Agilent Technologies 53151A, 53150A, 53152A User Manual

Operating Guide

This guide describes how to use the Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A Microwave Frequency Counters. The information in this guide applies to instruments having the number prefix listed below, unless accompanied by a “Manual Updating Changes” package indicating otherwise.

SERIAL PREFIX NUMBER: 3735A, US3925, and US4050 (53150A)

3736A, US3926, and US4051 (53151A) 3737A, US3927, and US4052 (53152A)

Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter

 Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1999, 2002

Printed: August 2002

Printed in U.S.A.

Manual part number 53150-90013

Certification and Warranty

Certification

Agilent Technologies, Inc. certifies that this product met its published specification at the time of shipment from the factory. Agilent further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly National Bureau of Standards), to the extent allowed by the Institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.

Warranty

Agilent warrants Agilent hardware, accessories and supplies against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. If Agilent receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective. Replacement products may be either new or like-new.

Agilent warrants that Agilent software will not fail to execute its programming instructions, for the period specified above, due to defects in material and workmanship when properly installed and used. If Agilent receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Agilent will replace software media which does not execute its programming instructions due to such defects.

For detailed warranty information, see back matter.

Safety Considerations

General

This product and related documentation must be reviewed for familiarization with this safety markings and instructions before operation.

Before Cleaning

Disconnect the product from operating power before cleaning.

Warning Symbols That May Be Used In This Book

Instruction manual symbol; the product will be marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instruction manual.

Indicates hazardous voltages.

Indicates earth (ground) terminal.

Indicates terminal is connected to chassis when such connection is not apparent.

Indicates Alternating current.

Indicates Direct current.

Safety Considerations (cont’d)

WARNING

BODILY INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT FROM FAILURE TO HEED A WARNING. DO NOT PROCEED BEYOND A WARNING UNTIL THE INDICATED CONDITIONS ARE FULLY UNDERSTOOD AND MET.

CAUTION

Damage to equipment, or incorrect measurement data, may result from failure to heed a caution. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Safety Earth Ground

An uninterruptible safety earth ground must be maintained from the mains power source to the product’s ground circuitry.

WARNING

WHEN MEASURING POWER LINE SIGNALS, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND ALWAYS USE A STEP-DOWN ISOLATION TRANSFORMER WHICH OUTPUT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE INPUT MEASUREMENT CAPABILITIES OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS PRODUCT’S FRONT AND REAR PANELS ARE TYPCIALLY AT EARTH GROUND. THUS, NEVER TRY

TO MEASURE AC POWER LINE SIGNALS WITHOUT AN ISOLATION TRANSFORMER.

For additional safety and acoustic noise information, see back matter.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. 7.C.NL.06.15.01.R1.M.CW6FC 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard Santa Clara, California 95052-8059

Contents and Organization viii Related Documents ix Types of Service Available if Instrument Fails x Repackaging for Shipment xi Description of the Microwave Frequency Counter xii Options xiii Accessories Supplied and Available xiv Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Quick Reference Guide xv

1 Getting Started

The Front Panel at a Glance 1-2 The Front Panel Indicators at a Glance 1-3 The Front Panel Menus at a Glance 1-4 The Display Annunciators at a Glance 1-5 The Display Special Characters at a Glance 1-6 The Rear Panel at a Glance 1-7 Operating the Counter 1-8

Turning the Counter On 1-10 Turning the Display Backlight Off or On 1-11 Using the Menu 1-12

Displaying the Menu 1-12 Navigating in the Menu and Changing Settings 1-12

Setting the Serial Port Baud Rate (Menu Example) 1-15 Selecting the Input Channel 1-16 Measuring Frequency 1-17

Measuring Relative Frequency 1-19 Offsetting a Frequency Measurement 1-20 Measuring Power (Channel 2 Only) 1-22 Selecting the Unit of Measurement for Power 1-23 Measuring Relative Power 1-24 Offsetting a Power Measurement 1-24

Operating Guide iii

Contents

Using Power Correction 1-26

Power Correction Theory of Operation 1-26 Increasing Profile Accuracy 1-27 Selecting a Power-Correction Profile 1-28

Entering Data Points in a Power-Correction Profile 1-28 Setting the Measurement Rate 1-32 Setting the Number of Averages 1-33

