With industry-leading frequency and time resolution, the MCA Series comes standard with internal memory, a fast data transfer rate of 250k Samples/s to memory, and an integrated power meter. 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.
Measurements
- Frequency A, B, C
-
Input Input A, B DC to 300 MHz Input C 300 MHz to 40 GHz (MCA3040) 300 MHz to 27 GHz (MCA3027) Resolution 12 digits in 1 s measuring time Acquisition C Auto or Manual Acquisition time 25 ms in Auto (typical) Aux Parameters Input A, B Vmax, Vmin, Vp-p Input C Power C in dBm or W
- Frequency burst A, B, C
-
Range Input A, B 0.001 Hz to 300 MHz Input C 300 MHz to 40 GHz (MCA3040) 300 MHz to 27 GHz (MCA3027) Acquisition C Manual Minimum Burst Duration Down to 40 ns Minimum Pulses in Burst Input A, 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)
-
Mode Single, Average Range Input A, B 3.3 ns to 1000 s (single, average) Input C 3.3 ns down to 25 ps (40 GHz) 3.3 ns down to 37 ps (27 GHz) Resolution 100 ps (single); 12 digit/s (average) Acquisition C Type Auto or Manual (within ±40 MHz) Acquisition time 25 ms in Auto (typical) Aux parameters Input A, B Vmax, Vmin, Vp-p Input C Power C in dBm or W
- Ratio A/B, B/A, C/A, C/B
-
Range (10–9) to 1011 Input frequency Input A, B 0.1 Hz to 300 MHz Input C 300 MHz to 27 GHz (MCA3027) 300 MHz to 40 GHz (MCA3040) Aux parameters Freq 1, Freq 2
- Time interval A to B, B to A, A to A, B to B
-
Range Normal calculation: 0 ns to +106 s Smart calculation: –106 s to +106 s 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
-
Range 2.3 ns to 106 s Min Pulse Width 2.3 ns Aux Parameters Vmax, Vmin, Vp-p
Key performance specifications
- 27 GHz and 40 GHz models
- Microwave analyzer channel with CW or Burst
- Two 300 MHz general-purpose channels
- 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
- –35 dBm to +10 dBm power range
Key features
- 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-measurement 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
Comments are closed.


