The Anritsu MF1603A is a precision frequency counter engineered for measurements from 0.1 MHz to 3 GHz across telecommunications, electronics design, and RF testing environments. It delivers fast acquisition and 1 Hz measurement resolution through reciprocal and vernier techniques, enabling 10-digit display in 1 second. The instrument measures frequency, period, pulse width, and totalizing functions with selectable gate times from 0.01 s to 10 s. Its 10 mVrms sensitivity and 50-ohm input impedance accommodate signals up to 5 Vrms maximum.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 0.1 MHz to 3 GHz
• Measurement Functions: Frequency, period, pulse width, totalizing (up to 100 MHz)
• Period Measurement Range: 10 ns to 1000 s
• Pulse Width Resolution: 10 ns single-shot; 300 ps average measurement mode
• Sensitivity: 10 mVrms
• Input Impedance: 50 ohms
• Maximum Input Voltage: 5 Vrms
• Measurement Resolution: 1 Hz
• Gate Time: 0.01 s to 10 s (selectable: 0.01 s, 0.1 s, 1 s, 10 s, and additional ranges <0.4 ms to <20 s)
• Display: 11-digit seven-segment green LED
• Power Supply: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (or AC85–132 V / AC170–250 V)
– Key Features
• Signal Masking: SIG MASK enables period measurement through noise (5 μs to 1600 s); GATE MASK delays measurement start by 1 μs to 16 s
• Burst Signal Measurement: Dedicated capability for burst signal characterization
• ppm Display & Arithmetic: Results displayed in ppm, ratios, deviations, or derived units via sum, difference, product, and quotient operations
• Panel Preset Memory: Storage and recall of nine measurement configurations
• High-Resolution Acquisition: Reciprocal and vernier measurement techniques yield 10-digit resolution in 1 second
– Typical Applications
• RF system diagnostics and component testing
• Calibration procedures in production environments
• Frequency validation in telecommunications and electronics design
• Pulse characterization and burst signal analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
• Optional GP-IB Interface: Configures automated measurement and monitoring systems
• Reference Oscillator Options: Available with selectable aging specifications (e.g., 5 × 10⁻⁹/day)
• Optional Pre-Amp: Available for enhanced signal sensitivity