Setting the Resolution 1-34

2 Operating Your Frequency Counter

Introduction 2-2

Chapter Summary 2-2

How this Counter Works for You 2-3 Summary of the Measurement Sequence 2-4 Using the Selection Keys 2-5

Sequencing Through the Menu 2-5 Numeric Entry 2-6 Changing States 2-7

Using the Clear and Reset/Local Keys 2-9

Acknowledging Messages 2-9

Other Function Selection Keys 2-10 Measuring Frequency 2-12 Setting the Resolution and the Measurement Rate 2-14

Setting the Resolution 2-14

Resolution Setting Example 2-15 Setting the Measurement Rate 2-16

Rate Setting Example 2-16

Setting the Number of Averages 2-17

Averages Setting Example 2-17

Measuring Relative Frequency 2-20

Relative Frequency Example 2-20

Offsetting a Frequency Measurement 2-21

Frequency Offset Example 2-21

Measuring Power 2-24

Power Measurement Example 2-24

iv Operating Guide

Contents

Measuring Relative Power 2-26

Relative Power Example 2-26

Offsetting a Power Measurement 2-27

Power Offset Example 2-27

Using Power Correction 2-30

Power Correction Theory of Operation 2-31 Increasing Profile Accuracy 2-32 Power Correction Examples 2-32

Power Correction Example: Selecting a Correction Profile 2-33 Power Correction Example: Editing Data Point Values 2-35

Using the Menu 2-39

Navigating in the Menu and Changing Settings 2-41 Reference Oscillator (REF OSC)2-42 Do Self Test 2-43 Battery Voltage (BATT VOLTAGE)2-43 Operating Hours (OP HOURS)2-43 Model Number, Firmware Version, Serial Number,

and Option Codes 2-43 Preset 2-45 RS-232 Serial Port Data Rate (BAUD)2-46 Frequency Modulation (FM)2-46 Channel 1 Low-Pass Filter (CH1 LPF)2-46 Recall User Settings (RECALL)2-46 Save User Settings (SAVE)2-46 Power Correction (PWR CORR)2-46

3 Specifications

Introduction 3-2

A Rack Mounting the Counter

Rack Mounting the Counter A-2

Operating Guide v

Contents

B Messages

Overview B-2 Status Messages B-2 Self-Test Messages B-3 Error Messages B-4

C Using the Battery Option

Overview C-2 Operating the Counter from the Batteries C-2 Operating the Counter from a DC Power Source C-3 Replacing the Batteries C-4

Removing the Batteries C-4

Installing Batteries C-5 Charging the Batteries C-8 Precautions C-9

vi Operating Guide

In This Guide

This book is the operating guide for the Agilent 53150A (20 GHz), 53151A (26.5 GHz), and 53152A (46 GHz) Frequency Counters. It consists of a table of contents, this preface, a quick reference guide, three chapters, three appendices, and an index.

This preface contains the following information:

• Contents and Organization pg. viii

• Related Documents pg. ix

• Types of Service Available if Instrument Fails pg. x

• Repackaging for Shipment pg. xi

• Description of the Microwave Frequency Counter pg. xii

• Options pg. xiii

• Accessories Supplied and Available pg. xiv

• Manuals Supplied pg. xiv

Operating Guide vii

In This Guide

Contents and Organization

The Quick Reference Guide consists of a Menu Tree (tear-out sheet) that serves as a tool to trigger your memory or get you quickly reacquainted with the instrument.

Chapter 1 Getting Started is a quick-start guide that gives you a brief overview of the Counter’s keys, indicators, menus, display, and connectors. A graphical procedure for performing a measurement is also provided.

Chapter 2 Operating Your Instrument is an operator’s reference. You are given an overview of each group of front-panel keys, operating functions, and menus followed by a series of exercises that guide you through the operation of the Counter.

Chapter 3 Specifications lists the specifications and characteristics of the Counter.

Appendix A Rack Mounting the Counter provides rack-mounting procedures for the Counter.

Appendix B Messages lists and explains all of the messages that are displayed on the Counter’s front panel and/or sent over the RS-232 serial interface.

Appendix C Using the Battery Option explains how to use the Counter with the Battery option.

