Product Brochure

MS27102A
Remote Spectrum Monitor
MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Introduction
With the rapid expansion of wireless communications, the need for robust networks relatively free of
interference continues to grow. Capacity will be degraded by the presence of illegal or unlicensed signals that
interfere with needed transmissions. These signals can be periodic or present at different frequencies over
time, making the discovery and removal of these sources of interference a significant challenge.
A spectrum monitoring system will facilitate the identification and removal of illegal or unlicensed interference
signals. By monitoring spectrum on a continual basis, problem signals can be identified as they occur in real
time. Patterns of unwanted signal activity can also be examined, providing an efficient way to characterize and
locate the source of the interference problem.
In addition to interference detection, spectrum monitoring is also used to characterize spectrum occupancy.
Government regulators and operators are often interested in determining the usage rate for various frequency
bands. Monitoring these frequencies provides the information needed to optimize spectrum for maximum
utilization. Spectrum can be re-purposed for other applications or multiplexed with other signals using
cognitive radio techniques.
Spectrum monitoring can also serve to enforce compliance with government regulations. Police, fire fighters,
air traffic control, military and emergency services must all have access to communications free of impediments
and distortion. Compliance with spectrum regulations is often enforced by spectrum monitoring. Figure 1
shows the MS27102A deployed to monitor Positive Train Control (PTC) frequencies. PTC is being deployed
worldwide to provide automated signaling for train control. The MS27103A can also be used inside the train to
insure wireless integrity.

Computer-aided Communication
Dispatching & Network Component
Back Office Server
Systems

Base
Station

Database
Location Reports

Signal
Status

Anritsu
Rack Mount
Spectrum
Monitor

MS27102A
Wayside Signal Onboard
Station System

Figure 1: Spectrum Monitoring System monitoring PTC frequencies

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MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Capable of sweeping at rates up to 24 GHz/s, the MS27102A allows capture of many types of signals. This
includes periodic or transient transmissions as well as short “bursty” signals. Also featured is a high dynamic
range, high sensitivity and low spurious signals. This enables the MS27102A ( shown here in Fig 2) to reliably
distinguish between low-level signals being observed and those signals generated by the monitor itself.

Figure 2: MS27102A Outdoor Spectrum Monitor (IP67)

Key facts
• 9 kHz to 6 GHz • Integrated GPS receiver for monitoring location
• Sweep speed up to 24 GHz/s and for time synchronization applications

• Integrated web server to view, control and • Gigabit Ethernet available for high speed
conduct measurements via a web browser (both transmissions
Chrome and FireFox supported) • Interference analysis: spectrogram and signal
• Remote firmware update capable strength

• Watchdog timer to insure long-term stability for • Dynamic range: > 106 dB normalized to 1 Hz BW
remotely deployed monitors • DANL: <–150 dBm referenced to 1 Hz BW,
• IP67 rated for outdoor deployments preamp On

• Linux operating system • Phase noise: –99 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset at 1 GHz

• Low spurious signals for accurate signal discovery • IQ block mode and streaming with time stamping
for TDOA applications
• 20 MHz instantaneous FFT bandwidth
• VisionTM software optional for automated spectrum
• Low power consumption < 11 watts (input voltage measurements, setting alarms and geo-locating
11 to 24 VDC) signal sources

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MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Designed For Remote Applications

With monitors potentially being deployed hundreds or thousands of kilometers from the control center, it is
imperative that each probe remain operational under all types of conditions. The MS27102A is designed for
robust field deployments, with capabilities for remote power cycling, automated system recovery protocols and
firmware updates “pushed” to the monitor remotely.
In the event of an application error or power fluctuation which causes an ongoing interruption in monitor
communication, a re-boot policy is implemented to bring the remote probe back to its previous state. Under
these conditions, the current firmware is automatically reloaded and on-line operation is restored. Instrument
settings are also restored to their previous state.
A “Golden” firmware image is also placed on each unit in a secure location in memory. If for any reason the
firmware in the unit becomes corrupted, a Golden Image is used to bring back full operation of the probe. This
feature is particularly useful for remote firmware updates.

