The Keysight (formerly Agilent) 53230A is a high-performance universal frequency counter and timer offering two 350 MHz base channels, 12 digits/second frequency resolution, and 20 ps single-shot time interval resolution. It features continuous gap-free measurements, a 4.3-inch color graphical display, and supports optional microwave input channels up to 15 GHz.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | USB 2.0, LAN (LXI-C) standard; GPIB optional |
| Display | 4.3-inch color graphical display |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100 - 240 VAC @ 50/60 Hz; 100 - 120 VAC @ 400 Hz; 90 VA max |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 261.1 × 103.8 × 303.2 |
| Weight | 3.9 |
Measurement Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Resolution | 12 digits/second (continuous-count) |
| Time Interval Resolution | 20 ps (single-shot) |
| Continuous Gap-Free Measurements | Supported |
| Measurement Rate/Speed | Up to 75,000 frequency readings/sec |
Input Characteristics (Base Channels)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 2 base channels |
| Base Bandwidth | 350 MHz |
| Input Impedance | 1 MΩ or 50 Ω (selectable) |
| Input Coupling | AC or DC |
Optional Microwave Input (Channel 3)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Optional Frequency Range | 6 GHz or 15 GHz (by option) |
| Pulse Microwave Measurements | Supported (via optional software) |
System and Memory
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory Capacity | 1,000,000 readings |
| Command Compatibility | SCPI compatible (Agilent 53131A, 53132A, 53181A) |
Analysis and Math
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Graphical Display Modes | Trend plot (stripchart), cumulative histograms |
| Allan Deviation (ADEV) Support | Yes |
Connectivity and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| LAN (LXI Compliance) | LXI-C / LAN standard |
| GPIB (IEEE-488) | Optional |
| USB Host Ports | Supports USB memory stick |
| Battery Operation Option | Optional Lithium-Ion Battery (supports remote usage and timebase maintenance) |
Timebase & Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Reference Input Frequencies | 1 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz |
| Reference Output Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Timebase Option | Option 010 (Ultra-High Stability OCXO) |
Input Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range (50 Ω) | ±5 V |
| Input Voltage Range (1 MΩ) | ±50 V |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -30°C to +70°C |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 3,000 meters (9,842 ft) |
Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Safety Compliance | IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1 |
| EMC Compliance | IEC 61326-1, EN 61326-1 |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Supported Measurements | Frequency, frequency ratio, time interval, period, rise/fall time, pulse width, duty cycle, phase, timestamp, totalize |
Inputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Channel 1 & 2 Connectors | BNC (female) |
| Sensitivity (DC to 100 MHz) | 20 mVrms |
| Sensitivity (100 MHz to 350 MHz) | 40 mVrms |
| Selectable Low-Pass Filter | 100 kHz |
| Threshold Setting Range (1x Attenuation) | ± 5 V |
| Threshold Setting Range (10x Attenuation) | ± 50 V |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power Consumption | 90 VA (130 VA with battery option) |
Technology
Universal Frequency Counter
Applications
Time and Frequency Measurement, Modulation Domain Analysis, Jitter Analysis