Keysight 53147A, 53148A, 53149A Operating And Programming Manual

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A
Microwave Frequency
Counter/Power Meter/DVM

Operating and
Programming
Guide

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

Copyright Notice

© Keysight Technologies 2001 - 2017
No part of this manual may be repro-

duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign
language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Keysight Technol­ogies as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.

Manual Part Number

53147-90009

Edition

Edition 3, November 1, 2017

Printed in:

Printed in Malaysia

Published by:

Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone,
11900 Penang, Malaysia

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software
described in this document are fur­nished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license.

Declaration of Conformity

Declarations of Conformity for this
product and for other Keysight prod­ucts may be downloaded from the
Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/

go/conformity. You can then search by

product number to find the latest Dec­laration of Conformity.

U.S. Government Rights

The Software is “commercial computer
software,” as defined by Federal Acqui­sition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursu­ant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR Supple­ment (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the U.S.
government acquires commercial com­puter software under the same terms
by which the software is customarily
provided to the public. Accordingly,
Keysight provides the Software to U.S.
government customers under its stan­dard commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can
be found at http://www.keysight.com/

find/sweula. The license set forth in the

EULA represents the exclusive authority
by which the U.S. government may use,
modify, distribute, or disclose the Soft­ware. The EULA and the license set
forth therein, does not require or per­mit, among other things, that Keysight:
(1) Furnish technical information
related to commercial computer soft­ware or commercial computer software
documentation that is not customarily
provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish
to, or otherwise provide, the govern­ment rights in excess of these rights
customarily provided to the public to
use, modify, reproduce, release, per­form, display, or disclose commercial
computer software or commercial com­puter software documentation. No
additional government requirements
beyond those set forth in the EULA
shall apply, except to the extent that
those terms, rights, or licenses are
explicitly required from all providers of
commercial computer software pursu­ant to the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing else­where in the EULA. Keysight shall be
under no obligation to update, revise or
otherwise modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR

12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS

227.7102, the U.S. government
acquires no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR

227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any
technical data.

Warranty

THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT DIS­CLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD
TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMA­TION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUD­ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER­CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS
OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE­QUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION
WITH THE FURNISHING, USE, OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
OR OF ANY INFORMATION CON­TAINED HEREIN. SHOULD KEYSIGHT
AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE
WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH WAR­RANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATE­RIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE
WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL.

Safety Information

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce­dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not pro­ceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce­dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.

2 Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A Operating and Programming Guide

Serial Prefix Number

This guide describes how to service the Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A.
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: US4047 (53147A)

Certification and Warranty

Certification

Keysight Technologies certifies that this product met its published specification at
the time of shipment from the factory. Keysight 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.

US4048 (53148A)
US4049 (53149A)

Warranty

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

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

Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A Operating and Programming Guide 3

Keysight does not warrant that the operation of Keysight products will be
uninterrupted or error free. If Keysight is unable, within a reasonable time, to
repair or replace any product to a condition as warranted, customer will be
entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon prompt return of the product.

Keysight products may contain remanufactured parts equivalent to new in
performance or may have been subjected to incidental use.

The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the date of installation if
installed by Keysight. If customer schedules or delays Keysight installation more
than 30 days after delivery, warranty begins on the 31st day from delivery.

Warranty does not apply to defects resulting from (a) improper or inadequate
maintenance or calibration, (b) software, interfacing, parts or supplies not
supplied by Keysight, (c) unauthorized modification or misuse, (d) operation
outside of the published environmental specifications for the product, or
(e) improper site preparation or maintenance.

TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE
EXCLUSIVE AND NO OTHER WARRANTY OR CONDITION, WHETHER WRITTEN
OR ORAL, IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AND Keysight SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY,
SATISFACTORY QUALITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Keysight will be liable for damage to tangible property per incident up to the
greater of $300,000 or the actual amount paid for the product that is the subject
of the claim, and for damages for bodily injury or death, to the extent that all such
damages are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been
directly caused by a defective Keysight product.

TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE REMEDIES IN THIS WARRANTY
STATEMENT ARE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS
INDICATED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL Keysight OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE
FOR LOSS OF DATA OR FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL
(INCLUDING LOST PROFIT OR DATA), OR OTHER DAMAGE, WHETHER BASED IN
CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE.

For consumer transactions in Australia and New Zealand: the warranty terms
contained in this statement, except to the extent lawfully permitted, do not
exclude, restrict or modify and are in addition to the mandatory statutory
rights applicable to the sale of this product to you.

