Agilent 53131A/132A/181A Counters
High-performance, low-cost counters simplify and speed systems and bench frequency measurements
Data Sheet
Recommended replacement products:
53200 Series RF & universal frequency counter/timers
(Data sheet publication number: 5990-6283EN)
•225 MHz bandwidth
(optional 1.5, 3, 5, or 12.4 GHz)
•10or 12-digit resolution with
1 s gate time
•GPIB interface and IntuiLink connectivity software standard
•Data transfer rate of up to 200 fully formatted measurements/second
A family of universal and
RF counters to meet your needs
Agilent Technologies 53131A/132A/ 181A high-performance counters give you fast, precise frequency measurements at an affordable price. These counters feature an intuitive user interface and one-button access to frequently used functions so you can make accurate measurements quickly and easily.
Real-time digital signal processing technology is used to analyze data while simultaneously taking new readings, speeding measurement throughput. The technology, developed for Agilent’s high-end line of modulation domain analyzers, allows the counters to gather more data for each measurement, so you get higher-resolution measurements in a fraction of the time it takes other counters.
The 53131A/132A/181A counters offer built-in statistics and math functions so you can scale measurements and simultaneously measure and track average, min/max and standard deviation. Automated limit testing lets you set upper and lower limits for any measurement. An analog display mode lets you see at a glance whether a measurement is within pass/fail limits. The counters flag out-of-limit conditions and can generate an output signal to trigger external devices when a limit is exceeded. For quick access to frequently used tests, a single keystroke recalls up to 20 different stored frontpanel set-ups.
For computer-controlled systems applications, each counter includes a standard GPIB interface with full
SCPI-compatible programmability and a data transfer rate of up to 200 fully formatted measurements per second.
The standard RS-232 talk-only interface provides printer support or data transfer to a computer through a terminalemulation program.
Agilent 53131A universal counter
The two-channel 53131A counter offers 10 digits per second of frequency/ period resolution and a bandwidth of 225 MHz. Time interval resolution is specified at 500 ps. An optional third channel provides frequency measurements up to 3 GHz, 5 GHz, or 12.4 GHz. Standard measurements include frequency, period, ratio, time interval, pulse width, rise/fall time, phase angle, duty cycle, totalize, and peak voltage.
Agilent 53132A universal counter
For applications requiring higher resolution, the 53132A offers the same features and functions as the 53131A, with up to 12 digits/sec frequency/ period resolution and 150 ps time interval resolution. In addition, the 53132A offers advanced arming modes for time interval measurements.
Agilent 53181A RF counter
Optimized for RF applications, the single-channel 10 digit/s 53181A measures frequency, period and peak voltage. A digit-blanking function lets you easily eliminate unnecessary digits when you want to read measurements quickly. For higher-frequency measurements, choose an optional second channel that provides measurements up to 1.5 GHz, 3 GHz, 5 GHz, or 12.4 GHz. A self-guided shallow menu makes this counter exceptionally easy to use.
2
Agilent IntuiLink provides easy access to the counter’s data from your PC
The Agilent 53131A/132A/181A counters, capture precise frequency and time measurements. IntuiLink software allows that data to be put to work easily. You work in a familiar environment at all times, using PC applications such as Microsoft Excel® or Word® to analyze, interpret, display, print, and document the data you get from the counter.
It gives you the flexibility to configure and run tests from your PC making data gathering more convenient.
Agilent IntuiLink lets you:
•Configure tests, including measurement type, number of readings, measurement speed, and more.
•Choose display modes from realtime strip chart, histogram, readout, and table mode.
•Scale measurements data.
•Copy captured data to other programs.
Optional timebases offer increased stability
Optional timebases are available for 53131A/132A/181A counters to
increase measurement accuracy. Option 010 provides a high stability oven timebase with aging of less than
5 x 10-10 per day.
1-year warranty
Each counter comes with operating, programming and service manuals, IntuiLink software, a power cord and a full 1-year warranty.
Time Base
Internal time base stability (see graph 3 for timebase contribution of measurement error)
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Standard |
Medium oven |
High oven |
Ultra high oven |
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(0° to 50°C) |
(Option 001) |
(Option 010) |
(Option 012 for 53132A only) |
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|
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Temperature stability (referenced to 25°C) |
< 5 x 10-6 |
< 2 x 10-7 |
< 2.5 x 10-9 |
< 2.5 x 10-9 |
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Aging rate |
Per Day: |
|
< 4 x 10-8 |
< 5 x 10-10 |
< 1 x 10-10 |
(after 30 days) |
Per Month: |
< 3 x 10-7 |
< 2 x 10-7 |
< 1.5 x 10-8 |
< 3 x 10-9 |
|
Per Year: |
|
|
|
< 2 x 10-8 |
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|
|
|
|
|
Turn-on stability vs. time |
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|
|
|
|
(in 30 minutes) |
|
|
< 2 x 10-7 |
< 5 x 10-9 |
< 5 x 10-9 |
|
|
|
referenced to 2 h |
referenced to 24 h |
referenced to 24 h |
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|
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Calibration |
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Manual adjust |
Electronic |
Electronic |
Electronic |
Note that power to the time base is maintained when the counter is placed in standby via the front panel switch. The internal fan will continue to operate when in standby to maintain long-term measurement reliability.
