Microwave/Counter/Analyzer & Integrated Power Meter
MCA3000 Series Data Sheet
Features & Benefits
Key Performance Specifications
27 GHz and 40 GHz Models
Microwave Analyzer Channel with CW or Burst
Two 300 MHz General-purpose Channels
–35 dBm to +10 dBm Power Range
100 ps Single-shot Time Resolution
12 Digit/s Frequency Resolution, 14 Digit Display
25 ms (Auto) or Zero (Manual) Acquisition Time
3 mV Voltage Resolution
Optional 1.5×10–8 Ultra High-stability Oven Time Base
Measurement Throughput
250k Sample/s Data Transfer Rate to Internal Memory
(Up to 750k samples stored)
5k Sample/s Data Transfer Rate over USB/GPIB Bus
(Block mode)
Available Functions and Features
Automated Measurements: Frequency, Period, Ratio, Time Interval,
Time Interval Error, Pulse Width, Rise/Fall Time, Phase Angle, Duty
Cycle, Maximum Voltage, Minimum Voltage, Peak-to-Peak Voltage
Integrated Power Meter
Multi-parameter Display
Trend Plot Mode
Measurement Statistics Mode
Histogram Mode
Allan Deviation
Zero Dead-time Frequency/Period Measurements
Connectivity
USB Device and GPIB Ports on Rear Panel for Quick PC Connectivity
GPIB Interface Supports Full SCPI-compatible Programmability and
offers an Emulation Mode for Plug-and-Play Replacement in Existing
ATE Systems
External Arming Input
10 MHz Reference Oscillator Output
Includes National Instrument’s LabVIEW SignalExpress™ TE Limited
Edition Software for Connecting Your Bench
Optional TimeView™ Software Available for Modulation Domain Analysis
3-year Warranty
Data Sheet
Feature-rich Tools for Precision
Measurements
The MCA3000 Microwave Counter Series outperforms every microwave
counter on the market today in terms of resolution, speed, and acquisition
time. Including an integrated power meter, the MCA Series packs many
different functions into one feature-rich instrument.
With industry-leading frequency and time resolution, the MCA Series
comes standard with internal memory and a fast data transfer rate of
250k Samples/s to memory. In addition, the multi-parameter display
shows auxiliary measurements alongside your main measurement to
provide you with the results you need at a glance. With the industry’s
most comprehensive analysis modes, including measurement statistics,
histograms, and trend plots, you have the tools you need to quickly and
accurately analyze your signal.
Besides being an outstanding microwave counter, the MCA3000 Series also
serves as a general-purpose timer/counter with two additional 300 MHz
inputs.
Industry-leading Performance for Demanding
Designs
Fast high-resolution frequency or power measurements with a very short
acquisition time of 25 ms (Auto) or zero (Manual) is essential for validating
today’s complex designs. For calibration and metrology applications, the
MCA Series offers very high accuracy through a stable internal OCXO time
base, low systematic time interval A-B error, and high resolution.
Fast Throughput Reduces Test Time
The MCA Microwave Counter Series offers industry-best throughput,
saving you up to 90% on your testing time compared to other microwave
timer/counters on the market. Up to 250,000 measurement results per
second can be stored in the internal memory. Alternatively, you can transfer
up to 5,000 measurement results per second in Block mode through the
GPIB or USB interface.
Power Measurements
With an integrated power meter, the MCA Series provides measurement of
frequency and power with a single connection at any supported frequency
Multi-parameter Display.
level. For the first time, variations in signal power can be seen, collected,
and analyzed in the same manner as frequency, both numerically and
graphically. With 0.01 dBm at 100 ms measuring time resolution and a wide
power range from –35 dBm to +10 dBm, you have the flexibility for a broad
range of power measurement applications.
Analyze Your Device with the Industry’s Only
Graphical Display
With the unique display of the MCA Series, you can measure multiple
parameters of the same signal from one test connection. To reveal signal
quality issues like drift, intermittent transients, and stability, you can view the
data as a real-time trend plot or a histogram with the MCA Series graphical
display mode, or you can use measurement statistics to track how signal
parameters are changing over time. A single-button Analyze mode gives
you fast insight into the behavior of your device right on the timer/counter’s
display.
