Keysight Technologies
RF & Universal Frequency
Counter/Timers Migration,
Comparison, and Differences Guide
53200A Series (53210A, 53220A, 53230A)
531xxA Series (53131A, 53132A, 53181A)
Application Note
Introduction
The Keysight Technologies, Inc. 53131A, 53132A, 53181A (531xxA) RF and universal frequency counters have long established the industry standard for best-in-class frequency and time measurements.
The 53210A, 53220A, and 53230A (53200A Series) counters offer a replacement for the 531xxA
family, providing even more capabilities in the speed and accuracy that only frequency counters can
provide. The 53200A Series also provides new and advanced capabilities for a broader variety of
applications.
This document compares key capabilities, and highlights those areas where there are differences and
advancements of note between the products.
53131A, 53132A, and 53181A to 53200A Series
Product Replacement Guide
Table 1. Product replacement guide
53131A, 53132A, and 53181A counters/timers New 53200A Series counter/timers
If you use these models: Now order this:
53181A 225 MHz RF counter (10 digits/s)
1 channel with optional 2nd microwave channel
53131A 225 MHz universal counter (10 digits/s, 500 ps)
2 channels with optional 3rd microwave channel
53132A 225 MHz universal counter (12 digits/s, 150 ps)
2 channels with optional 3rd microwave channel
Options
If you use this option: Now order this:
001 Medium stability time base N/A - TCXO time base comes standard in base models
010 High stability time base 010 Ultra-high stability OCXO time base
012 Ultra-high stability oven time base (53132A only) 010 Ultra-high stability OCXO time base
015 Add 1.5 GHz channel (BNC) (53181A only) 106 Add 6 GHz CW channel (Type N)
030 Add 3 GHz channel (BNC) 106 Add 6 GHz CW channel (Type N)
050 Add 5 GHz channel (Type N) 106 Add 6 GHz CW channel (Type N)
124 Add 12.4 GHz channel (Type N) 115 Add 15 GHz CW channel (Type N)
060 Baseband rear input in parallel with front input 201 Add rear panel parallel input for baseband channel(s)
061 Baseband rear input in parallel with front input,
microwave input rear only
062 Baseband rear input in parallel with front input,
microwave input front only
53210A 350 MHz RF counter (10 digits/s)
1 channel with optional 2nd microwave channel
53220A 350 MHz universal counter (12 digits/s, 100 ps)
2 channels with optional 3rd microwave channel
53220A 350 MHz universal counter (12 digits/s, 100 ps)
or 53230A 350 MHz universal counter (12 digits/s, 20 ps)
2 channels with optional 3rd microwave channel
201 Add rear panel parallel input for baseband channel(s)
203 Move microwave channel to rear (SMA)
201 Add rear panel parallel input for baseband channel(s)
NOTE: Default for microwave channels (Option 106 and
115) is front.
03 | Keysight | RF & Universal Frequency Counter/Timers Migration, Comparison, and Differences Guide - Application Note
Specification Comparison
There are many factors to consider when looking to replace reliable instruments such as
the 531xxA Series of frequency counters. Table 2 outlines some of the compatible features shared by the 531xxA Series and the 53200A Series. A complete comparison can
be made using the data sheets for the respective frequency counters. These documents
can be found under the document tab at www.keysight.com/find/frequencycounters
Table 2. Key specification differences
Specification Keysight 531xxA Series
(53181A, 53131A, 53132A)
Frequency bandwidth 225 MHz, 1.5 (53181A only), 3, 5, 12.4 GHz 350 MHz, 6, 15 GHz
Frequency resolution 10 digits/s (53181A, 53131A)
12 digits/s (53132A)
Time interval resolution
(single-shot resolution)
Memory None 1 M reading internal memory
Speed Transactional: 200 readings/s
Timebase XO (standard in all models)
Interfaces GPIB, RS232 (print only) LXI-C/LAN, USB, GPIB
Display and analysis Vacuum florescent display
Rack mount dimensions 212.6 mm (W) x 88.5 mm (H) x 348.3 mm (D)
500 ps (53131A)
150 ps (53132A)
Readings to memory: N/A
Timestamp: N/A
3 OCXO options
Math and limit operations
(2U x ½ width)
Keysight 53200A Series
(53210A, 53220A, 53230A)
10 digits/s (53210A)
12 digits/s (53220A, 53230A)
100 ps (53220A)
20 ps (53230A)
USB flash
Transactional: 350 to 400 readings/s
Readings to memory:
– Frequency: up to 75,000 readings/s
– Time interval: up to 90,000 readings/s
Timestamp: up to 1 M readings/s
TCXO (standard in all models)
1 OCXO option
Color graphical display
Full integrated math, limits, statistics, graphs
212.8 mm (W) x 88.3 mm (H) x 272.3 mm (D)
(2U x ½ width)
04 | Keysight | RF & Universal Frequency Counter/Timers Migration, Comparison, and Differences Guide - Application Note
Compatibility
There are many factors to consider when looking to replace reliable instruments such as
the 531xxA Series of frequency counters. Table 3 outline some of the common features
between the 531xx A Series and the 53200A Series.
Table 3. Compatibility summary
Attribute Details
Functions and ranges 53200A Series is a superset of the 531xxA Series capabilities
Timebase 53200A Series comes standard with a timebase that is of equivalent performance to Option 001 on the
531xxA model counters
Measurement accuracy and resolution 53200A Series’ specifications are equivalent or better with few exceptions
SCPI compatibility We have taken extra care to ensure the 53200A Series works with SCPI programs that were written for
the Keysight 531xxA Series while using the compatibility mode
Mechanical size Height and width dimensions are the same
Accessories Rack mount kits are compatible with both products
Manufacturing Both counters are produced to the same rigorous quality standards and manufacturing process controls
Keysight service and support Our international team is available to help you calibrate your counter or answer any questions about
either instrument
Physical and Measurement Differences
There are also some differences and feature enhancements between the two series of
counters as summarized in Table 4.
Table 4. Key at tribute dif ferences between the 531xxA Series and 53200A Series
Attribute 531xxA Series 53200A Series
Interface ports GPIB and RS-232 printer LAN, GPIB, and USB
Length 348.3 mm 272.3 mm
Connector location Positions are dif ferent
Calibration Uses dif ferent calibration procedures with different
default password
Bandwidth 225 MHz (base channel) 350 MHz
Optional microwave channels 4 channels: 1.5, 3, 5, and 12.5 GHz 2 channels: 6 and 15 GHz
Connectors Optional microwave channel: BNC Optional microwave channel: N-type
Rear option: SMA
Specification calculations Different method used
Specification values 012 timebase option is slightly better than the OCXO
option on the 53200A Series
Limit out capabilities Provided via RS-232 hardware Provided by software
Typically equal to or exceed 531xxA Series
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