The Keysight (formerly Agilent/HP) 53181A is a high-performance RF frequency counter offering 10 digits/second frequency resolution. It features a standard 225 MHz input channel, with an option to add a second high-frequency channel ranging up to 12.4 GHz. The 53181A is tailored for precise RF measurements and includes built-in automated limit tests, statistics processing (average, min/max, standard deviation), and peak voltage measurement capabilities.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488.2) standard; RS-232 talk-only |
| Display | Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100-120 VAC / 220-240 VAC, 50/60/400 Hz, 170 VA max |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 212.6 × 88.5 × 348.3 |
Basic Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 1 standard (Channel 1), 1 optional (Channel 2) |
| Frequency Range (Base) | dc to 225 MHz |
| Frequency Range (With Options) | Up to 1.5 GHz, 3.0 GHz, 5.0 GHz, or 12.4 GHz (option dependent) |
| Measurement Resolution | 10 digits/second |
Input Characteristics (Standard Channel)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | dc to 225 MHz |
| Coupling | ac or dc (switchable) |
| Impedance | 1 MΩ or 50 Ω (switchable) |
| Low Pass Filter | 100 kHz (switchable) |
Time Base Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Time Base Type | 10 MHz crystal oscillator |
| External Reference Input Frequency | 1 MHz, 5 MHz, or 10 MHz |
Measurement Functions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Measurements | Frequency, Frequency Ratio (with optional Ch 2), Period, Peak Voltage |
| Math Functions | Scale and Offset |
| Statistics | Average, Min/Max, Standard Deviation |
| Limit Testing | Automated upper and lower limits |
Measurement Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Gate Time Range | 1 ms to 1000 s |
Trigger Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trigger Level Range | ±5.125 V (1 MΩ), ±5 V (50 Ω) |
| Trigger Level Resolution | 5 mV |
Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rack Unit Size | 2U (half-rack width) |
Timebase & Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Timebase Output Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Timebase Output Amplitude | > 1 Vpp into 50 Ω |
| External Reference Input Frequencies | 1 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution (Digits per Second) | 10 digits/s |
System & Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Programming Language | SCPI |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +71 °C |
| Operating Humidity | Up to 95% relative humidity at 40 °C |
Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Timebase Options | Medium Stability Oven (Opt 001), High Stability Oven (Opt 010), Ultra-High Stability Oven (Opt 012) |
| RF Input Options (Channel 2) | 1.5 GHz (Opt 015), 3.0 GHz (Opt 030), 5.0 GHz (Opt 050), 12.4 GHz (Opt 124) |
Input 1 Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Damage Level (50 Ω) | 5 Vrms |
| Damage Level (1 MΩ) | 350 Vdc + AC peak (DC to 2.7 kHz) |
| Input Attenuation | x1 or x10 |
| Trigger Slope | Selectable Positive or Negative |
Timebase Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Timebase Aging Rate | < 3 x 10^-7 / month |
| Timebase Aging (Option 010) | < 1.5 x 10^-8 / month |
| Timebase Aging (Option 012) | < 3 x 10^-9 / month |
System Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Measurement Speed (GPIB) | Up to 200 measurements / second |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power Consumption | 170 VA |
| AC Line Voltage Requirements | 100-120 VAC ±10% (50/60/400 Hz) or 220-240 VAC ±10% (50/60 Hz) |
Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| EMI / RFI Compliance | CISPR-11, EN55011 Group 1 Class A |
Technology
RF Frequency Counter
Applications
RF and Microwave Frequency Measurement