Multi-parameter Display
With the multi-parameter display, you can read important auxiliary
measurement values (such as Vmax,V
min,V
p-p, and more) displayed with your
main frequency, time, period, or phase measurements. With one glance,
you can see the information you need to quickly assess your device’s
performance.
With 3 input channels, you can measure the relationship between different
signals. For example, you can measure the phase relationship between
the input and output signals of your device. You can read other critical
parameters simultaneously, such as the test frequency of the signal and the
voltage ratio (in dB), in one glance with the multi-parameter display.
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Microwave/Counter/Analyzer & Integrated Power Meter — MCA3000 Series
Trend Plot Analysis.
Measurement Statistics.
Histogram Plot.
Measurement Trend Plots
Depending on your test case, your signal parameters may change from
instant to instant. With the Trend Plot Analysis mode, you can graphically
plot the trend of a measured value over time.
Measurement Statistics
With integrated statistics processing, you can calculate the average,
standard, and Allan deviation of a measurement, as well as track the
minimum and maximum measured values, all with the push of a button.
Histogram Plots
To graphically see the average and standard deviation of a set of
measurements, you can use the histogram function to see the distribution of
measurement results.
Optional Modulation Domain Analysis
With the optional Tektronix TimeView™ software (TVA3000), the MCA
Series products become high-performance modulation domain analyzers.
With high measurement speeds (up to 250k measurement/s) and memory
Tektronix TimeView™ Software.
depth at 750k, fast frequency changes can be captured in real time and
then analyzed with TimeView. This comprehensive software tool allows for
remote instrument control, and the analysis and display of measurement
results in a choice of graphs. For example, results can be displayed as
raw data, statistical histogram, waveform graph (as if you were using an
oscilloscope), or as an FFT spectrum graph. TimeView further allows
analysis of modulation parameters like modulation depth or frequency
modulation index.
Designed to Make Your Work Easier
The MCA Microwave Counter Series are designed with the ease of use and
familiar operation you have come to expect from Tektronix.
Intuitive Operation
Menu-oriented settings reduce the risk of mistakes. With dedicated and
menu-driven front-panel buttons, you will have fast access to frequently
used functions and parameters, reducing setup time. For example, a
single-touch Analyze key toggles you between Statistics, Trend Plot, and
Histogram modes.
Autoset Function
Similar to Tektronix oscilloscopes, the front-panel Autoset button will
automatically set optimum trigger levels and hysteresis adapted to the
actual signal applied.
Easy PC Connectivity
Connect to your PC with the rear-panel GPIB or USB device ports. The
GPIB interface operates in SCPI/GPIB for plug-and-play replacement in
existing ATE systems or easy integration into larger test systems. If desired,
an emulation mode for existing counter/timers is available.
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Data Sheet
Connect Your Bench for Intelligent Debug
Easily capture, save, and analyze measurement results from your MCA
Microwave Counter Series with the special Tektronix Edition of National
Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress™ software. Every MCA3027
and MCA3040 ships with a free copy of the Limited Edition version of
SignalExpress for basic instrument control, data logging, and analysis. The
optional Professional Edition offers over 200 built-in functions that provide
additional signal processing, advanced analysis, sweeping, limit testing,
and user-defined step capabilities.
SignalExpress supports the range of Tektronix bench instruments*1
enabling you to connect your entire test bench. You can then access the
feature-rich tools packed into each instrument from one intuitive software
interface. This allows you to automate complex measurements requiring
multiple instruments, log data for an extended period of time, time-correlate
data from multiple instruments, and easily capture and analyze your results,
all from your PC. Only Tektronix offers a connected test bench of intelligent
instruments to simplify and speed debug of your complex design.
Performance You Can Count On
In addition to industry-leading service and support, every MCA Series
Microwave/Counter/Analyzer comes backed with a three-year standard
warranty.