3
Instrument Inputs
Input specifications
Channel 1 & 2 (53131A, 53132A)1
Channel 1 (53181A)
Frequency range
dc coupled |
dc to 225 MHz |
ac coupled |
1 MHz to 225 MHz (50 Ω) |
|
30 Hz to 225 MHz (1 MΩ) |
FM tolerance |
25% |
Voltage range and sensitivity (Sinusoid)2
dc to 100 MHz |
20 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc |
100 MHz |
30 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc |
to 200 MHz |
|
200 MHz |
40 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc |
to 225 MHz |
(all specified at 75 mVrms |
|
with opt. rear connectors)3 |
Voltage range and sensitivity (Single-shot pulse)2
4.5 ns to 10 ns |
100 mVpp to 10 Vpp |
pulse width |
(150 mVpp with optional |
|
rear connectors)3 |
>10 ns |
50 mVpp to 10 Vpp |
pulse width |
(100 mVpp with optional |
|
rear connectors)3 |
Trigger level2 |
|
Range |
± 5.125 V |
Accuracy |
± (15 mV + 1% of trigger level) |
Resolution |
5 mV |
Damage level |
|
50 Ω |
5 Vrms |
0 to 3.5 kHz, |
350 Vdc + ac pk |
1 MΩ |
|
3.5 kHz to |
350 Vdc + ac pk linearly |
100 kHz, 1 MΩ |
derated to 5 Vrms |
>100 kHz, |
5 Vrms |
1 MΩ |
|
Input characteristics
Channel 1 & 2 (53131A, 53132A)1
Channel 1 (53181A)
Impedance |
1 MΩ or 50 Ω |
1 MΩ |
30 pF |
capacitance |
|
Coupling |
ac or dc |
Low-pass filter |
100 kHz, switchable |
|
-20 dB at > 1 MHz |
Input |
Selectable between Low, |
sensitivity |
Medium, or High (default). |
|
Low is approximately 2x |
|
High Sensitivity. |
Trigger slope |
Positive or negative |
Auto trigger level |
|
Range |
0 to 100% in 10% steps |
Frequency |
> 100 Hz |
Input amplitude |
> 100 mVpp |
|
(No amplitude modulation) |
Attenuator |
|
Voltage range |
x10 |
Trigger range |
x10 |
Input Specifications4
Channel 3 (53131A, 53132A)
Channel 2 (53181A)
Frequency range
Option 015 |
100 |
MHz to 1.5 GHz |
(for 53181A |
(see Opt. 030 for |
|
only) |
additional specs) |
|
Option 030 |
100 |
MHz to 3 GHz |
Option 050 |
200 |
MHz to 5 GHz |
Option 124 |
200 |
MHz to 12.4 GHz |
Power range and sensitivity (Sinusoid)
Option 030 100 MHz to 2.7 GHz: -27 dBm to +19 dBm
2.7 GHz to 3 GHz:
-21 dBm to +13 dBm
Option 050 200 MHz to 5 GHz: -23 dBm to +13 dBm
Option 124 200 MHz to 12.4 GHz -23 dBm to +13 dBm
Damage level
Option 030 |
5 Vrms |
Option 050 |
+25 dBm |
Option 124 |
+25 dBm |
|
4 |
Characteristics
Impedance |
50 Ω |
Coupling |
AC |
VSWR |
< 2.5:1 |
External arm input specifications5
Signal input range
TTL compatible
Timing Restrictions
Pulse width |
> 50 ns |
Transition time |
< 250 ns |
Start-to-stop time |
> 50 ns |
Damage level |
10 Vrms |
External arm input characteristics5
Impedance |
1 kΩ |
Input capacitance 17 pF
Start/stop slope Positive or negative
External time base input specifications
Voltage range |
200 mVrms to 10 Vrms |
Damage level |
10 Vrms |
Frequency |
1 MHz, 5 MHz, and 10 MHz |
|
(53132A 10 MHz only) |
Time base output specifications
Output frequency |
10 MHz |
Voltage |
> 1 Vpp into 50 Ω |
|
(centered around 0 V) |
1.Specifications and characteristics for Channels 1 and 2 are identical for both common and separate configurations.
2.Values shown are for X1 attenuator setting. Multiply all values by 10 (nominal) when using the X10 attenuator setting.
3.When the 53131A or 53132A are ordered with the optional rear terminals (Opt. 060), the channel 1 and 2 inputs are active on both front and rear of the counter. When the 53181A is ordered with the optional rear terminal, the channel 1 input is active on both front and rear of the counter. For this condition, specifications indicated for the rear connections also apply to the front connections.
4.When optional additional channels are ordered with Opt. 060, refer to configuration table for Opt. 060 under ordering info on page 8. There is no degradation in specifications for this input, as applicable.
5.Available for all measurements except peak volts. External arm is referred to as external gate for some measurements.
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