Anritsu Network Analyzers

Anritsu groups its analyzers by intended use and mechanical form factor. The 37300C "Lightning" instruments (37369A, 37369C, 37369D, 37397C) are bench VNAs that integrate source, test set and receiver for microwave and millimeter-wave device characterization. The VectorStar MS4640A family (example MS4644A) targets precision modeling and R&D at up to 40 GHz with high accuracy and extensive I/O. The Scorpion/ VNMS-class instruments (MS4623B, MS4630B) include multi-port and production-oriented configurations with option sets for time-domain, noise-figure and mixer measurements. The MS2026A VNA Master is a handheld unit for field use. The 560 Series is a scalar network analyzer mainframe for amplitude-only measurements and can be part of higher‑frequency system setups when used with external sources and test components.

Frequency range and connector type determine which components and fixtures can be tested without additional up‑ and down‑converters — examples: Lightning models cover 40 MHz into the microwave band and, in the case of the 37397C, extend to 65 GHz; the 560 Series system coverage can extend to 110 GHz but depends on external components.

Number of ports and measurement topology matter for multiport components: MS4623B and MS4630B provide 3-port VNMS capability; most Lightning and VectorStar bench VNAs are supplied as 2-port instruments. Connector and test-port details differ by model — Lightning instruments list K-type (2.92 mm) or V-type (1.85 mm) test port compatibility.

Dynamic range, speed and I/O: MS4630B is optimized for high-speed production testing (10 Hz–300 MHz and 150 µs/point sweep time). Handheld MS2026A provides field-oriented performance with stated system dynamic range figures and battery operation. Bench VectorStar (MS4644A) lists frequency accuracy and higher output power resolution useful for precision modeling.

Decide on these points before selecting a model:

• Measurement type: choose a scalar mainframe like the 560 Series when amplitude-only measurements with external sources are acceptable; choose a VNA (Lightning, VectorStar, Scorpion families) for full complex S-parameter work.
• Frequency span: pick a model whose native frequency range covers the device under test. Examples: MS2026A for 2 MHz–6 GHz field tasks; MS4644A or 37369C/D/A for 10/40 MHz to 40 GHz bench work; 37397C when you need coverage to 65 GHz. The 560 Series can be part of systems that reach higher mm-wave frequencies when paired with external components.
• Number of ports and measurement topology: use MS4623B or MS4630B for 3‑port measurements; use 2‑port bench VNAs where S11/S21/S12/S22 suffice.
• Production vs R&D vs field: MS4630B specifies very fast sweep time per point for production screening; MS2026A is a handheld instrument with battery operation and compact weight for field maintenance.
• Practical test setup: check for internal bias tees (listed standard on 37369D and available on some Lightning models), included source step attenuators and port attenuators, and the connector type needed for your fixtures.

Calibration capability and control interfaces affect test repeatability and automation. Lightning-family VNAs list common calibration routines (SOLT, TRL, LRM, LRL) and offer high measurement resolution (examples: 37369C magnitude resolution 0.001 dB, phase resolution 0.01°). MS4623B supports SOLT, TRL, LRM and AutoCal. Bench models provide multiple remote interfaces (GPIB, LAN, USB, VGA outputs and other serial ports) for integration into automated test systems. If traceability and long-term stability are required, note models with explicit frequency-accuracy or stability specifications (for example MS4644A frequency accuracy ±1.0 ppm).