*1For a complete listing of Tektronix instruments supported by NI LabVIEW Signal Express, visit
www.tektronix.com/signalexpress.
Characteristics
Measuring Functions
All measurements are displayed with a large main parameter value and smaller
auxiliary parameter values (with less resolution). Some measurements are only
available as auxiliary parameters.
Frequency A, B, C
Characteristic Description
Range
InputA,B DC to 300 MHz
Input C 300 MHz to 27 GHz or 40 GHz
Resolution 12 digits in 1 s measuring time
Acquisition C Auto or Manual
Acquisition time 25 ms in Auto (typical)
Aux Parameters
InputA,B V
max,V
min,V
p-p
InputC PowerCindBmorW
Frequency Burst A, B, C
Characteristic Description
Range
Input A, B 0.001 Hz to 300 MHz
Input C 300 MHz to 27 GHz or 40 GHz
Acquisition C Manual
Minimum Burst Duration Down to 40 ns
Minimum Pulses in Burst
InputA,B 3 (6 above 160 MHz)
Input C 3 × prescaler factor
PRF Range 0.5 Hz to 1 MHz
Start Delay 10 ns to 2 s, 10 ns resolution
Aux Parameters PRF
Period A, B (Single or Average), C (Average)
Characteristic Description
Mode Single, Average
Range
InputA,B 3.3 ns to 1000 s (single, average)
InputC 3.3nsdownto37ps(27GHz)or25ps(40GHz)
Resolution 100 ps (single); 12 digit/s (average)
Acquisition C Auto or Manual (within ±40 MHz)
Acquisition time 25 ms in Auto (typical)
Aux Parameters
InputA,B V
max,V
min,V
p-p
Input C Power C in dBm or W
Ratio A/B, B/A, C/A, C/B
Characteristic Description
Range (10–9)to10
11
Input Frequency
InputA,B 0.1Hzto300MHz
Input C 300 MHz to 27 GHz or 40 GHz
Aux Parameters Freq 1, Freq 2
Time Interval A to B, B to A, A to A, B to B
Characteristic Description
Range Normal calculation: 0 ns to +106s
Smart calculation: –106sto+10
6s
Resolution 100 ps single
Min Pulse Width 1.6 ns
Smart Calculation Smart Time Interval to determine sign (A before B or A
after B)
Positive and Negative Pulse Width A, B
Characteristic Description
Range 2.3 ns to 106s
Min Pulse Width 2.3 ns
Aux Parameters Vmax,V
min,V
p-p
Rise and Fall Time A, B
Characteristic Description
Range 1.5 ns to 106s
Trigger Levels 10% and 90% of signal amplitude
Min Pulse Width 1.6 ns
Aux Parameters Slew rate, Vmax,V
min
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Microwave/Counter/Analyzer & Integrated Power Meter — MCA3000 Series
Positive and Negative Duty Factor A, B
Characteristic Description
Range 0.000001 to 0.999999
Frequency Range 0.1 Hz to 300 MHz
Aux Parameters Period, pulse width
Phase A Relative B, B Relative A
Characteristic Description
Range –180° to +360°
Resolution Single cycle: 0.001° to 10 kHz, decreasing to 1°
>10 MHz. Resolution can be improved by averaging
(statistics)
Frequency Range Up to 160 MHz
Aux Parameters Freq (A), Va/Vb (in dB)
Vmax,V
min,V
p-p A, B
Characteristic Description
Range –50 V to +50 V, –5 V to +5 V
Range is limited by the specification for max input
voltage without damage (see input A, B)
Frequency Range DC,1Hzto300MHz
Mode Vmax,V
min,V
p-p
Resolution 3 mV
Uncertainty (5 V range, typical)
DC,1Hzto1kHz 1%+15mV
1kHzto20MHz 3% + 15 mV
20 to 100 MHz 10% + 15 mV
100to300MHz 30% + 15 mV
Aux Parameters Vmin,V
max,V
p-p
Time Stamping A, B, C
Raw time-stamp data together with pulse counts on inputs A, B, or C, accessible
through GPIB or USB only.
