Obtain current measured value
Offset Setting range: –100 to +100 dB
Calibration frequency count: 300
Calibration level:
Calibration 0 dBm +3/–4 dB (relative level calibration at Range 1, using MA2540A)
–30 dBm +3/–4 dB (calibration between Range 1 and Range 2)
–75 dBm +3/–4 dB (calibration between Range 2 and Range 3)
Center frequency 100 kHz to 3000 MHz, Min. setting resolution: 1 Hz
Spectrum monitor

Frequency span 10 kHz to 1 MHz, Setting resolution: 1 Hz

Resolution bandwidth 300 Hz to 100 kHz (1-3 sequence)
Video bandwidth 10 Hz to 100 kHz (1-3 sequence)
Sweep time 100 ms to 1000 s
Reference level Range 1: +20 dBm, Range 2: –25 dBm, Range 3: –70 dBm
Continued on next page

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 ANALOG TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
Functions
MKR → PEAK: Moves marker to max. level in monitored range
Spectrum monitor

MKR → CNTR: Sets marker frequency to center frequency of monitored range

Markers PEAK → CNTR: Sets max. level frequency to center frequency of monitored range
Frequency readout level
Range 1: ≥–35 dBm, Range 2: ≥–80 dBm, Range 3: ≥–100 dBm
Zone marker width: Spot, 1, 5, 10 div.
Signal detection frequency range: 30 to 3000 MHz
Auto-tune Signal detection level: ≥–30 dBm
Save/recall Save count: 100
Panel lock Function: Disables all key and encoder functions except power switch and panel lock key
Function: Used to control ML2530A as device from controller
GPIB
Interface functions: SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E2
Power 100 to 120 V/200 to 240 V (auto-switching), 47.5 to 63 Hz, ≤120 VA
Other

Dimensions and mass 426 (W) x 221.5 (H) x 451 (D) mm, ≤17.9 kg
Operating temperature range: 0˚ to 50˚C
Environmental conditions
Storage temperature range: –20˚ to +60˚C
EN61326: 1997/A1, 1998 (Class A)
EMC EN61000-3-2: 1995/A2, 1998 (Class A)
EN61326: 1997/A1, 1998 (Annex A)
LVD EN610101-1: 1993/A2, 1995 (Installation Category ΙΙ, Pollution degree 2)
∗1: At constant temperature in operating range of 15˚ to 35˚C
∗2: At fixed temperature in ambient temperature range of 15˚ to 35˚C, and level calibration after 1 hour warm-up

MA2540A Sensor Module

Frequency range 100 kHz to 3000 MHz
Level Level range: –140 to +20 dBm, Max. input level: +20 dBm
Type: N-J
Nominal impedance: 50 Ω
RF input connector
VSWR (power sensor side): ≤1.30 (100 to 300 kHz), ≤1.20 (0.3 to 1 MHz), ≤1.36 (1 to 3000 MHz)
VSWR (through side): ≤1.12 (0.1 to 100 MHz), ≤1.35 (100 to 3000 MHz)
RF output connector Type: N-J, Nominal impedance: 50 Ω
Through side insertion loss: ≤0.7 dB
RF input/output characteristics
Through side insertion loss reproducibility: ±0.006 dB
Dimensions and mass 63 (W) x 54 (H) x 206 (D) mm, ≤1 kg
Environmental conditions Same as the ML2530A

Sensor module calibration factor uncertainty

Frequency Simple total RSS total
0.1 MHz ±3.0% ±1.4%
10 MHz ±2.4% ±1.1%
100 MHz ±2.4% ±1.1%
1000 MHz ±3.0% ±1.4%
2000 MHz ±3.0% ±1.4%
3000 MHz ±3.2% ±1.5%

Total level error

The total level error is the total of each error source. For example, the The absolute level error for a measured signal at a frequency of 1
total relative level error at a frequency of 1 GHz and a BW of 100 Hz GHz, measurement bandwidth of 100 Hz, device under test VSWR
is as shown below. of 1.5, and signal level of –100 dBm is as follows.

Source of uncertainty NIST traceable uncertainty

± 0.50 Relative level error at –100 dBm 1.6% (±0.07 dB)
Total relative level error (dB)

± 0.45 CAL output level error ±0.93%

Specification (RSS)
± 0.40
Mismatch error at calibration ±0.23%
± 0.35
Sensor module calibration factor
± 0.30 ±1.4%
error at measured frequency
± 0.25
Typical Linearity error of the ML2530A
± 0.20 value ±1.0%
power measurement section
± 0.15
± 0.10 Sensor module relay repeatability ±0.14% (±0.006 dB)
± 0.05 DUT mismatch error sensor
± 0.00 module + calibration receiver ±3.7%
20 0 –20 –40 –60 –80 –100 –120 –140 VSWR: 1.2 (typ.)
Input level (dBm) Total (RSS) ±4.5 (±0.19 dB)

444 For product ordering information, see pages 4 – 10

 ANALOG TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
Ordering information
Please specify model/order number, name, and quantity when ordering.
Model/Order No. Name
Main frame
ML2530A Calibration Receiver

Standard accessories
Power cord, 2.6 m: 1 pc
F0012 Fuse, 3.15 A: 2 pcs
W1492AE ML2530A operation manual: 1 copy

