HP 53132A, 53181A, 53131A Assembly And Service Manual

HP 53131A/132A/181A
225 MHz Counter

Assembly-Level
Service Guide

Assembly-Level Service
Guide

This guide describes how to service the HP 53131A and HP 53132A
Universal Counters, and the HP 53181A Frequency Counter.
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: 3711 AND ABOVE (HP 53131A)

3710 AND ABOVE (HP 53132A)

3711 AND ABOVE (HP 53181A)

HP 53131A/132A/181A 225 MHz
Counter



Copyright Hewlett- P ac ka rd
Company 1994, 1995, 1997,
1999

All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or
translations without prior
written permission is
prohibited, except as allowed
under the copyright laws.

Printed: March 1999
Printed in USA

Manual part number
53131-90039

Certification
and Warranty

Certification

Hewlett-Packard Company
certifies that this product met
its published specification at the
time of shipment from the
factory. Hewlett-Packard
further certifies that its
calibration measurements are
traceable to the United States
National Institute of Standards
and Technol ogy (formerl y
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

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

HP warrants that HP 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 HP
receives notice of such defects
during the warranty period, HP
will replace software media
which does not execute its
programming instructions due
to such defects.

For detailed warra nty
information, see back matter.

Safety Considerations
General

This product and related
documentation must be
reviewed for familiarizat ion
with this safety marki ngs and
instructions before operation.

Before Cleaning

Disconnect the product from
operating power be fore
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.

or

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

Indicates Alternating current.

Indicates Direct current.

Safety Considerations
(contd)

WARNING

BODILY INJUR Y 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.

TO MEASURE AC POWER
LINE SIGNALS WITHOUT AN
ISOLATION TRANSFORMER.

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

THUS, NEVER TRY

Hewlett-Packard Company 7.NC.NL.A.11.03.97.R1.P.CW6FC
Santa Clara Division
5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Santa Clara, California 95052-8059

Contents

Preface

How to Use This Guide xiii

Repair Strategy xiii
Instrument Identification xiii
Instruments Covered by this Guide xiv
Assembly-Level Service Guide Organization xiv
How to Order Guides xv

Description of the 225 MHz Counters xvi
Options xviii

Hardware xviii
Support xix

Accessories Supplied and Available xix

Accessories Supplied xix
Accessories Available xix

1 Performance Tests

Introduction 1-2

Operational Verification 1-2
Complete Performance Tests 1-3
Optional HP-IB Verification 1-3
Recommended Calibration Cycle 1-3
Test Record 1-3

Equipment Required 1-4
HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification 1-5

Power-On Self Tests 1-5
Run Self Test 1-8
Termination Check 1-8
External Arm Test (HP 53131A/132A Only) 1-10

Equipment 1-10

Assembly-Level Service Guide iii

Contents

Counter Setup 1-10
Procedure 1-11

External Timebase Tests 1-12

Equipment 1-12
1 MHz External Timebase Input (HP 53131A and HP

53181A Only) 1-13
5 MHz External Timebase Input (HP 53131A and HP

53181A Only) 1-14
10 MHz External Timebase Input (HP 53131A and HP

53181A Only) 1-14
10 MHz External Timebase Input for the HP

53132A 1-15

HP 53131A/132A Complete Performance Tests 1-16
Test 1: Time Interva l (H P 53 13 1A/132A Only) 1-1 7

Equipment 1-17
Counter Setup 1-17
Procedure 1-18

Test 2: Trigger Level (HP 53131A/132A Only) 1-19

Equipment 1-19
Counter Setup 1-19
Procedure 1-20

Test 3: Channels 1 and 2 Frequency Sensitivity
(HP 53131A/132A Only) 1-22

Equipment 1-22
Counter Setup 1-22
100 kHz to 100 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A 1-23
100 MHz to 200 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/

132A 1-25
200 MHz to 225 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/

132A 1-26

Test 4: Channels 1 and 2 Frequency Accuracy
(HP 53131A/132A Only) 1-27

Equipment 1-27

iv Assembly-Level Service Guide

Contents

Counter Setup 1-27
Procedure 1-28

Test 5: Option 030/050/124 Channel 3 Frequency
Sensitivity (HP 53131A/132A Only) 1-30