Figure 3: MS27102A Outdoor Spectrum Monitoring System

Remote Firmware Updates

There are several stages or “checks” performed when a new Validate
firmware package is downloaded remotely into the instrument. Once Firmware
a new firmware image is downloaded to the monitor, various tests
are performed to insure the code was properly transmitted without
error (see Fig 4). The code is then transferred into probe memory Validation Do Not
and installed. If a failure occurs during firmware acquisition or Error? Update
validation, the process is aborted and the failure status is returned
to the user. If the firmware update is installed but does not operate
correctly, the Golden Image automatically replaces the downloaded Boot Normal
firmware to keep the remote monitor operational. Image
The Golden Image feature provides the user with assurance that the
monitor stays in operation when changes are made to the code. Any
bug fixes, updates or user requested features can then be remotely Application Boot Golden
Error? Image
sent to the spectrum monitor and safely incorporated.

Figure 4: Firmware Update Policy

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MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Integrated Web Server

The MS27102A features an integrated web server.
Using an internet browser (Chrome and FireFox are
supported), a user from anywhere in the world can log
in to the spectrum monitor and control any of its
features. This includes such parameters as frequency
settings, RBW/VBW control, reference level
configuration and many other settings relevant to the
user’s spectrum monitoring application. Trace data,
spectrograms and other measurements can be viewed
inside the browser window. A key advantage in using
the web server is that it is platform agnostic. Any
electronic device capable of rendering a browser will
work with the web server. Users can utilize their PC/
laptop, tablet or even a smartphone to view the
spectrum and change instrument settings. The
MS27102A features Gbit Ethernet, allowing fast
transfers of measurement data and control
Figure 5: User interface displayed on smartphone
information. Figure 5 shows the server application
displayed on a smartphone.
See figure 6 below for the main user interface provided by the web server.

Figure 6. Screenshot of user interface

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MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Hardware
The MS27102A is rated to IP67 standards for outdoor deployment. It is dust tight (no ingress of dust) as well as
water resistant. This involves testing the probe for immersion into as much as 1 meter of water for durations of
up to 30 minutes. Each port on the unit is ruggedized and weatherized. Ports include power, RF Input, Gbit
Ethernet and GPS antenna. See figure 7 for port positioning. With an operating temperature range from –40 ⁰C
to +55 ⁰C, a rugged weatherized case and splash proof design, the MS27102A works in the most extreme
weather conditions with guaranteed performance anywhere and anytime.

GPS No Connect Power Ethernet RF In Port 2 RF In Port 1

Figure 7. Port locations on MS27102A (2-port option shown)

The MS27102A comes with a mounting plate designed for field applications. With user supplied U-Bolts or
clamps, the mounting plate allows the monitor to be mounted on poles of varying diameters. Instructions for
mounting your spectrum monitor can be found on the Anritsu website.
The probe uses power from a 11 VDC to 24 VDC source, typically consuming less than 11 Watts. The low power
consumed facilitates the use of the spectrum monitor powered from solar cells.

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MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Key Applications
• Radio surveillance and monitoring
• Detection of illegal or unlicensed transmitters,
including AM/FM and cellular broadcasts
• Coverage measurements
• Spectrum occupancy and frequency band clearing
• Fast and efficient detection and elimination of
interference sources
• Monitor jails/prisons for illegal broadcasts
• Security at military facilities, national borders,
utilities, airports and other sensitive sites
(see fig. 8)
• Spectrum monitoring associated with lab RF
testing
• Government regulators enforcing spectrum
policies Fig 8: Anritsu remote spectrum monitor positioned at airport

Signals of Interest
The wide variety of signals to be monitored fall into several categories. Each of these types of signals will be
examined in some detail. These include:
• Intentional interference (including illegal or unlicensed broadcasts)
• Accidental interference
• Occupancy

Intentional Interference
Illegal AM/FM and video broadcasts are found in many parts of the world. These signals can be generated by
pirated broadcast equipment or by using over-powered CB radios. Figure 9 shows a table listing interference
complaints per year registered by the UK
government communications regulator Ofcom. In YEAR INTERFERENCE COMPLIANTS
this table, ‘Critical service’ refers to interference
reports affecting life services communications. Critical service All other

Additionally, jammers are sometimes used for London Rest of UK London Rest of UK
applications such as preventing students from
1010 29 4 506 72
cheating on tests, stopping employees from taking
phone calls on company time or to prevent inmates 2011 35 0 424 69
from making illicit calls from prisons. Jammer signals
can often leak out into the wider environment, 2012 36 2 288 48
interfering with other legitimate services. Mitigating
these types of interference has become a high 2013 21 5 179 93
priority with government regulators.
Fig 9: Interference complaints published by Ofcom,
communications regulator in the UK

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MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Accidental Interference
A wide variety of accidental interference can be seen in the spectrum. A common problem is cable TV leakage.
This type of leakage exists both from cable signals leaking into the outside environment as well as from external
signals leaking into the cable system. This problem has been enhanced with the transmission of cable signals
into frequency bands used by broadcasters and cellular operations (such as the 700 MHz LTE band).
DECT phones also cause interference problems, particularly when people bring their wireless phones along when
moving from one country to another. DECT frequencies vary in different countries, providing the potential for
interference when transported. Figure 10 below shows spectrum used in the U.S. for certain cellular frequencies.
DECT phones brought by travelers from other countries can often cause interference.

