The Anritsu 54100A and 56100A Scalar Network Analyzers form a comprehensive family of swept-frequency measurement instruments covering 1 MHz to 110 GHz. The 54100A Series is an integrated scalar network analyzer with built-in crystal-referenced sources, designed as an economical and compact solution for production testing of devices such as filters and amplifiers from 1 MHz to 50 GHz. The 56100A is a scalar analyzer that operates with Anritsu 68C and 69B Series synthesizers, communicating over a private GPIB link to form an integrated scalar measurement system where the separate source maximizes system performance and flexibility.

These analyzers are used for return loss and SWR measurements, insertion loss and gain testing, and RF power measurement. The 54100A Series supports optional Distance-To-Fault measurements for field testing of waveguides, cables, and antennas — the most common failure mode in microwave radio links. Optional Relative Group Delay software identifies signal distortion in bandpass devices such as filters, receivers, power amplifiers, and up/down converters, which is critical for CDMA and spread spectrum communications, phased radars, high-capacity satellite and terrestrial microwave links, and PAL and HDTV television components. The optional Precision Return Loss software extends measurement directivity by 15 to 20 dB for accurate verification of high-return-loss devices such as terminations, attenuators, and adapters.

Brand Heritage

Anritsu Corporation is a Japanese precision measurement company with roots dating to 1895. In 1993, Anritsu acquired Wiltron Company, a US-based RF and microwave instrument manufacturer; legacy Wiltron VNAs and scalar analyzers are functionally Anritsu-lineage instruments, and you will encounter both Wiltron and Anritsu branding on scalar measurement equipment from this era depending on year of manufacture.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The 54100A and 56100A together form Anritsu's comprehensive scalar network analyzer family for economic network measurements to 110 GHz. The 54100A Series is the integrated scalar analyzer line with built-in crystal-referenced sources — designed as a compact, economical solution where source and analyzer share one chassis. The 56100A is the standalone scalar analyzer designed to pair with external Anritsu 68C or 69B Series synthesizers, where the separate synthesized source maximizes system RF performance, frequency accuracy, and flexibility for applications such as mixer characterization using two synthesizers with synchronous swept offsets.

Within the 54100A Series, models are differentiated by frequency coverage: the 54107A (1 MHz to 1.5 GHz), 54109A (1 MHz to 2.2 GHz), 54111A (1 MHz to 3 GHz), 54147A (10 MHz to 20 GHz), 54137A (2 to 20 GHz), 54169A (10 MHz to 40 GHz), 54163A (2 to 40 GHz), and 54177A (10 MHz to 50 GHz). Each model uses connector types and output power levels matched to its frequency range, from Type N at lower frequencies through K-type and V-type connectors at the upper end. Optional software (Distance-To-Fault, Precision Return Loss, Relative Group Delay) is available on 54100A Series instruments.

Each pre-owned 54100A and 56100A model below is listed on its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the specific model and frequency coverage that fits your application, and confirm any installed options — such as Distance-To-Fault software, Precision Return Loss software, the Add Reference Channel option, or the 70 dB Step Attenuator — at the model-specific listing.

The primary differentiation across the family is the source architecture. The 54100A integrated models use internal crystal-controlled sources, while the 56100A relies on an external synthesized source for synthesizer-grade frequency accuracy and lower harmonics. The 56100A paired with a 68C synthesizer delivers -60 dBc harmonics from 2 to 20 GHz and up to +17 dBm leveled power (with the 68C 17 dBm option), compared to -60 dBc above 2 GHz and -40 dBc below 2 GHz on the 54147A integrated model with 10 dBm output at 20 GHz. The 56100A also supports two-source control for mixer measurements, which the 54100A Series does not.

Within the 54100A Series, the practical differences are frequency coverage and connector type. RF models (54107A/54109A/54111A) use Type N connectors with leveled output up to +12 dBm at 50 Ω or +10 dBm at 75 Ω, while microwave models extend to 50 GHz with K-type and V-type connectors at progressively lower output power (4.0 dBm at 40 GHz, 1.0 dBm at 50 GHz). The 54100A Series includes a 3.5-inch DOS disk drive that the 56100A does not, while the 56100A offers slightly finer 0.005 dB vertical display resolution versus 0.025 dB on the 54100A. The comparison table that follows summarizes these differences across the supported models.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.