Equipment 1-30
Counter Setup 1-30
100 MHz to 2.5 GHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A Option

030 only 1-31

2.7 to 3.0 GHz Sensitivity for Option 030 only 1-32
200 MHz to 5.0 GHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A

(Option 050 only) 1-33
200 MHz to 12.4 GHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A

(Option 124 only) 1-34

Test 6: Option 030/050/124 Channel 3 Frequency
Accuracy (HP 53131A/132A Only) 1-35

Equipment 1-35
Counter Setup 1-35
Procedure 1-35

Test 7: Peak Volts, Channels 1 and 2 (HP 53131A/132A
Only) 1-37

Equipment 1-37
Counter Setup 1-37
Volt Peak 1 1-38
Volt Peak 2 1-39

HP 53131A/132A HP-IB Verification Program
(Optional) 1-40

HP 53131A/132A Pe rformance Test Record 1-41

Assembly-Level Service Guide v

Contents

HP 53181A Complete Performance Tests 1-47
Test 1: Trigger Level (HP 53181A Only) 1-48

Equipment 1-48
Counter Setup 1-48
Procedure 1-49

Test 2: Channel 1 Frequency Sensitivity (HP 53181A
Only) 1-51

Equipment 1-51
Counter Setup 1-51
100 kHz to 100 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53181A 1-52
100 MHz to 200 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53181A 1-54
200 MHz to 225 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53181A 1-54

Test 3: Channel 1 Frequency Accuracy (HP 53181A
Only) 1-55

Equipment 1-55
Counter Setup 1-55
Procedure 1-56

Test 4: Option 015/030/050/124 Channel 2 Frequency
Sensitivity 1-58

Equipment 1-58
Counter Setup 1-58
100 MHz to 1.5 GHz Sensitivity for Option 015 Only 1-59
100 MHz to 2.7 GHz Sensitivity for Option 030 Only 1-60

2.8 to 3.0 GHz Sensitivity for Option 030 Only 1-61
200 MHz to 5.0 GHz Sensitivity for Option 050 only 1-61
200 MHz to 12.4 GHz Sensitivity for Option 124 only 1-62

Test 5: Option 015/030/050/124 Channel 2 Freque ncy
Accuracy (HP 53181A Only) 1-63

100 MHz to 1.5 GHz Accuracy Test for Option 015 1-63

Equipment 1-63
Counter Setup 1-63
Procedure 1-64

vi Assembly-Level Service Guide

Contents

Minimum to Maximum Accuracy Test for Options 030/050/
124 1-65

Test 6: Peak Volts, Channel 1 (HP 53181A Only) 1-68

Equipment 1-68
Counter Setup 1-68
Procedure 1-69

HP 53181A HP-IB Verification Program (Optional) 1-70
HP 53181A Performance Test Record 1-71

2 Service

Introduction 2-2
Returning the Instrument to Hewlett-Packard for

Service 2-3

To Provide Repair Information 2-3
To Pack in the Original Packaging Materials 2-4
To Pack in the Commercially Available Materials 2-5

About the HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu 2-6

Overview of the HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu 2-6
The HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu Tree 2-8
To View the Calibration Menu and Security Status 2-9
To Unsecure for Calibration 2-9
To Initiate the Calibration Routines 2-9
To Secure Against Calibration 2-13
To Change to a New Security Code 2-13
To View the Calibration Count 2-14
To Get Help with the Calibration Menu 2-14

The HP 53131A/132A Calibration Procedures 2-15

First Determine the Counter Firmware Revision 2-15

Equipment 1-65
Counter Setup 1-65
Procedure 1-66

Assembly-Level Service Guide vii

Contents

To Calibrate the Offset for Channels 1 and 2 2-15
To Calibrate the Gain for Channels 1 and 2 2-18
To Calibrate Time Interval 2-19

CAL: TI QUIK? Calibration 2-20
Equipment 2-20
CAL: TI FINE? Calibration 2-21

Equipment 2-21
To Calibrate the Standard Timebase 2-23
To Calibrate the High Stability Timebase Option (Medium,