Characteristic Description
Max Sample Speed See GPIB specifications
Max Frequency 160 MHz
Time-stamp Resolution 100 ps
Power C
Characteristic Description
Range
Power –35 dBm to +10 dBm
Frequency 300 MHz to 27 GHz or 40 GHz
Display Units dBm (default) or W
Resolution 0.01 dBm at 100 ms measuring time
Accuracy (Typical) <1 dBm to 27 GHz
<2 dBm to 40 GHz
Acquisition Auto or Manual (within ±40 MHz)
Acquisition Time 20 to 30 ms in Auto (typical)
Aux Parameters Frequency C
Input and Output Specifications
Inputs A and B
Characteristic Description
Frequency Range DC Coupled: DC to 300 MHz
AC Coupled: 10 Hz to 300 MHz
Impedance 1MΩ/20pFor5
0Ω(VSWR ≤2:1)
Trigger Slope Positive or negative
Max Channel Timing
Difference
500 ps
Sensitivity 15 mVRMS (DC-200 MHz)
25 mVRMS (200-300 MHz)
Attenuation X1, X10
Dynamic Range (X1) 30 mVp-p to 10 Vp-p within ±5 V window
Trigger Level Readout on display
Resolution 3 mV
Uncertainty (X1) ±(15 mV + 1% of trigger level)
AUTO trigger level Trigger level is automatically set to 50% point of input
signal (10% and 90% for rise/fall time)
Auto Hysteresis
Time Min hysteresis window (hysteresis compensation)
Frequency One-third of input signal amplitude
Analog LP Filter Nominal 100 kHz, RC type
Digital LP Filter 1Hzto50MHzcutofffrequency
Max Voltage without Damage
1MΩ350 V (DC + AC peak) to 440 Hz, falling to 12 VRMS (X1)
at 1 MHz
50 Ω12 VRMS
Connector BNC
Input C – 27 GHz or 40 GHz (MCA3027, MCA3040)
Characteristic Description
Frequency Range 0.3to27GHzor40GHz
Operating Input Voltage Range
0.3to18GHz –33 to +13 dBm
18 to 20 GHz –29 to +13 dBm
20 to 27 GHz –27 to +13 dBm
27 to 40 GHz –23 to +13 dBm
Impedance 50 Ωnominal, AC coupled
VSWR
0.3to27GHz <2.0:1(typ.)
27 to 40 GHz < 2.5:1 (typ.)
FM Tolerance
Manual acq. 50 MHzp-p; Frequency C >3.5 GHz
30 MHzp-p; Frequency C <3.5 GHz
Auto acq. 20 MHzp-p; for any Frequency C and modulation
frequency >0.1 MHz
AM Tolerance Any modulation index (minimum signal must be within
sensitivity range)
Automatic Amplitude
Discrimination
10 dB separation between 2 signals within 30 MHz,
20 dB otherwise
Max Voltage without
Damage
+27 dBm (27 and 40 GHz models)
Overload Indication ON when Input C power > +10 dBm
Connector 2.92 mm spark plug female
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Data Sheet
Rear Panel Inputs and Outputs
Characteristic Description
Reference Input 1, 5, or 10 MHz; 0.1 to 5 VRMS sine; impedance ≥1kΩ
Reference Output 10 MHz; >1 VRMS sine into 50 Ω
Arming Input Arming of all measuring functions
Impedance Approx. 1 kΩ
Frequency range DC to 80 MHz
Auxiliary Functions
Trigger Holdoff
Characteristic Description
TimeDelayRange 20nsto2s,10nsresolution
External Start and Stop Arming
Arming can be used to synchronize the frequency and power measurements with
the start of a burst signal. Minimum burst length must exceed 100 µs.