Index

viii Operating Guide

In This Guide

Types of Service Available if Instrument Fails

If your Counter fails within one year of original purchase, Agilent will repair it free of charge. If your instrument fails after your one-year warranty expires, Agilent will repair it, or you can repair it yourself.

There are three types of repair services:

• Standard repair service—if downtime is not critical.

• Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service—if downtime

is critical.

• Owner repair—repair the unit yourself using the Assembly-Level Service Guide.

Standard Repair Services (Worldwide)

Contact your nearest Agilent Service Center to arrange to have your Counter repaired.

Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service (USA Only)

If downtime is critical, you can receive your repaired Counter via overnight shipment. Just call 1-800-403-0801 and ask for Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service. When your Counter is repaired, it will be returned via overnight shipment.

Repair Instrument Yourself

If you choose to repair the instrument yourself or would like more details on self test and calibration, use the procedures in the Assembly-Level Service Guide.

x Operating Guide

In This Guide

Repackaging for Shipment

For the Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service described above, return your failed Counter to the designated Agilent Service Center, using the instrument’s original shipping carton (if available). Agilent notifies you when your failed instrument is received.

If the instrument is to be shipped to Agilent for service or repair, be sure you do the following:

• Attach a tag to the instrument identifying the owner and indicating the required service or repair. Include the instrument model number and full serial number.

• Place the instrument in its original container (if available) with appropriate packaging material.

• Secure the container with strong tape or shipping bands.

If the original shipping container is not available, place your unit in a container with at least 4 inches of compressible packaging material around all sides of the unit. Use static free packaging materials to avoid additional damage to your unit.

Agilent suggests that you always insure shipments.

Operating Guide xi

In This Guide

Description of the Microwave Frequency Counter

The Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A Microwave Frequency Counters are capable of measuring frequencies from 10 Hz to 125 MHz on Channel 1 and from 50 MHz to 20 GHz (53150A), 26.5 GHz (53151A), and 46 GHz (53152A) on Channel 2. These frequency counters are also capable of measuring power on Channel 2 (in the same frequency ranges). All three Counters have a maximum frequency resolution of 1 Hz.

The Agilent 53150A/151A/152A provides GPIB and RS-232 serial interfaces and are suitable for bench-top and ATE operation.

The basic measurement functions of the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A include Frequency, Relative Frequency, Frequency Offset, and Power (including Power Offset and Relative Power). All of these features are accessible from the front panel and over the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces.

The Agilent 53150A/151A/152A includes the following additional measurement functions and features that are designed specifically for manufacturing and service applications:

• 1, 2, 5, and 10 MHz external reference capability

• Optional high-stability oven oscillator for high-accuracy needs and

lengthened calibration cycles

• Frequency and power offset capabilities for relative measurements

• SCPI programming capability

• Battery and dc input option for operation in locations where AC

power is unavailable

• Optional soft carrying case for safe transportation and mobile use

Programmable control is performed via an GPIB or an RS-232 serial interface. The GPIB and RS-232C ports are standard for the Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A.

xii Operating Guide

In This Guide

Options

The options available for the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A are listed below. Specifications for the options are listed in Chapter 3, “Specifications.” Options ordered with the Counter are installed at the factory and are ready for operation on delivery. Refer to the "Retrofitting Options" chapter in the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Assembly-Level Service Guide for information on installing options in the field.

Hardware

• High Stability Oven Timebase, Option 001

• Battery/DC Power Input, Option 002

• Rack Mount Kit, Option 1CM

• Soft Carrying Case, Option 007

Support

• 3-year Return to Agilent for Repair, Option W30

• 3-year Return to Agilent for Calibration, Option W32

• 3-year Return to Agilent for Standards Compliant Calibration,

Option W34

• 5-year Return to Agilent for Repair, Option W50

• 5-year Return to Agilent for Calibration, Option W52

• 5-year Return to Agilent for Standards Compliant Calibration,

Option W54

Retrofit

• Options 001 and 002 can be installed only by authorized Agilent Technologies Repair Centers.