4 Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A Operating and Programming Guide

Safety Symbols

The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate
precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.

Direct current (DC) Alternating current (AC)

Caution, risk of danger (refer to this
manual for specific Warning or Caution
information)

Earth (ground) terminal Frame or chassis (ground) terminal

Alternating current (AC) Direct current (DC)

Caution, risk of electric shock

Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A Operating and Programming Guide 5

Safety Considerations

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

Read the information below before using this instrument.

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards for design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Keysight
Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements.

Safety Earth Ground

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

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 TYPICALLY AT
EARTH GROUND. THUS, NEVER TRY TO MEASURE AC POWER LINE
SIGNALS WITHOUT AN ISOLATION TRANSFORMER.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADJUSTMENTS WHILE COVERS ARE REMOVED AND
FOR SERVICING ARE FOR USE BY SERVICE-TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY. TO
AVOID DANGEROUS ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT PERFORM SUCH
ADJUSTMENTS OR SERVICING UNLESS QUALIFIED TO DO SO.

ANY INTERRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE GROUNDING CONDUCTOR
(INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE PRODUCT’S CIRCUITRY) OR DISCONNECTING
THE PROTECTIVE EARTH TERMINAL WILL CAUSE A POTENTIAL SHOCK
HAZARD THAT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. (GROUND ING ONE
CONDUCTOR OF A TWO CONDUCTOR OUTLET IS NOT SUFFICEIENT
PROTECTION.)

6 Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A Operating and Programming Guide

Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the instrument must
be made inpoerative and be secured against any unintended operation.

If this instrument is to be energized via an autotransformer (for voltage reduction),
make sure the common terminal is connected to the earthed pole terminal
(neutral) of the power source.

Instructions for adjustments while covers are removed and for servicing are for use
by trained personnel only. To avoid dangerous electric shock, do not perform such
ajdustments or servicing unless qualified to do so.

For continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) with fuses of the
same current rating and type (for example, normal blow, time delay). Do not use
repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders.

Acoustic Noise Emissions

LpA<47 dB at operator position, at normal operation, tested per EN 27779. All
data are the results from type test.

Geräuschemission

LpA<47 dB am Arbeits
platz, normaler Betrieb, geprüft nach EN 27779.
Die Angagen beruhen auf Ergebnissen von Typenprüfungen.

Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Testing

When the product is tested with 8kV AD, 4kV CD and 4kV ID according to
IEC801-2, a system error may occur that may affect measurement data made
during these disturbances. After these occurrences, the system self-recovers
without user intervention.

Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A Operating and Programming Guide 7

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive marking requirement. This
affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or
electronic product in domestic household waste.

Product category:

With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.

The affixed product label is as shown below.

Do not dispose in domestic household waste.

To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center,
or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml
for more information.

Sales and Technical Support

To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:

– www.keysight.com/find/counters

(product-specific information and support, software and
documentation updates)

– www.keysight.com/find/assist

(worldwide contact information for repair and service)

8 Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A Operating and Programming Guide

Table of Contents

Serial Prefix Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Certification and Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Safety Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Acoustic Noise Emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Geräuschemission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive . . . . . . . .8

Product category: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

List of Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

In This Guide

Contents and Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Types of Service Available if Instrument Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Standard Repair Services (Worldwide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service (USA Only) . . . . .24

Repair Instrument Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Repackaging for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Description of the Microwave Frequency Counter/Power Meter/DVM 26

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Retrofit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Accessories Supplied and Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 9

Accessories Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Accessories Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Manuals Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Quick Reference Guide

1 Getting Started

The Front Panel at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

The Front Panel Indicators at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

The Front Panel Menus at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

The Display Annunciators at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

The Display Special Characters at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

The Rear Panel at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Operating the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

2 Operating Your Instrument

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

How this Instrument Works for You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Summary of the Measurement Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Using the Selection Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Sequencing Through the Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Numeric Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Changing States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Using the Clear and Reset/Local Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Acknowledging Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Other Function Selection Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Measuring Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Setting the Resolution and Measurement Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Setting the Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Setting the Measurement Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Setting the Number of Averages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Averages Setting Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

10 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Measuring Relative Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Relative Frequency Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Offsetting a Frequency Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Frequency Offset Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Measuring Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Selecting a Power Head (Sensor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Making a Power Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Modifying and Adding Calibration Factor Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Measuring Relative Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Relative Power Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Offsetting a Power Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Power Offset Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Measuring Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Voltage Measurement Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Using the Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

3Programming

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

How to Use This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

New Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Experienced Programmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Front Panel to SCPI Command Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