BRAZIL
DECT
JAPAN
LATIN AMERICA
DECT
EUROPE CHINA
DECT DECT (Pre 2003)

NA
A1 A2 A3 D B1 B2 B3 E F C1 C2 C3 A1 A2 A3 D B1 B2 B3 E F C1 C2 C3
DECT

North America PCS Uplink North America PCS Uplink

1850 MHz

1880 MHz

1890 MHz

1900 MHz

1910 MHz

1920 MHz

1930 MHz

1990 MHz
Figure 10: DECT phones improperly used can cause unintentional interference

Other sources of interference include cellular signals (due to antenna tilt or azimuth errors), repeaters
oscillating, wireless microphone problems, power equipment and many others.

Occupancy
With the rapid demand for available spectrum from both public and private sectors, new ways are being
investigated to allow more efficient use of various frequency bands. A lot of the spectrum is potentially
underutilized, providing the
opportunity to re-purpose existing
spectrum with additional Radio band 400-470 MHz
applications. TV Band IV & V, 470-830 (862) MHz
GSM 900, 880 (888)-915 MHz, 925 (933)-960 MHz
Spectrum occupancy measurements
Radio band 960-1710 MHz
quantify the amount of usage of
GSM 1800, 1710-1785 MHz, 1805-1880 MHz
frequency bands over a given period
DECT, 1880-1900 MHz
of time (see figure 11). Remote
UMTS, 1900-2025 MHz, 2110-2200 MHz
spectrum probes are used to
ISM, 2.4-2.5 GHz City A
monitor a band of frequencies, City B
Radio band 400 MHz-3 GHz
recording spectral histories as a Radio band 400 MHz-6 GHz
City C
function of time.
0 20 40
Spectrum Utilization [%]

Figure 11: Spectrum occupancy measurement

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MS27102A Remote Spectrum Monitor

Performance
The MS27102A is able to sweep the frequency spectrum at rates up to 24 GHz/s. This enables the user to
capture intermittent or pulsed signals. Additionally, the spectrum monitor has an instantaneous FFT bandwidth
of 20 MHz.
A typical use case for this feature is the real-time
capture of the entire FM radio band (88 MHz to 108
MHz in most countries). The user can perform MS27102A

multiple FFT captures of FM signals, storing the data

for later playback and analysis. Unlicensed signals can MS27102A

then be identified using this information.

Multiple spectrum sensors can also be deployed to
extend the RF monitoring capabilities and for geo- MS27102A

location of signals of interest. Using three or more

MS27102A
probes, Anritsu’s optional Vision™ software can be
used to position an interferer signal or illegal MS27102A

broadcast. Additionally, IQ measurements are time

stamped using the probe’s GPS receiver. This enables Geo-locating illegal broadcast station MS27102A

the user to employ their own software using Time

Distance of Arrival (TDOA) capabilities to find
interferers, given each IQ measurement is precisely
time stamped. See figure 12 for TDOA example. Figure 12: Time Distance of Arrival for geo-locating
interference signal

Communications
Communications with the MS27102A are conducted via wired Ethernet. Each monitor is shipped with a pre-
programmed static IP address. After making a connection with this IP address, users can then change the
address to a different static IP. Alternatively, DHCP or DNS may be used. See Anritsu’s Ethernet Configuration
Guide for details.
All commands and inquiries with the MS27102A are done using SCPI commands. Anritsu provides a user manual
listing each SCPI command, a description of each command and the correct syntax for each command. Users
may also download a text file containing SCPI commands to be executed in sequence on the probe.

Summary
The MS27102A is the ideal solution for unwanted signal detection. Using Anritsu’s Vision software or your own
applications, users can identify patterns of interference, record spectrum history and geo-locate the sources of
problem signals. Together with other Anritsu interference mitigation products, Anritsu provides the total
solution to your interference mitigation needs.

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