Operating Guide xiii

In This Guide

Accessories Supplied and Available

Accessories Supplied

• Power cord, 2.3 meters (Part number dependent upon destination country)

• Fuse (Agilent P/N 2110-0007)

Accessories Available

• Soft Carrying Case, (Agilent P/N 53150-80016)

• Automotive Power Adapter (Agilent P/N 53150-60214)

• Battery (Agilent P/N 53150-80010)

• GPIB Cables (Agilent P/N 10833A/B/C/D)

• RS-232 Cable (Agilent P/N 53150-60215)

Manuals Supplied

Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide

(Agilent P/N 53150-90013)

Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Programming Guide

(Agilent P/N 53150-90014)

Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Assembly-Level Service Guide

(Agilent P/N 53150-90015)

xiv Operating Guide

Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Quick Reference Guide

The Quick Reference Guide is designed for experienced users of the Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A. It is intended to be used as a tool to trigger your memory. If you are using the Counter for the first time, Agilent recommends that you at least read Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” first.

The Quick Reference Guide, which follows this page, consists of a menu tree that may be torn out of the guide for external use.

Reference

Quick

Reference

xvi

gilent 53150A/151A/152

Frequency Counter

On/Off

+/-Clear

Reset/ Local

REF OSC > INT

REF OSC > EXT

PRESET

Reference

Quick

SAVE > 0 to 9

RECALL > 0 to 9

CH1 LPF > OFF

CH1 LPF > ON

FM > AUTO

FM > OFF

BAUD > 9600

BAUD > 4800

BAUD > 2400

BAUD > 1200

BAUD > 19200

BAUD > 14400

53150A >

OP 9999 HRS

BATT VOLTAGE

0.0

DO SELF TEST

PWR CORR > OFF

PWR CORR > 0

PWR CORR > 9

< 00-111-222 >

Freq Offset

Rate

00 000 000 000 000

49 999 999 999 999 ± 99.99

Freq Offset

Rate

RATE FAST

RATE MED

< SN 999999 >

AVERAGES 01

AVERAGES 99

RATE SLOW

RATE HOLD

Pwr Offset

Avg

± 00.00

Pwr Offset

Avg

GPIB

Resol

± 00.00

GPIB ADDR > 0

GPIB ADDR > 30

GPIB

Resol

RESOL 1 HZ

RESOL 10 KHZ

RESOL 100 KHZ

RESOL 1 MHZ

QR-1

Quick

Reference

QR-2

Getting Started

1342

Chapter 1 Getting Started

The Front Panel at a Glance

53150A

POWER

Standby

Reset/ Local

Shift

Freq Offset

Rate

On/Off

Clear

Ch 12

Rel Freq

Offset

Avg On

Rel Pwr

Offset

GHz MHz

MODIFY

Pwr Offset

Avg

+/-

GPIB

Resol

Enter

dB dBm Watts mW uW %

kHz Hz

1 Standby indicator 2 Power/Standby switch 3 LCD display 4 Channel 1 input connector 5 Channel 2 input connector 6 Display Power / dBm/W key (Channel 2) 7 Offset On/Off / Relative Power key

(Channel 2)

Channel Selection key

8 9 Offset On/Off / Relative Frequency key

11 Selection keys active indicator 12 Selection (arrow) keys 13 Resolution / GPIB key 14 Enter key 15 Average / Power Offset key 16 Sign (+/–) key 17 Rate / Frequency Offset key 18 Clear / Backlight On/Off key 19 Reset/Local / Menu key 20 Shift key

20 GHz Counter

Ext Rel

Hold

Rate Rmt SRQ

Error Shift

FREQ

Chan Select

Rel Freq Rel Pwr

Offset On/Off

Gate

Channel 2

dBm/ W

Display Power

Offset On/Off

CHANNEL 1

10 Hz to 125 MHz

1M Ω

DAMAGE

+30 dBm

CHANNEL 2POWER

50 MHz to 20 GHz

DAMAGE

+27 dBm

5678912 1013 11141516171819

50 Ω

10 Gate indicator

1-2 Operating Guide

Chapter 1 Getting Started

The Front Panel Indicators at a Glance

The front panel includes three LED indicators. These are listed and described in the following table.

Indicator Description

The Standby indicator is lit whenever the Main ~ Power switch on the rear panel is turned ON, and

POWER

Standby

the POWER switch on the front panel is OFF (out). During Standby, most of the instrument’s circuits do not receive power. However, the timebase and the cooling fan are powered so that the temperature in the timebase components remains stable, and if the Battery option is installed, the battery-charging circuits are powered. When you press the POWER switch on the front panel, the Standby indicator goes off, and all of the Counter’s circuits receive power.