Characteristic Description
Modes Start and Stop Arming
Input Channels A, B, or E (Ext. arming input)
Max Rep. Rate for Arming Signal
Channel A, B 160 MHz
Channel E 80 MHz
Start-time Delay Range 20 ns to 2 s, 10 ns resolution
Statistics
Characteristic Description
FunctionsMaximum, Minimum, Mean, ΔMax-Min, Standard
Deviation, and Allan Deviation
Display Numeric, histograms, or trend plots
Sample Size 2to2×10
9samples
Limit Qualifier Off, or capture values above, below, inside, or outside
limits
Measurement Pacing Pacing Time Range: 4 µs to 500 s
Mathematics
Characteristic Description
Functions (K*X+L)/M, (K/X+L)/M, or X/M-1. X is current reading
and K, L, and M are constants; set using the keyboard or
as frozen reference value (X0)
Other Functions
Characteristic Description
Measuring Time 20 ns to 1000 s for frequency, burst, and period average.
Single cycle for other measuring functions
Time-base Reference Internal, external, or automatic
Display Hold Freezes the result, until a new measurement is initiated
through a restart
Limit Alarm Graphical indication on front panel and/or SRQ through
GPIB
Limit Values Lower limit, upper limit
Settings Off, or alarm if value is above, below, inside, or outside
limits
On Alarm Stop or Continue
Display Numeric + Graphic
Stored Instrument
Setups
20. Instrument setups can be saved/recalled from
internal nonvolatile memory. 10 can be user protected
Display Backlit LCD graphics screen for menu control, numerical
readout, and status information
Number of digits 14 digits in Numerical mode
Resolution 320 × 97 pixels
GPIB Interface
Characteristic Description
Compatibility IEEE 488.2-1987, SCPI 199953131A Compatibility
mode
Interface Functions SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, DC1, DT1, E2
Max Measurement Rate
GPIB 5k readings/s (Block mode)
500 readings/s (individual GET triggered)
To internal memory 250k readings/s
Internal Memory Size 750k readings
USB Interface
Characteristic Description
USB Version 2.0 full speed (11 Mb/s)
Calibration
Characteristic Description
Mode Closed case, menu controlled
Calibration Frequencies 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 1.544, and 2.048 MHz
General Specifications
Environmental Data
Characteristic Description
Class MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3
Operating Temp 0 °C to +50 °C
Storage Temp –40 °C to +71 °C
Humidity 5-95% (10-30 °C)
5-75% (30-40 °C)
5-45% (40-50 °C)
Altitude Operating: 2,000 m
Storage: 12,000 m
Safety Directive 2006/95/EC, EN61010-1, UL61010-1,
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1
EMC EU Directive 2004/108/EC, EN61326-1, EN61326-2-1,
Class A
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Microwave/Counter/Analyzer & Integrated Power Meter — MCA3000 Series
Power Requirements
Characteristic Description
Basic Version 90 to 265 VRMS,45to440Hz,<40W
Time-base Options
Characteristic Standard,
Medium
Stability
High Stability
(HS)
Ultra High
Stability (US)
Time-base Type OCXO OCXO OCXO
Uncertainty Due to –
Aging
Per 24h <5×10–9*1<5×10–10*1<3×10–10*1
Per month <6×10–8 <1×10–8 <3×10–9
Per year <2×10–7 <5×10–8 <1.5×10–8
Temperature variation (typ. values)
0-50 °C <5×10–8 <5×10–9 <2.5×10–9
20-26 °C <2×10–8 <1×10–9 <4×10–10
Short-term
Stability: t = 1 s
<1×10–10 <1×10–11 <5×10–12
Root Allan
Variance: t = 10 s
<1×10–10 <1×10–11 <5×10–12
Power-on Stability <1×10–7 <1×10–8 <5×10–9
Deviation versus
final value after
24h ON time,
after a warm-up
time of:
30 min 10 min 10 min
Total Uncertainty, for Operating Temperature 20 °C to 26 °C, at 2σ(95%)
Confidence Interval
1yearafter
calibration
<2.4×10–7 <0.6×10–7 <1.8×10–8
2 years after
calibration
<4.6×10–7 <1.2×10–7 <3.5×10–8
*1After 1 month of continuous operation.
