DESCRIPTION

The MCA is a new and unique test instrument used to make fast and accurate measurements of pulsed or CW microwave components. Incorporating an advanced vector demodulator, the MCA performs the following measurements over the 2 to 18 GHz frequency band:

· Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
· Intrapulse Noise (IPN)
· AM Noise
· Phase Noise
· Jitter
· Clutter Attenuation
· Insertion Phase
· Gain
· Time-Gated Spectrum Analysis

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FEATURES

Revolutionary Vector Demodulator
The MCA implements TSC's proprietary Rotating Phase Reference (RPR™) technique that results in revolutionary measurement accuracy and speed. Baseband I (In-phase) and Q (Quadrature-phase) signals are automatically error-corrected in real-time. Calibration look-up tables and analog alignment procedures are made obsolete! The RPR™ technique automatically corrects for all vector demodulator linear distortions with temperature drift and aging.

High Speed Data Collection and Processing
Incorporating dual 50 MSa/sec digitizers and custom DSP circuitry, the MCA processes measurements in real-time. A 50 MHz digital scope mode and a 50/10MHz time-gated spectrum analysis mode facilitate component tuning and adjustment.

PC-Based Instrument
The MCA is comprised of a Pentium III PC and custom RF and DSP modules housed in a rugged aluminum chassis. LabVIEW® provides the graphical user interface and allows the MCA to automatically control a microwave source via GPIB for swept frequency measurements. A rack mount configuration is also available. Measurement results are displayed on a 15.1" TFT flat panel display.

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APPLICATIONS

Amplifiers
The MCA is uniquely suited to measure the stability of microwave amplifiers. Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Intrapulse Noise, Clutter Attenuation, Moving Target Indicator Performance, Insertion Phase and Gain are easily measured on pulsed or CW amplifiers. When compared to traditional techniques, the MCA improves the accuracy of stability measurements by as much as a factor of 10 and simultaneously reduces measurement time by a factor of 100.

Transmitter Systems
The performance of each stage of a transmitter chain is easily measured on a pulse-to-pulse basis. With an internal noise floor of -140 dBc/Hz, the stability of microwave tube and solid state transmitters can be accurately determined. Measurements performed on the US Navy's SPS-48E transmitter are discussed in the August 2000 Microwave Journal Article.

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Contact TSC Marketing for further information at:
(310) 954-2200, FAX (310) 477-2196.
LabVIEW® is a registered trademark of National Instruments Inc.
This and following related pages ©2000 Technology Service Corporation.