Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) Counters

The universal counter lineup spans several distinct design generations. Legacy models such as the HP 5315A, 5328A, and 5334B established the baseline for 100 MHz universal counting, utilizing LED displays and optional HP-IB connectivity. The HP 5335A expanded capabilities to 200 MHz with a 2 ns single-shot time-interval resolution. The subsequent generation, containing the 53131A and 53132A, introduced vacuum fluorescent displays (VFD) and standard GPIB. The 53131A offers 10 digits per second frequency resolution and 500 ps single-shot time-interval resolution, while the 53132A provides 12 digits per second and 150 ps resolution. The modern 53200A series, comprising the 53220A and 53230A, upgrades the base bandwidth to 350 MHz and introduces a 4.3-inch color graphical display. The 53220A offers 100 ps time-interval resolution, while the high-performance 53230A achieves 20 ps single-shot resolution and supports continuous gap-free measurements.

For applications focused entirely on RF carrier measurements without complex dual-channel time-interval analysis, dedicated RF counters offer streamlined configurations. The 53181A is a single-channel, 10-digit/second RF counter with a base frequency range up to 225 MHz, which can be expanded up to 12.4 GHz through optional frequency channels. In the newer generation, the 53210A provides a single 350 MHz base channel with 10 digits/second resolution, with options to extend measurement capabilities up to 15 GHz.

Keysight provides high-frequency microwave counters designed for continuous wave (CW) and pulsed signal analysis. The 5350B, 5351B, and 5352B CW counters operate up to 20 GHz, 26.5 GHz, and 40 GHz respectively, with the 5352B extendable to 46 GHz via Option 005. These instruments feature automatic amplitude discrimination to identify and measure the highest-amplitude signal in a multi-signal environment. For pulsed radar and electronic warfare applications, the 5361B Pulse/CW counter covers up to 40 GHz and can capture pulse widths down to 60 ns. Legacy microwave instruments like the 5340A and 5342A cover up to 18 GHz using LED displays.

To minimize instrument footprint on the benchtop or in field kits, several models integrate microwave counting with power measurement. The 53150A (20 GHz), 53151A (26.5 GHz), and 53152A (46 GHz) feature a single ultra-wideband input to simultaneously measure frequency and power. For broader maintenance roles, the 53147A integrates a 20 GHz CW counter, a power meter compatible with Agilent 8480 series sensors, and a digital voltmeter. The 5348A combines a 26.5 GHz counter and a true power meter in a 3U half-rack package.

For automated test equipment (ATE) systems, the message-based VXI format is supported by the E1420B, a C-size universal counter offering 200 MHz base channels and 2 ns single-shot resolution. In specialized clock recovery applications, the 83496B module plugs directly into the 86100 series Infiniium Digital Communications Analyzer mainframes to provide continuous clock recovery from 50 Mb/s up to 14.2 Gb/s.