The EIP Microwave 545A is a high-performance microwave frequency counter designed for precise frequency and power measurements up to 18 GHz. Known for its rugged reliability and excellent signal tracking, it is a staple of legacy microwave test benches.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesGPIB (IEEE-488) interface available via Option 01
Display12-digit LED display with annunciators

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 / 120 / 220 / 240 VAC ±10%, 47 - 440 Hz, 80 VA maximum
Operating Temperature0 to 50 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)425 mm × 88 mm × 356 mm
Weight9.1 kg

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range - Band 110 Hz - 100 MHz
Frequency Range - Band 210 MHz - 1 GHz
Frequency Range - Band 31 GHz - 18 GHz
Acquisition Time250 ms
Tracking Speed800 MHz/s
FM Tolerance20 MHz p-p up to 10 MHz modulation rate
Amplitude Discrimination10 dB automatic separation

Power Measurement

ParameterValue
Power Measurement Resolution0.1 dB (Option 02)
Power Measurement Accuracy0.5 dB typical (Option 02)

Input Characteristics - Low/Medium Frequency

ParameterValue
Band 1 Input Impedance1 MΩ || 20 pF
Band 1 Sensitivity25 mV rms
Band 2 Input Impedance50 Ω
Band 2 Sensitivity25 mV rms

Input Characteristics - Microwave

ParameterValue
Band 3 Input Impedance50 Ω nominal
Band 3 Sensitivity-30 dBm (1 GHz to 12.4 GHz), -25 dBm (12.4 GHz to 18 GHz)
Band 3 Damage Level10 W (+40 dBm) continuous
Band 3 ConnectorPrecision Type N (female)

Internal Timebase

ParameterValue
Standard Reference Oscillator Frequency10 MHz
Standard Reference Aging Rate< 1 x 10^-7 per month
Standard Reference Temperature Stability< 1 x 10^-6 (0 °C to 50 °C)
External Reference Input10 MHz

Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-55 °C to +75 °C

Options & Accessories

ParameterValue
Option 01GPIB (IEEE-488) Interface
Option 02Power Measurement
Option 09Rear Panel Inputs

Performance

ParameterValue
Frequency Resolution1 Hz to 1 MHz in decade steps
Frequency Measurement Accuracy±1 count ± timebase error

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Band 1 Maximum Safe Input150 Vrms (DC to 1 kHz), derating to 2 Vrms at 100 MHz
Band 3 Maximum Operating Input+10 dBm
Reference Oscillator Output10 MHz, ≥ 1 V p-p into 50 Ω

Options

ParameterValue
Option 03 (High Stability Timebase)Oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), aging rate < 1 × 10⁻⁹/day, temperature stability < 1 × 10⁻⁷ (0 °C to 50 °C)

Power

ParameterValue
Power Consumption100 VA maximum

Inputs

ParameterValue
Band 1 Input ConnectorBNC female
Band 2 Input ConnectorBNC female
Band 1 Input CouplingAC
Band 2 Input CouplingAC

Power Requirements

ParameterValue
Mains Voltage100 / 120 / 220 / 240 VAC (+10%, -13%, selectable)

Timebase

ParameterValue
Option 03 Warm-up Time20 minutes to within 1 × 10^-8 of final frequency

Control & Programming

ParameterValue
GPIB Compliance (Option 02)IEEE-488-1978

Technology

Heterodyne / YIG-preselected microwave frequency counter

Applications

Microwave frequency measurement, RF power measurement, spectral signal monitoring