High, or Ultra-High) 2-24

About the HP 53181A Calibration Menu 2-25

Overview of the HP 53181A Calibration Menu 2-25
The HP 53181A Calibration Menu Tree 2-27
To View the Calibration Menu and Security Status 2-28
To Unsecure for Calibration 2-28
To Initiate the Calibration Routines 2-29
To Secure Against Calibration 2-29
To Change to New the Security Code 2-30
To View the Calibration Count 2-30
To Get Help with the Calibration Menu 2-30

The HP 53181A Calibration Procedures 2-31

First Determine the Counter Firmware Revision 2-31
To Calibrate the Offset for Channel 1 2-31
To Calibrate the Gain for Channel 1 2-33
To Calibrate the Standard Timebase 2-34
To Calibrate the High Stability Timebase Option (Medium,

High, or Ultra-High) 2-35

Pre-Troubleshooting Information 2-36

Safety Considerations 2-36
Recommended Test Equipment 2-37
Repair Considerations 2-38

Electrostatic Discharge 2-38

viii Assembly-Level Service Guide

Contents

Surface Mount Repair 2-38
Disassembly and Reassembly Specifics 2-38

After Service Considerations 2-39

Product Safety Checks 2-39
Product Performance Checks 2-39

Assembly Identification and Location 2-40

Troubleshooting the Counter 2-45

Power Supp ly Ch e ck 2-45
Overview of the Self-Test Routines 2-47
Diagnosing the Faulty Assembly by Using the

Self Tests 2-49

To Run the Test-All Self Test 2-49
To Run the Individual Self Tests 2-50

3 Replacing Assemblies

Introduction 3-2
Tools Required 3-3
Do This First 3-3
To Remove the Cover 3-4
To Remove the Front Bezel 3-6
To Remove A1 Motherboard Assembly 3-9
To Remove the A2 Display Board, Keypads,

and Window 3-11
To Remove A3 1.5/3.0/5.0/12.4 GHz Channel Assembly

(Option 015/ 03 0/ 05 0/ 12 4 ) 3-13
To Remove A4 AC Power Supply Assembly 3-15
To Remove A5 DC Power Input Assembly

(Option 002) 3-17
To Remove A6 High Stability Timebase Assembly

(Options 001, 010, and 012) 3-19
To Remove the Rear Terminals (Option 060) 3-21

Assembly-Level Service Guide ix

Contents

4 Retrofitting Options

Introduction 4-2
Tools Required 4-2
Do This First 4-2
To Retrofit A3 1.5/3.0/5.0/12.4 GHz Channel Assembly

(Option 015/ 03 0/ 05 0/ 12 4 ) 4- 3
To Retrofit A5 DC Power Input Assembly (Option

002) 4-4

Option 002 DC Power Input Assembly Parts 4-4
Preliminary Procedure 4-4
Retrofitting Procedure 4-5

To Retrofit A6 High Stability Timebase Assembly
(Options 001, 010, and 012) 4-11

Option 001 Medium Stability Timebase Assembly
Parts 4-11

Option 010 High Stability Timebase Assembly Parts 4-11

*

Option 012 Ultra-High Stability Timebase Assembly

Parts 4-11
Procedure 4-12

To Retrofit the Rear Terminals (Option 060) 4-14

Option 060 Rear Terminals Parts 4-14

5 Replaceable Parts

Introduction 5-2
Exchange Assemblies 5-2
Reference Designations 5-3
Replaceable Parts 5-3
How To Order A Part 5-4

Parts Identification 5-4
Contacting Hewlett-Packard 5-5

x Assembly-Level Service Guide

Contents

Cabinet Parts and Hardware 5-6

6 Backdating

Introduction 6-2
Manual Changes 6-2
Older Instrumen t s 6- 2
Backdating Hardware 6-3
Backdating Firmware 6-8
Backdating Specifications 6-16

7 HP 53131A/132A Specifications

Introduction 7-2

Instrument Inputs 7-2
Time Base 7-4
Measurement Specifications 7-5
Measurement Definitions 7-12
Measurement Arming and Processing 7-14
General Information 7-16

8 HP 53181A Specifications

Introduction 8-2

Instrument Inputs 8-2
Time Base 8-4
Measurement Specifications 8-5
Measurement Definitions 8-9
Measurement Arming and Processing 8-10
General Information 8-11

Index

Assembly-Level Service Guide xi

Contents

xii Assembly-Level Service Guide

Preface

This guide provides assembly-level service information for the HP 53131A
and HP 53132A Universal Counters, and the HP 53181A Frequency
Counter.

