Maury Microwave
MT 981 B Automated Tuner
Provisional entry — research in progress
This page was generated automatically from cited public sources and hasn't completed the full research pass yet. Every specification shown carries its source; more detail is added as research completes.
What it is
The MT 981 B operates over a frequency range of 0.4 to 4.0 GHz and provides a minimum VSWR matching range of 15:1, making it suitable for broadband impedance matching tasks.[2]
The model MT 981 B is part of the Maury MT981 series of automated tuners and requires an MT986 series controller for operation; controllers from the MT986A or MT986A02 series are not compatible.[2]
How it works
The MT 981 B is a precision slide screw tuner that uses an inherently broadband slab line design and two optimized probes to achieve large matching ranges over a full decade of frequency.[2]
High precision stepper motors drive the two probes and the linear carriage via anti-backlash mechanical assemblies, providing a probe step size of 62.5 microinches and a carriage step size of 786 microinches with a position accuracy of ±1 step.[2]
With the probes fully retracted, the tuner exhibits a maximum VSWR of 1.05 and insertion loss of 0.3 dB maximum, and it offers a repeatability of 50 dB minimum between any two measurements.[2]
Where it fits in the process flow
The MT 981 B is a key component of the Maury automated tuner system (ATS) used for load pull, source pull, and noise characterization measurements, which are performed after device fabrication to extract model parameters or validate design.[2]
Applications
The MT 981 B is designed for use in automated applications requiring the ability to match the impedance of a microwave circuit element to 50 ohms or to determine optimum terminating impedances for devices under test.[2]
The tuner can handle 100 W CW and 1 kW peak power at a 10:1 matching range, making it suitable for high-power device characterization.[2]
What do the numbers mean?
Power & electrical2
- Tuner correlates RF patterns from controller[1]
Performance3
- Repeatability
- 50 dB minimum between any two measurements at any position within the specified matching range[2]
Control & software1
- Controller requirement
- Must be used with MT986 series controllers with high speed motor drive option[2]
Configuration & options13
- 0.4 - 4.0 GHz[1]
- Test cables and other equipment available separately[1]
- Matching range
- 15:1 minimum VSWR matching capability; typically 20:1 minimum matching range[2]
- Accessories provided
- One MT982C tuner cable, two 2607A coaxial 14mm to 7mm adapters, and one operating manual[2]
Vintage & configurations
Documented models & variants
| Designation | Generation | Vintage | Changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT981A01 | — | — | 0.25 to 2.5 GHz frequency range; 15:1 minimum matching range; length 36.85 in (93.60 cm) | docs.alltest.net[2] |
What does it need to run?
Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.
Where are the manuals?
Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.
Not publicly documented
Field notes
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Frequently asked questions
What is the matching range capability?
The MT 981 B provides a minimum VSWR matching range of 15:1.[2]
What are the connector types used?
The tuner is equipped with precision 14 mm connectors (Maury MPC14).[2]
Which controller is required for the MT 981 B?
The MT 981 B must be used with an MT986 series controller; the MT986A or MT986A02 controllers are not compatible.[2]
What is the repeatability specification?
Repeatability is 50 dB minimum between any two measurements at any position within the specified matching range.[2]
What is the maximum power handling?
The MT 981 B can handle 100 W CW and 1 kW peak power at a 10:1 matching range.[2]
Not publicly documented
The following facts about the MT 981 B Automated Tuner are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the MT 981 B Automated Tuner are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
The control-system platform and OS era of the MT 981 B Automated Tuner are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the MT 981 B Automated Tuner are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the MT 981 B Automated Tuner is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the MT 981 B Automated Tuner are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Sources & citations
Sources (2)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
- [1]Inventory photo
- [2]docs.alltest.net — docs.alltest.netdocs.alltest.net
Last updated Oct 11, 2026.
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