When the LED indicator between the arrow keys flashes, the arrow keys can be used to navigate and change values in menus.

When you make a change in a menu, always press the Enter key to save the setting and exit the menu.

The Gate LED indicator flashes to indicate the rate

FREQ

Chan Select

Gate

at which measurements are triggered. The flash rate of the LED varies with the settings of the measurement rate (Rate key) and the measurement resolution (Resol key). The flash rate of the LED provides a rough indication of the number of measurements that are being taken in a given period of time.

NOTE It is normal for the fan in the Counter to run when the Counter is in

Standby mode. Power is supplied to the timebase whenever the Main ~ Power switch is on to maintain long term measurement reliability, and the fan helps maintain timebase temperature stability.

Operating Guide 1-3

Chapter 1 Getting Started

The Front Panel Menus at a Glance

Shift

Reset/ Local

REF OSC > INT

SAVE > 0 to 9

RECALL > 0 to 9

REF OSC > EXT

PRESET

53150A >

OP 9999 HRS

< 00-111-222 >

< SN 999999 >

CH1 LPF > OFF

CH1 LPF > ON

FM > AUTO

FM > OFF

BAUD > 9600

BAUD > 4800

BAUD > 2400

BAUD > 1200

BAUD > 19200

BAUD > 14400

Rate

RATE FAST

RATE MED

RATE SLOW

RATE HOLD

BATT VOLTAGE

0.0

DO SELF TEST

PWR CORR > OFF

PWR CORR > 0

PWR CORR > 9

Avg

AVERAGES 01

AVERAGES 99

Resol

RESOL 1 HZ

RESOL 10 KHZ

RESOL 100 KHZ

RESOL 1 MHZ

Shift

GPIB

Resol

GPIB ADDR 0

GPIB ADDR 30

1-4 Operating Guide

Chapter 1 Getting Started

The Display Annunciators at a Glance

GHz

MHz

kHz

Ch 12

Rel Freq

Offset

Avg On

Rel Pwr

Offset

dB dBm Watts mW uW %

Annunciator Description

Ch 1 or Ch 2 Indicates which channel is selected to measure an input signal.

Freq Indicates that the value displayed is a frequency reading.

Rel Freq The displayed frequency value is relative to a previously zeroed value.

Freq

The displayed frequency value is offset by a previously entered frequency value.

Offset

Avg On The displayed frequency value is the result of a number of individual frequency

measurements that have been averaged.

Pwr The Counter is set to measure Power (Channel 2 only).

Rel Pwr The displayed power measurement is relative to a previously zeroed power value.

Pwr

The displayed power value is offset by a previously entered power value.

Offset

dB, dBm, W,

µW, %

mW,

Indicates the unit of measurement for the currently displayed power value.

Provides a real-time analog representation of the Power measurement (intended for peaking and similar procedures).

Ext Ref The Counter is using an external reference signal for frequency measurements.

Hold Indicates the Counter is in Hold (single-measurement) mode.

Rmt, SRQ Shows the current state of the GPIB interface

(Rmt = Remote operation via GPIB; SRQ = Service ReQuest).

Error Indicates that a front-panel key command is unacceptable in the current context.

Shift Indicates that all front-panel keys are redefined to the function printed above the key.

Shows the amount of charge in the batteries (if the Battery option is installed).

Ext Rel

Hold

Rate Rmt SRQ

Error Shift

Operating Guide 1-5

Chapter 1 Getting Started

The Display Special Characters at a Glance

Special Characters

NOTE The first two special characters shown above are intended to help you

navigate within the Menu. When the right pointer ( ) is flashing, it indicates the current setting for the selected Menu option. When the left pointer ( ) is flashing, it indicates that you can use the selection (arrow) keys to change the setting for the current Menu option.

Description

Points to the current value for a Menu setting.

Indicates that the value for the current Menu setting can be changed using the selection (arrow) keys.

When the letter “c” is displayed in the hundredths position of the power display, Power Correction mode is in effect.