How to Use This Guide

Repair Strategy

This service guide is designed to isolate failures to the assembly level only.
The HP 53131A/132A/181A Counter can be returned to Hewlett-Packard

(HP) for all service work, including troubleshooting, and verifying
specifications. Contact your nearest HP Sales and Service Office for more
details.

Note: there is an Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service for US A
customers if downtime is critical. You can receive your repaired Counter
via overnight shipment. Just call 800-403-0801 and ask for Express
Repair/Performance Calibration Service. When your Counter is repaired,
it will be returned via overnight shipment at no extra charge.

If you decide to service the Counter yourself, use the troubleshooting
procedures in Chapter 2 (Service) and the disassembly and reassembly
procedures in Chapter 3 (Replacing Assemblies). Then use the calibration
instructions in Chapter 2 to calibrate the Counter for peak-performance
operation, and finally perform the complete performance tests in
Chapter 1 to verify the Counter’s specifications.

Instrument Identification

Instrument identification is made from the serial number on the rear
panel of the Counter. HP uses a two-part serial number w ith the first part
(prefix) identifying a series of instruments and the second part (suffix)
identifying a particular instrument within a series. An HP-assigned alpha
character between the prefix and suffix identifies the country in which the
instrument was manufactured.

Assembly-Level Service Guide xiii

Preface

Instruments Covered by this Guide

This guide applies directly to HP 53131A, HP 53132A, and HP 53181A
Counters that have the same serial number prefix(es) shown on the title
page. If the serial number prefix of your Counter differs from that listed
on the title page of this guide, then there may be differences between this
guide and your instrument.

Instrument s having a higher serial prefix are covered when required by
one or more manual-change sheets included with this guide. If a required
change sheet is missing, contact your nearest HP Sales Office listed at the
back of this guide. Instruments having a serial prefix lower than that
listed on the title page are covered in Chapter 6, “Backdating.”

Assembly-Level Service Guide Organization

This assembly-level service guide consists of a table of contents, preface,
eight chapters and an index. The page running headers identify the
chapters and sections of this manual. The chapter contents are
summarized as follows:

Chapter 1, “Performance Tests,” provides procedures that verify the
Counter operates properly and meets the HP 53131A/132A or HP 53181A
specifications given in Chapter 7, “HP 53131A/132A Specifications,” or
Chapter 8, “HP 53181A Specifications,” in this guide.

Chapter 2, “Service,” is divided into seven main sections that provide
instructions for returning the Counter to HP for service, calibrating the
Counter, and troubleshooting the assemblies in the Counter.

Chapter 3, “Replacing Assemblies,” provides procedures for replacing
defective assemblies and/or modules in the Counter.

Chapter 4, “Retrofitting Options,” provides field-installation procedures
that help you install options into the Counter.

Chapter 5, “Replaceable Parts,” lists the replaceable parts contained in
the Counter, and explains how to order replacement parts for your
Counter.

xiv Assembly-Level Service Guide

Preface

Chapter 6, “Backdating,” contains information required to adapt this
manual for older instruments.

Chapter 7, “HP 53131A/132A Specifications,” lists all the specifications
and operating characteristics for the HP 53131A/132A Universal Counter.

Chapter 8, “HP 53181A Specifications,” lists all the specifications and
operating characteristics for the HP 53181A Frequency Counter.

How to Order Guides

The part number for this guide is listed in the Certification and Warranty
page (located on the back of the title page) and on the rear cover of this
guide. Preface will always follow table of contents. Page numbers will be
in roman lower case.

Assembly-Level Service Guide xv

Preface

Description of the 225 MHz Counters

The HP 53131A and HP 53132A are universal counters capable of
measuring frequencies to 225 MHz on Channels 1 and 2. With an optional
Channel 3, this frequency is extended to 3.0 GHz (Option 030); 5.0 GHz

(Option 050) or 12.4 GHz (Option 124).”
For the HP 53131A, frequency and time interval resolutions are 10 d igits

in one second and 500 picoseconds, respectively. The HP 53131A provides
users with an HP-IB measuring speed of 200 measurements per second,
and is suitable for bench-top operation and lower-volume ATE operation.
The frequency and time interval resolutions for the HP 53132A are up to
12 digits in one second and 150 picoseconds, respectively. The HP 53132A
provides users with exceptional resolution, and is ideal for ATE systems
operation.

