The Anritsu ML2400A family is a line of RF and microwave power meters built around interchangeable diode-based power sensors. The family is organized into three meter series — the ML2430A, ML2480A, and ML2490A — each paired with sensor families that determine frequency coverage, dynamic range, and the kinds of signals the system can characterize. The family is offered as a single platform able to address average, peak, and crest power measurements with accurate, fast, and affordable instrumentation.

A power meter measures the absolute power level of an RF or microwave signal, converting the signal into a precise, traceable power reading rather than displaying its waveform. Within this family, the ML2430A series is designed for CW applications where accuracy, speed, and flexibility matter in a low-cost package. The ML2480A series targets wideband power measurements on signals such as W-CDMA, WLAN, and WiMAX, while the ML2490A series provides the performance required for narrow, fast rising-edge pulse power measurements such as radar.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own test-and-measurement inventory in a 20,000 square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Used units are inspected and functionally verified in-house against the original manufacturer's specifications before they ship, while new units ship factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer. Holding our inventory directly lets us match the right ML2400A meter and sensor pairing to an application and get it on its way quickly.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The Anritsu ML2400A family comprises three meter series that share a common platform but target different measurement domains. The ML2430A series handles CW power measurement, the ML2480A series adds wideband peak and modulated-signal capability, and the ML2490A series is built for fast rising-edge pulse measurement. Each series is offered in single-input and dual-input versions.

All three series share the same core architecture — a 50 MHz, 1 mW internal reference, GPIB and RS-232 control, and compatibility with the MA2400A/D sensor families — so the choice between them comes down to the signal type and measurement speed an application demands.

Each model in the family below is listed as its own product page with pre-owned-condition pricing. Selecting a specific model takes you to that unit's page, where the configuration, included items, and price reflect its pre-owned condition.

The clearest dividing line is measurement mode. The ML2437A and ML2438A (ML2430A series) provide average power measurement with Average, Min, and Max readouts. The ML2487A and ML2488A (ML2480A series) add Peak, Crest, and PAE measurements with pulse/modulated sampling up to 64 MS/s. The ML2495A and ML2496A (ML2490A series) push pulse capability furthest, with continuous sampling up to 62.5 MS/s and a 1 GS/s random repetitive sampling mode.

Within each series, the single-input models (ML2437A, ML2487A, ML2495A) carry one sensor input while the dual-input models (ML2438A, ML2488A, ML2496A) accept two. Reading speed also tiers across the family, from over 600 readings per second per channel on the ML2430A series to over 350 readings per second on the ML2490A series. See the comparison table for the per-model frequency, sampling, and rise-time figures.

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

Accessories Supplied

• Certificate of calibration

Product Core & Specifications

Important: The MA2490A, MA2491A, and MA2411B sensors must be used with an ML2480A or ML2490A Series power meter, and the MA2411B additionally requires the 1 GHz calibrator (Option 15) fitted.

Important: A compatible MA2400A/D Series power sensor is required to make power measurements and is ordered separately (see the Power Sensor and Power Meter Selection Guide). The power meter ships with a 1.5 m sensor cord per input but does not include a sensor.

Important: Pulse/modulated performance is only specified with the 1.5 m sensor cable length option (ML2400A-20 supplied as standard with the power meter).

Important: Each MA2400A/D Series sensor incorporates precision RF connectors with a hexagon coupling nut for attachment by an industry standard torque wrench; connector damage has significant accuracy and repeatability effects and is the most common cause of sensor damage.

Important: For the ML2480/90A: Options 1, 3 and 5 are mutually exclusive for any given unit, and Options 6, 7, 8 and 9 are mutually exclusive for any given unit. For the ML2430A: Options 1 to 5 are mutually exclusive, and Options 6, 7, 8 and 9 are mutually exclusive.

Important: The ML2400A Series is NIST traceable for more accurate, dependable measurements.

Recommended pairing: select the power sensor family — Standard Diode, High Accuracy Diode, Universal, Wideband, or Pulse (MA2411B) — to match your meter series and signal type using the Power Sensor and Power Meter Selection Guide.

About this Pre-Owned unit

This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects.

• 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).

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

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.