Datasheet
Data Sheet
Feature-rich Tools for Precision
Measurements
The MCA3000 Microwave C oun ter Series outperforms every microwave
counter on the market today in terms o f resolution, speed, and acquisition
time. Including an integrated power meter, the MCA Series packs many
different fun
ctions into one feature -rich instrument.
With industry-leading frequency and time resolution, the MCA Series
comes standar
d with internal memory and a fast data transfer rate of
250k Samples/s to memory. In addition, th e m ulti-parameter d isplay
shows auxiliary measureme nts alongside your main measurem ent to
provide you with the results you need at a glance. With the industry’s
most comprehensive a nalysis m o des, including measurement statistics,
histograms, and trend plots, you have the tools yo u need to quickly and
accurately a
nalyze yo ur signal.
Besides b eing an outstanding microwave counter, the MCA3000 Series also
serves as a g e
neral-purpose timer/counter with two additiona l 300 MHz
inputs.
Industry-leading Performance for Dema nding
Designs
Fast high-resolution freque ncy or power measurements with a very short
acquisition time of 25 ms (Auto) or zero (Manual) is essential for validating
today’s co m
plex designs. For calibration an d metrology applications, t he
MCA S eries offers very high accuracy throug h a stable internal OCXO time
base, low systematic time interval A-B error, a nd 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 Meas
urements
With an int egrate d power meter, the MCA Series provides me asurement of
frequency
and power with a single connection at any supported frequency
Multi-parameter Display.
level. For th e first time, variations in signal power can be seen, collected,
and a nalyzed in the same manner as frequency, both numerically and
graphically. With 0.01 dBm at 100 m s measuring time resolution and a wide
power range from –35 dB
m to +10 dBm, you have the flexibility for a broad
range of power measurement applications.
Analyze Your Device with the Industry’s O nly
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, intermitten t 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 A nalyze mode gives
you fast insight into the behavior of your device right on the timer/counter’s
display.
Multi-parameter Display
With the m ulti-parameter display, you c an read important auxiliary
measurement values (such as V
max
,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 asse ss 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 a nd the
voltage ra
tio (in dB), in one glance with the multi-para m eter display.
2 www. tektronix.com