The HP 53131A/132A basic measurement functions include Frequency,
Period, Pulse Width, Duty Cycle, Rise/Fall Time, Time Interval,
Frequency Ratio, Totalize, Phase, and Peak Voltage.

The HP 53181A is a frequency counter capable of measuring frequencies
to 225 MHz on Channel 1. Depending on which optional Channel 2 the
counter contains, this capability is extended to 1.5 GHz (Option 015) or

3.0 GHz (Option 030). The HP 53181A has a frequency resolution of
10 digits in one second.

The HP 53181A provides users with an HP-IB measuring speed of
200 measurements per second, and is suitable for bench-top and ATE
operation.

The HP 53181A basic measurement functions include Frequency, Period,
Peak Voltage, and Frequency Ratio (if Channel 2 is installed).

The HP 53131A/132A/181A include additional measurement functions
and features that are designed specifically for manufacturing and service
applications:

xvi Assembly-Level Service Guide

Preface

• 1, 5, 10 MHz external reference capability—to match customer’s house
standard (however, the HP 53132A’s external reference capability is
10 MHz only),

• optional ultra-high stability , high stability, or medium stability oven
oscillators for high accuracy needs,

• external gati ng,

• statistics,

• automatic limit testing,

• SCPI programming capability, and

• analog display mode limit testing

Programmable control is performed via an HP-IB. The HP-IB and a
talk-only RS-232C serial port are standard for the HP 53131A/132A/181A.
The serial port is for printing measured and analyzed data on serial
printers, or for outputting an out-of-limit signal.

Assembly-Level Service Guide xvii

Preface

Options

The options available for the HP 53131A/132A/181A Counter are listed
following this paragraph. Specifications for the options are listed in

Chapter 7, “HP 53131A/132A Specifications,” and Chapter 8, “HP 53181A
Specifications.” If you’ve purchased an option with the initial order, it will
be installed at the factory and ready for operation at delivery. Refer to the
“Retrofitting Options” chapter in this guide for instructions on field
installation of the options.

NOTE

The “0’s” and “1’s” in the following option numbers are numeric characters
(that is, they are not letters).

Hardware

• Medium Stability Oven Timebase, Option 001

• DC Power Input, Option 00 2

• High Stability Oven Timebase, Option 010

• Ultra-High Stability Oven Timebase, Option 012 (HP 53132A and
HP 53181A Only)

• 1.5 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 2), Option 015 (HP 53181A Only)

• 3.0 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 3), Option 030

• 5.0 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 3), Option 050

• 12.4 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 3), Option 124

*

•

Rear Terminals, Option 060

• Rack Mount Kit, Option 1CM (HP part number 5063-9240)

*

For the HP 53131A/132A Option 030, front and rear terminals can exist for Channel 1 and 2. The optional
Channel 3 can be configured as rear terminals only or front terminals only. For the HP 53181A, front and rear
terminals can exist for Channel 1. The optional Channel 2 can be configured as rear terminals only or front
terminals only. Option 050 and Option 124 can be configured only as front terminals.

xviii Assembly-Level Service Guide

Preface

Support

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

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

Accessories Supplied and Available

Accessories Supplied

• Power cord, 2.3 meters

Accessories Available

• HP 34161A Accessory Pouch

• Printer RS-232 Interface cables, HP 24542G or HP 24542H

• HP-IB cables, HP 10833A/B/C/D

Assembly-Level Service Guide xix

Preface

xx Assembly-Level Service Guide

1

Performance Tests

Verifying Specifications

Chapter 1 Performance Tests

Introduction

Introduction

1

This chapter provides procedures to test the electrical performance of the
HP 53131A/132A Universal Counter and HP 53181A Frequency Counter,
using the specifications listed in Chapter 7, “HP 53131A/132A

Specifications,” and Chapter 8, “HP 53181A Specifications,” of this guide.
Three types of testing are provided:

• Operational Verification

• Complete Performance Tests

• Optional HP-IB Verification
This chapter is organized as follows:

