Can the Anritsu MT8820A test LTE mobile terminals?

No. Based on the manufacturer specifications, the Anritsu MT8820A supports 3G W-CDMA (including HSDPA), GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and 1xEV-DO. Testing for LTE and LTE-Advanced FDD DL CA requires the Anritsu MT8820C platform.

What are the external reference input capabilities of the Anritsu MT8820C?

The Anritsu MT8820C accepts external reference input frequencies of 10 MHz, 13 MHz, and 19.2 MHz (with an accuracy of ±1 ppm).

How do the display systems compare between the MT8820A and MT8820C?

Both analyzers use an 8.4-inch color TFT LCD. However, the Anritsu MT8820A display has a resolution of 640 x 480 dots, while the Anritsu MT8820C has an SVGA resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.

Anritsu MT8820 Series Radio Communication Analyzers

2 models with full specifications from Anritsu.

The Anritsu MT8820 series of radio communication analyzers is designed for high-speed testing of mobile terminals. These instruments support both transmitter and receiver measurements on a single platform. The series includes the MT8820A and the MT8820C. While both models share a standard physical footprint and a base frequency range starting at 30 MHz, they differ in the cellular standards they support, their digital interface choices, and their display resolutions. This comparison details the technical specifications of each model to assist engineers in selecting the correct instrument for their test requirements.

Standard Frequency Range: 30 MHz to 2.7 GHz
Base Instrument Weight: 18.0 kg
Display Size: 8.4-inch color TFT LCD
Primary Control Interface: GPIB (IEEE-488)

Models in this series

Model	Type	Dimensions (W×H×D)	Display	Interfaces
MT8820C	Communication	426 mm × 221.5 mm × 451 mm	8.4-inch color TFT LCD (SVGA, 800 × 600 pixels)	GPIB (IEEE-488.2), LAN (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX), USB 2.0, VGA
MT8820A	Communication	426 mm × 221.5 mm × 451 mm	8.4" Color TFT LCD (640 x 480 dots)	GPIB (IEEE-488)

Frequency Range and Extension Options

Both analyzers in this series cover a standard RF frequency range from 30 MHz to 2700 MHz (2.7 GHz). However, the frequency limits of the platform can be extended depending on the revision and installed hardware.

Anritsu MT8820A: Operates strictly within the 30 MHz to 2.7 GHz range.
Anritsu MT8820C: Standard configuration covers 30 MHz to 2700 MHz. This range is extendable to cover 3.4 GHz to 3.8 GHz when the MT8820C-018 option is installed, enabling the testing of higher-frequency communication bands.

Supported Wireless Technologies

The generation of wireless technologies supported represents the most critical functional difference between these two revisions.

Anritsu MT8820A: Primarily targets third-generation and legacy wireless platforms. It is configured for high-speed testing of 3G W-CDMA (including HSDPA), GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and 1xEV-DO mobile terminals.
Anritsu MT8820C: Built to support modern communication standards alongside legacy bands. Its test capabilities include LTE-Advanced FDD DL CA, LTE, 2G, and 3G mobile terminal testing.

Hardware Interfaces and Display System

While both instruments share the same chassis dimensions of 426 mm × 221.5 mm × 451 mm and weigh 18.0 kg, the internal hardware, displays, and external interfaces have been updated across revisions.

Anritsu MT8820A: Includes a GPIB interface. Its 8.4-inch color TFT LCD features a resolution of 640 x 480 dots. Power consumption is ≤ 300 VA without options, and up to ≤ 450 VA with options installed.
Anritsu MT8820C: Features an updated 8.4-inch SVGA color TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 800 × 600 pixels. Its interface set is expanded to include GPIB (IEEE-488.2), LAN (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX), USB 2.0, and a VGA video output. Power consumption is rated at ≤ 300 VA.

RF Performance and Signal Generation

The RF output specifications of the Anritsu MT8820C provide reliable precision for receiver testing. It features an RF output level range of -140 dBm to -10 dBm on the Main ports, and -130 dBm to -10 dBm on the Aux port, spanning the 30 MHz to 2700 MHz frequency range. Level resolution is 0.1 dB, with an accuracy of ±1.0 dB for Main output levels of -120 dBm or higher.

For transmitter testing on the Anritsu MT8820A, the maximum RF input level is +35 dBm. The main port features an N-type connector with a VSWR of <=1.2 below 1.6 GHz, <=1.25 from 1.6 GHz to 2.2 GHz, and <=1.3 above 2.2 GHz.

Frequently asked questions

Can the Anritsu MT8820A test LTE mobile terminals?: No. Based on the manufacturer specifications, the Anritsu MT8820A supports 3G W-CDMA (including HSDPA), GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and 1xEV-DO. Testing for LTE and LTE-Advanced FDD DL CA requires the Anritsu MT8820C platform.
What are the external reference input capabilities of the Anritsu MT8820C?: The Anritsu MT8820C accepts external reference input frequencies of 10 MHz, 13 MHz, and 19.2 MHz (with an accuracy of ±1 ppm).
How do the display systems compare between the MT8820A and MT8820C?: Both analyzers use an 8.4-inch color TFT LCD. However, the Anritsu MT8820A display has a resolution of 640 x 480 dots, while the Anritsu MT8820C has an SVGA resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.