Physical
Dimension mm in.
Height 90 3.6
Width 210 8.25
Depth 395 15.6
Weight kg lb.
Net 2.7 5.8
Shipping 3.5 7.5
Ordering Information
Models
Model Description
MCA3027 Microwave/Counter 27 GHz / 100 ps
MCA3040 Microwave/Counter 40 GHz / 100 ps
MCA3000 Series Includes: Microwave/Counter, line cord, calibration certificate,
Quick Start User Manual, CD-ROM with user manual (English, French, German,
Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Japanese),
Programmer’s Guide, Technical Specifications, Trial version of TimeView™
Software, and CD-ROM with National Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress™
Tektronix Edition, Limited Edition Software.
Please specify power plug when ordering.
Instrument Options
Option Description
HS High-stability Oven Time Base
US Ultra High-stability Oven Time Base
Power Plug Options
Option Description
A0 North America
A1 Universal Euro
A2 United Kingdom
A3 Australia
A5 Switzerland
A6 Japan
A10 China
A11 India
www.tektronix.com 7
Data Sheet Contact Tektronix:
ASEAN / Australasia (65) 6356 3900
Austria 00800 2255 4835*
Balkans, Israel, South Africa and other ISE Countries +41 52 675 3777
Belgium 00800 2255 4835*
Brazil +55(11)37597600
Canada 1 800 833 9200
Central East Europe, Ukraine, and the Baltics +41 52 675 3777
Central Europe & Greece +41 52 675 3777
Denmark +4580881401
Finland +41526
75 3777
France 00800 2255 4835*
Germany 00800 2255 4835*
Hong Kong 400 820 5835
India 000 800 650 1835
Italy 00800 2255 4835*
Japan 81 (3) 6714 3010
Luxembourg +41526753777
Mexico, Central/South America & Caribbean (52) 56 04 50 90
Middle East, Asia, and North Africa +41 52 675 3777
The Netherlands 00800 2255 4835*
Norway 800 16098
People’s Republic of China 400 820 5835
Poland +41 52 675 3777
Portugal 80 08 12370
Republic of Korea 001 800 8255 2835
Russia & CIS +7 (495) 7484900
South Africa +41526753777
Spain 00800 2255 4835*
Sweden 00800 2255 4835*
Switzerland 00800 2255 4835*
Taiwan 886 (2) 2722 9622
United Kingdom & Ireland 00800 2255 4835*
USA 1 800 833 9200
* European toll-free number. If not accessible, call: +41 52 675 3777
Updated 25 May 2010
For Further Information. Tektronix maintains a comprehensive, constantly expanding
collection of application notes, technical briefs and other resources to help engineers working
on the cutting edge of technology. Please visit www.tektronix.com
Copyright © Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents,
issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material.
Specification and price change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of
Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
20 Jul 2010 3CW-25557-0
Service Options
Option Description
CA1 Provides a single calibration event or coverage for the
designated calibration interval, whichever comes first
C3 Calibration Service3Years
C5 Calibration Service5Years
D1 Calibration Data Report
R5 Repair Service 5 Years
Recommended Accessories and Software
Accessory Description
HCTEK4321 Hard Carrying Case
AC4000 Soft Carrying Case
174-4401-xx USB Host to Device Cable, 3 ft.
012-0991-xx GPIB Cable, Double Shielded
012-1256-xx BNC Male to BNC Male, Cable Shielded, 9 ft., 50 Ω
012-0482-xx BNC Male to BNC Male, Cable Shielded, 3 ft., 50 Ω
SIGEXPTE National Instruments SignalExpress™ Tektronix Edition
Interactive Measurement Software – Professional
Version
TVA3000 TimeView™ Modulation Domain Analysis Software
Product(s) are manufactured in ISO registered facilities.
Product(s) complies with IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, RS-232-C, and with Tektronix
Standard Codes and Formats.
www.tektronix.com