• Introduction page 1-2

• Equipment Required page 1-4

• HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification page 1-5

• HP 53131A/132A Complete Performance Tests page 1-16

• HP 53131A/132A HP-IB Verification Program (Optional) page 1-40

• HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record (Page 1 of 6) page 1-41

• HP 53181A Complete Performance Tests page 1-47

• HP 53181A HP-IB Verification Program (Optional) page 1-70

• HP 53181A Performance Test Record (Page 1 of 4) page 1-71

Operational Verification

The operational verification is an abbreviated series of checks that may be
performed to give a high degree of confidence that the instrument is
operating properly without performing the complete performance tests.
An operational verification is useful for incoming inspection, routine
maintenance, and after instrument repair.

1-2 Assembly-Level Service Guide

Chapter 1 Performance Tests

Introduction

Complete Performance Tests

The complete performance tests verify the specifications listed in

Chapter 7, “HP 53131A/132A Specifications,” and Chapter 8, “HP 53181A
Specifications.” All tests can be performed without accessing the inside of
the instrument.

Optional HP-IB Verification

The HP-IB verification program, described on page 1-40
(HP 53131A/132A) or page 1-70 (HP 53181A), exercises the Counter via
the HP-IB interface. The program is written for an HP 9000 series 200 or
300 Desktop Computer as the controller. If the instrument successfully
completes all phases of the verification program, there is a very high
probability that the HP-IB interface is working properly.

The HP-IB program is available on disks as indicated in the following
listing:

• For HP 53131A/132A Counters—HP part number 53131-13501
(3 1/2-inch LIF disk) and HP part number 53131-13502 (5 1/4-inch
LIF disk).

1

• For HP 53181A Counters—HP part number 53181-13501
(3 1/2-inch LIF disk) and HP part number 53131-13502 (5 1/4-inch
LIF disk).

Recommended Calibration Cycle

The Counter requires periodic verification of operation. Depending on the
use and environmental conditions, aging, and measurement accuracy
required, the Counter should be checked using the operational verification
procedure at least once every year.

Test Record

The results of the operational verification, complete performance tests,
and HP-IB verification test should be recorded on a copy of the
Performance Test Record, located at the end of each (i.e., HP 53131A/132A
and HP 53181A) complete performance tests section in this chapter.

Assembly-Level Service Guide 1-3

Chapter 1 Performance Tests

Equipment Required

Equipment Required

Table 1-1. Recommended Test Equipment

1

Instrument Required Characteristics Recommended Model Use

Synthesizer DC to 13 MHz HP 3325B OV, P, T
Synthesized Signal Generator 100 kHz to 2560 MHz HP 8663A OV, P, T
Pulse Generator 5 ns pulse width HP 8130A or equivalent OV, C
Sweep Oscillator 3.0 GHz HP 8340B P, T
Primary Frequency Standard

(10 MHz House Standard)
DC Power Supply Adjustable to 5.000V HP 6234A C
Digital Voltmeter Microvolt accuracy HP 3458A OV, C
Time Interval Calibrator Effective edge repeatability:

Absolute accuracy >1 x 10

<10 ps

-10

HP 5071A C

HP 59992A J06 C

Type N-to-BNC Connector — HP 1250-0780 OV, P

BNC-to-Dual Banana Plug BNC(m) to banana plug HP 11001-60001 OV, P, C T

50Ω Feedthrough (3) — HP 10100C OV, P, C
50Ω Coaxial Cable with

BNC connectors (5)

Coaxial BNC Tee Connector — 1250-0781 P, C

P = Performance Tests
OV = Operational Verification
C = Calibration
T = Troubleshooting

BNC(m) to BNC(m), 48 inches HP 10503A OV, P, C, T

Some of this equipment may no longer be available as new. Use an equivalent model number.

1-4 Assembly-Level Service Guide

Chapter 1 Performance Tests

HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification

HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational

NOTE

Verification

The operational verification is an abbreviated series of checks that may be
performed to give a high degree of confidence that the instrument is
operating properly without performing the complete performance tests.

If you are unfamiliar with the operation of the Counter, you should review

the Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” in the Operating Guide. However, the
procedures in this chapter are written so that little experience is
necessary. The procedures should be followed in the order in which they
appear.