Optional accessories
MP721A Fixed attenuator (3 dB, 2 W)
MP721B Fixed attenuator (6 dB, 2 W)
MP721C Fixed attenuator (10 dB, 2 W)
MP721D Fixed attenuator (20 dB, 2 W)
MP721E Fixed attenuator (30 dB, 2 W)
MP721F Fixed attenuator (40 dB, 2 W)
MP721G Fixed attenuator (50 dB, 2 W)
MP721H Fixed attenuator (60 dB, 2 W)
J0078 High power fixed attenuator (20 dB, 10 W)
J0063 High power fixed attenuator (30 dB, 10 W)
J0395 High power fixed attenuator (30 dB, 30 W)
J0007 GPIB cable, 1 m
J0008 GPIB cable, 2 m
J0431F Coaxial cable (BNC-P · RG55A/U · BNC-P), 1 m
J0431G Coaxial cable (BNC-P · RG55A/U · BNC-P), 2 m
J0903A Coaxial cable (NP · RG-142B/U · N-P), 1.5 m
J0904A Sensor module cable, 1.5 m (for MA2540A control)
B0333D Rack mount kit
B0329D Front cover
B0331D Front handle (2 pcs/set)
B0332 Joint plate (4 pcs/set)
B0334D Carrying case (hard type, with protective cover and casters)

Peripheral instruments
MS616B Modulation Analyzer (150 kHz to 3000 MHz)
MG3633A Synthesized Signal Generator (10 kHz to 2700 MHz)
Sensor module
MA2540A Sensor Module

Standard accessories
J0903A Coaxial cable (N-P · RG-142B/U · N-P), 1.5 m: 1 pc
J0904A Sensor module cable, 1.5 m (for MA2540A control): 1 pc
W1491AE MA2540A operation manual: 1 copy

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 ANALOG TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
The ML424A/B is a compactly designed level-meter of high level-
LEVEL METER measuring accuracy with a calibration signal internally provided. It is
ML424A, ML424B also capable of measuring noise levels in conformity with the ITU-T
Recommendations with the necessary psophometer option.
10 Hz to 20 MHz 10 Hz to 30 MHz

Features
• Excellent frequency response of ±0.1 dB over the range from 100
For Constructing and Maintaining FDM Communication Lines Hz to 13 MHz
• High measuring accuracy of ±0.2 dB including the frequency re-
sponse, attenuator step accuracy, and temperature stability
• A psophometer option can be incorporated (option 01) for measur-
ing noise levels of telephone and sound program circuits. The char-
acteristics of the weighting filters conform to the ITU-T Recommen-
dations P.53 and J.16.
• The ML424B provides true RMS detection

Custom-made product

The ME446A/B is a compact test set which consists of the MG442A

TRANSMISSION MEASURING SET Synthesized Level Generator and the ML424A/B Level Meter. The
ME446A/B, ME447A/B/D/E MG442A has a superior output level accuracy of within ±0.2 dB in-
cluding all the frequency characteristics, step accuracy of the attenu-
10 Hz to 20 MHz
ator, temperature stability, etc. Output level can be varied in fine steps
of 0.1 dB. For this reason, the test set is capable of end-to-end tests
of transmission lines by matching the dials of frequency and level with-
For Measuring Base Band and Frequency Band of FDM out adjustment of the transmitting level.
Communication Lines The ML424A/B is capable of measuring the level of a signal or noise
with high accuracy. The frequency range is wide, from 30 Hz to 150
kHz at 600 Ω balanced input impedance, from 4 to 650 kHz at 75 Ω
and 150 Ω balanced, and from 10 Hz to 20 MHz at 75 Ω unbalanced,
so that apparatus and transmission lines from the voice frequency
band to the carrier frequency band up to 3600 channels can be tested.
The ME446A/B allows both efficient and economical maintenance of
multichannel communication systems.
The ME447A/B is a compact test set composed of the MG442A
Synthesized Level Generator, the ML424A/B Level Meter, and the
MN415A Level Comparator. This test set can, in addition to the func-
tions possessed by the ME446A Transmission Measuring Set, easi-
Custom-made ly measure gain and loss with high accuracy and digitally display
product measurement results.
ME447A

The ML422C is designed for use with and ITU-T system. This in-
SELECTIVE LEVEL METER strument covers an extremely wide frequency range, from 50 Hz to
ML422C 30 MHz. This remarkable instrument offers highly accurate measure-
ment of signal levels, and it has the frequency accuracy and stability
50 Hz to 30 MHz
needed to manufacture and maintain FDM systems, from voice fre-
quencies up to 3600 channels. The ML422C can also function as a
wideband level meter, psophometer, or voice band analyzer.
For Measuring FDM Communication Lines with High Level
Accuracy Features
• Highly accurate level measurement
• Measurement of transmission impairment
• 48 kHz group filter
• Intrinsic distortion below –70 dB
• True RMS value detection and 3.1 kHz bandwidth
• Built-in microprocessor for simple operation

Custom-made product
GPIB

446 For product ordering information, see pages 4 – 10

 ANALOG TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
These are variable resistance attenuators for measurement of 50 and
RESISTANCE ATTENUATOR 75 Ω impedance systems. Each of these attenuators has a wide fre-
MN510C/D quency range and is highly accurate, compact, lightweight with good
articulation, and easy to handle. Moreover, comparison measurement
DC to 500 MHz
can be made far more smoothly when used in conjunction with a key
box.

Custom-made product MN510D

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