1-6 Operating Guide

Chapter 1 Getting Started

The Rear Panel at a Glance

Main ~ Power

10 9 7

2 43 6

Reference 10 MHz

11 TO 18 VDC

EXT DC

Auxillary

In or Out

RS-232

1 AC Input/Power module (Senses

incoming voltage and adjusts automatically)

2 External Reference connector (BNC)

1, 2, 5, or 10 MHz Input 10 MHz Output

3 Fuse Holder (behind door) 4 Auxiliary connector (reserved)*

Made in U.S.A.

with domestic and foreign content

OPTIONS

001 Oven Time Base 002 Battery

WARNING:

To avold electric shock, do not remove covers.

No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

This unit must be earth grounded.

AC POWER 100 – 130 VAC, 50/60/400 Hz 75 VA 220 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz 75 VA 250 V

5 Battery compartment (optional) or cover plate 6 GPIB (IEEE-488.1) Interface connector 7 RS-232 Interface connector (RJ12) 8 Main AC Power On indicator 9 EXT DC power-input connector (functional only

when Battery option is installed)

10 Main ~ Power switch

ISM 1-A

FUSE

1.0 A T

* The Auxiliary connector is not installed on standard production units.

Operating Guide 1-7

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Operating the Counter

The procedures in this section are designed to familiarize you with the Frequency Counter’s features and controls. Agilent suggests that you follow the steps for each of these procedures, even if you do not presently need to make any measurements or to adjust any of the Counter’s settings. The following procedures are provided:

• Turning the Counter On

• Turning the Display Backlight Off or On

• Selecting an Input Channel

• Using the Menu

• Setting the Serial Port Baud Rate

• Measuring Frequency

• Measuring Relative Frequency

• Offsetting a Frequency Measurement

• Measuring Power

• Measuring Relative Power

• Offsetting a Power Measurement

• Using Power Correction

• Setting the Measurement Rate

• Setting the Number of Averages

• Setting the Resolution

1-8 Operating Guide

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Operating the Counter

The following legend defines the meanings of the icons used throughout this chapter.

Legend

1 Press key one

time and release

2 Multiple key

presses

3 Result 4 Auto operation 5 Connect signal 6 Disconnect signal

798

7 Indicator off 8 Indicator on 9 Indicator flashing

Operating Guide 1-9

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Operating the Counter

Turning the Counter On

To turn on the Counter, turn on the Main ~ Power switch on the rear panel (see page 1-7), and then press and release the POWER button on the front panel.

POWER

Standby

Ch 12

Rel Freq

Offset

Avg On

Rel Pwr

Offset

Ext Rel

dB dBm Watts mW uW %

Hold

Rate Rmt SRQ

Error Shift

Ch 2

Freq

1-10 Operating Guide

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Operating the Counter

NOTE If a signal was applied to the Channel 2 input connector prior to turning

on the Counter, CH2 NO SIGNAL is displayed momentarily. As soon as the Counter acquires the input signal, it displays the signal’s value.

NOTE The internal Reference Oscillator requires 10 to 15 minutes to reach a

stable operating temperature. Since the Reference Oscillator receives power only when the Counter is on or in Standby mode, no measurements should be taken unless the Counter’s Main ~ Power switch has been in the on (1) position for at least that amount of time.

Turning the Display Backlight Off or On

When you first turn the Counter on, the backlight for the LCD display is always lit. You can toggle the backlight off and on by pressing the Shift key and then the On/Off (Clear) key, as shown below.

Ch 2

Shift

On/Off

Clear

Shift

On/Off

Clear

Freq

Ch 2

Freq

Ch 2

Freq

Ch 2

Freq

Shift

NOTE If your Counter has the Battery option, you can extend the length of time the

Counter can operate from the batteries by turning off the display backlight.

Operating Guide 1-11

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Operating the Counter

Using the Menu

The Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Counter has one menu that you use to control a number of the Counter’s features and functions.

Displaying the Menu

To display the Menu, press the Shift key and then the Menu (Reset/Local) key, as shown below.

Ch 2

Shift

Freq

Reset/ Local

Navigating in the Menu and Changing Settings

Use the Selection (arrow) keys to navigate to the setting you want to change and then to actually make the changes. For example, the diagram on the next page shows how to change the setting of the Reference Oscillator from INTernal to EXTernal. (In this example, a reference signal is applied to the External Reference connector, but no signal is applied to the Channel 2 input.)

NOTE The Counter will not switch to EXTernal unless a suitable reference

signal is available at the External Reference connector.

Shift

1-12 Operating Guide

+ 112 hidden pages