Power-On Self Tests

1 Inspect the Counter for any damage.

2 Make sure no cables are connected to the input channels (rear

and front panels) of the Counter.

It is normal for the fan in the Counter to continue to run after the Counter
is placed in Standby mode. Power to the timebase is continuous to
maintain long term measurement reliability, and the fan helps maintain
timebase temperature stability.

1

NOTE

The power supply will automatically sense the input voltage; thus, there is
no need to change the ac voltage setting.

3 Connect t he power cord to the Counter, a nd connect the other en d

of the power cord to the primary power source.

4Press POWER key to turn on the Counter.

Assembly-Level Service Guide 1-5

Chapter 1 Performance Tests

HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification

5 Verify that the following happens:

• All segments of the front-panel display light up,

•

1

SELFTST: PASS

•

HP-IB AT n

is displayed,

is quickly displayed—where “n” represents the HP-IB
address (Note that some earlier versions of the Counter’s firmware di d
not display the HP-IB address at power-up.), and

• dashes are displayed.
The Counter is now ready to measure frequency of a signal applied to

CHANNEL 1 input as indicated by illumination of the Freq and Ch1
annunciators.

If a fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in
Chapter 2, “Service,” of this guide.

6 For HP 53131A/132A, mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53131A/132A

Performance Test Record on page 1-41, Test 1.

6’ For HP 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53181A Performance

Test Record on page 1-71, Test 1.

7 Connect the Counter’s rear-panel 10 MHz Out as shown in

Figure 1-1A or Figure 1-1B, depending on which Counter you are
testing.

HP 53131A/132A
Counter

Channel 1

10 MHz
Out
(rear panel)

Channel 2

BNC Tee

Figure 1-1A. Operational Verification Setup for HP 53131A/132A

1-6 Assembly-Level Service Guide

Chapter 1 Performance Tests

HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification

HP 53181A
Counter

10 MHz
Out
(rear panel)

Channel 1

Figure 1-1B. Operational Verification Setup for HP 53181A

8 Depending on which Counter you are testing, verify the

appropriate reading as shown below:

For HP 53131A and HP 53181A, verify a reading of 10.000,000,00 MHz.
For the HP 53132A, verify a reading of 10.000,000,000 MHz.

9 For HP 53131A/132A, mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53131A/132A

Performance Test Record on page 1-41, Test 2.

9’ For HP 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53181A Performance

Test Record on page 1-71, Test 2.

1

NOTE

The remaining steps apply to the HP 53131A and HP 53132A only
since the HP 53181A does not have a standard Channel 2 input.

For the HP 53181A, proceed to the following “Run Self Test” section.

10 Press Freq & Ratio key until

FREQUENCY 2

is displayed to select

Channel 2 for frequency measurements.

For the HP 53131A, verify a reading of 10.000,000,00 MHz.
For the HP 53132A, verify a reading of 10.000,000,000 MHz.

11 For HP 53131A/132A, mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53131A/132A

Performance Test Record on page 1-41, Test 3.

Assembly-Level Service Guide 1-7

Chapter 1 Performance Tests

HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification

Run Self Test

1 Disconnect the input signals from the Counter.

1

2 Power down (turn off the Counter), press and hold Recall (Utility)

key, then press POWER key.

3Press Recall key until

TEST: ALL ?

is displayed.

4Press Enter key.

Observe that
If

ALL: FAIL

ALL: PASS

is displayed or a failure is indicated, refer to the

is displayed after the self test is completed.

troubleshooting section in Chapter 2, “Service,” of this guide.

5 For HP 53131A/132A, mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53131A/132A

Performance Test Record on page 1-41, Test 4.

5’ For HP 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53181A Performance

Test Record on page 1-71, Test 3.

Termination Check

1Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
2 Connect a digital voltmeter (DVM) to CHANNEL 1 as shown in

Figure 1-2, and set it to measure ohms (set DVM to appropriate

Ω

range).

Counter

HP 53131A/132A is shown in abo ve figure. This setup fo r the HP53181A requires a connection to Channel 1 only.

HP 3458A
Digital Multimeter

BNC - to - Dual

Banana Plug

Figure 1-2. Termination Check Setup

1-8 Assembly-Level Service Guide