The Keysight / HP 5340A is a classic, high-performance microwave frequency counter capable of direct measurements from 10 Hz up to 18 GHz (and optionally 23 GHz) via a single input connector. Highly regarded for its exceptional sensitivity, automatic amplitude discrimination, and high AM/FM tolerance, it remains a standard utility counter in many RF and microwave testing environments.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 8-digit LED display with overflow indicator and neon decimal points |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100 / 120 / 220 / 240 VAC (+5%, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz, 100 VA maximum |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 mm × 133 mm × 487 mm |
| Weight | 10.9 |
Frequency & Measurement
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range - Microwave Input | 10 MHz to 18 GHz (up to 23 GHz with Option 005) |
| Frequency Range - Low Frequency Input | 10 Hz to 250 MHz |
| Resolution | Selectable from 1 Hz to 1 MHz via front-panel switch |
| Least Significant Digit (LSD) Displayed | 1 Hz (selectable) |
| FM Tolerance | Up to 40 MHz peak-to-peak deviation |
| Number of Channels | 2 channels |
| Acquisition Time | Under 150 ms (typical) |
Input Characteristics (Microwave Input)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector Type (Microwave Input) | Type N female |
| Input Impedance (Microwave Input) | 50 Ω |
| Input Coupling (Microwave Input) | AC |
| Sensitivity (10 Hz to 500 MHz, Microwave) | -35 dBm (10 MHz to 12.4 GHz) |
| Sensitivity (500 MHz to 16 GHz, Microwave) | -35 dBm (10 MHz to 12.4 GHz) |
| Sensitivity (16 GHz to 18 GHz, Microwave) | -25 dBm (12.4 GHz to 18 GHz) |
| Maximum Input Level (Microwave Input) | +7 dBm |
| Damage Level (Microwave Input) | +30 dBm (1 Watt) peak RF power |
Input Characteristics (Low Frequency Input)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector Type (Low Frequency Input) | BNC female |
| Input Impedance (Low Frequency Input) | 1 MΩ shunted by < 30 pF |
| Input Coupling (Low Frequency Input) | AC |
| Sensitivity (Low Frequency Input) | 50 mV rms (10 Hz to 250 MHz) |
Internal Time Base (Reference Oscillator)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal Reference Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Aging Rate | < 3 x 10^-7 per month |
| External Reference Input Frequency | 10 MHz |
| External Reference Input Level | 1.0 V rms minimum into 1 kΩ |
| Internal Reference Output Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Internal Reference Output Level | > 1.0 V rms into 50 Ω |
Display & User Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Self-Check Mode | Front-panel CHECK button redirects internal 10 MHz reference to verification loop |
Physical & Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to +75 °C |
Options & Accessories
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 001 | High-Stability Oven Timebase (< 5 x 10^-10 per day aging) |
| Option 002 | Rear Panel Digital BCD Output (Standard HP Pinout) |
| Option 005 | Frequency extension from 18 GHz to 23 GHz |
| Option 011 | HP-IB (IEEE-488) Remote Control Interface |
Time Base
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Line Voltage Stability (Standard Time Base) | < 1 x 10^-8 for 10% line voltage change |
| Line Voltage Stability (Option 001) | < 1 x 10^-9 for 10% line voltage change |
| Warm-Up Time (Option 001) | 20 minutes to be within 5 x 10^-9 of final value |
| Short Term Stability (Standard Time Base) | < 1 x 10^-9 RMS for 1 s average |
| Short Term Stability (Option 001 Time Base) | < 1 x 10^-10 RMS for 1 s average |
| Warm-Up Time (Standard Time Base) | Instantaneous (operates within standard specifications immediately) |
Operation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Mode | Automatic or Manual (selectable) |
| Manual Mode Center Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 18 GHz (to 23 GHz with Option 005) in 100 MHz steps |
Microwave Input
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input VSWR (Microwave Input, 10 MHz to 10 GHz) | < 2.0:1 typical |
| Input VSWR (Microwave Input, 10 GHz to 18 GHz) | < 3.0:1 typical |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 100 VA maximum (Option 011 adds approximately 5 VA) |
Measurement Control
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sample Rate | Continuously adjustable from < 100 ms to > 5 s, or HOLD |
Low Frequency Input
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Low Frequency Input Shunt Capacitance | < 50 pF |
Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| HP-IB Interface Function Codes | SH1, AH1, T5, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0 |
Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 003 Input Limiter | Provides internal limiter to protect the microwave input sampler up to +43 dBm |
| Option 004 Parallel BCD Output | Provides rear panel parallel BCD digital output representing the display |
Microwave Input (Input 1)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Damage Level with Option 003 (Microwave Input) | +43 dBm (20 W) continuous up to 10 GHz; +40 dBm (10 W) continuous from 10 GHz to 18 GHz |
| Sensitivity with Option 003 (10 MHz to 500 MHz) | -30 dBm |
| Sensitivity with Option 003 (500 MHz to 12.4 GHz) | -25 dBm |
| Sensitivity with Option 003 (12.4 GHz to 16 GHz) | -20 dBm |
| Sensitivity with Option 003 (16 GHz to 18 GHz) | -15 dBm |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Tracking Speed (Auto Mode) | 350 MHz/s |
| Maximum Tracking Speed (Manual Mode) | 1.2 GHz/s |
| Gate Time Range | 1 ms to 1 s (resolution-setting dependent) |
Technology
Superheterodyne with automatic phase lock loop (PLL)
Applications
Microwave and RF frequency measurement