SCPI Conformance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

IEEE 488.2 Common Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A SCPI Subsystem Commands . . . . .142

Std/New Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Parameter Form Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 11

*RST Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Programming the Instrument for Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Connecting the Instrument to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Connecting With the GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

IEEE 488.1 Interface Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Connecting With the RS-232 Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Remote/Local Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Overview of Command Types and Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Common Command Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

SCPI Command and Query Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Elements of SCPI Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Subsystem Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Common Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Abbreviated Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Keyword Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Optional Keyword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Parameter Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Parameter Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Query Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Suffixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Command Terminator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Using Multiple Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Program Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Program Message Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Overview of Response Message Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Response Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Response Message Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Response Message Data Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Status Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Status Byte Register and Service Request Enable Register . . . . . 176

Standard Event Status Register Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

The Operation and Questionable Data Status Register Groups . . 182

Programming the Instrument for Status Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

12 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Determining the Condition of the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Resetting the Instrument and Clearing the Remote Interface

—Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Using the Standard Event Status Register to Trap an Incorrect

Command—Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Using the Operation Status Register to Alert the Computer When

Measuring is Complete—Example 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Programming the Instrument to Display Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Configuring the Instrument's Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

Commands for Displaying Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Command for Displaying Raw Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Commands for Displaying Relative Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Commands for Enabling and Disabling the Display . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Programming the Instrument to Synchronize Measurements . . . . . .196

Synchronizing Measurement Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

Resetting the Instrument and Clearing the Interface . . . . . . . . . . .196

Using the *WAI Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

Using the *OPC? Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Using the *OPC Command to Assert SRQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Writing SCPI Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202

Using BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202

Using C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

List of the Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

Making a Frequency Measurement (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204

Making a Frequency Measurement (QuickBASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

Making a Frequency Measurement (C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

:ABORt Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209

:CALibration Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210

:DISPlay Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215

Group Execute Trigger (GET) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217

:INITiate Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 13

:INPut Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

:MEASure Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Measurement Instructions

(:CONFigure, :FETCh, :MEASure, :READ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Descriptions of the Measurement Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

How to Use the Measurement Instruction Commands . . . . . . . . . 229

:MEMory Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

[:SENSe] Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

[:SENSe]:FUNCtion Subtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

[:SENSe]:POWer Subtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

[:SENSe]:ROSCillator Subtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

:STATus Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

:STATus:OPERation Subtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

:STATus:QUEStionable Subtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

:SYSTem Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

:SYSTem:COMMunicate Subtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

:TRIGger Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

:UNIT Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

Common Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

*CLS (Clear Status Command) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

*DDT <arbitrary block> (Define Device Trigger Command)

*DDT? (Define Device Trigger Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

*ESE (Standard Event Status Enable Command)

*ESE? (Standard Event Status Enable Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

*ESR? (Event Status Register Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

*IDN? (Identification Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

*IST? (Instrument Status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

*OPC (Operation Complete Command) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

*OPC? (Operation Complete Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

*PRE (Parallel Poll Enable Register)

*PRE? (Parallel Poll Enable Register Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

*RCL (Recall Command) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

*RST (Reset Command) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

14 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

*SAV (Save Command) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261

*SRE (Service Request Enable Command)

*SRE? (Service Request Enable Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262

*STB? (Status Byte Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263

*TRG (Trigger Command) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264

*TST? (Self-Test Query) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264

*WAI (Wait-to-Continue Command) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266

Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

Reading an Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

Error Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268

Error Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

No Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

Command Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

Execution Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

Device-Specific or Instrument-Specific Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

Query Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271

Error List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271

4 Specifications

A Rack Mounting the Instrument

Rack Mounting the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

BMessages

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286

Status Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287

Self-Test Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289

C Using the Battery Option

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .292

Operating the Instrument from the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .292

Operating the Instrument from a DC Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294

Replacing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295

Removing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 15

Installing Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

Charging the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

16 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

List of Figures

Figure 3-1 Front Panel Control to SCPI Command Map

Figure 3-1 Front Panel Control to SCPI Command Map

Figure 3-2 Front Panel Menu to SCPI Command Map

Figure 3-2 Front Panel Menu to SCPI Command Map

Figure 3-3 GPIB Interconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Figure 3-4 Location of the RS-232 (RJ12) Connector . . . . . . . .154

Figure 3-5 Wiring the RJ12/DB25 Adapter (1 of 2) . . . . . . . . . .156

Figure 3-5 Wiring the RJ12/DB25 Adapter (2 of 2) . . . . . . . . . .156

Figure 3-6 Assembling the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Figure 3-7 RS-232 Serial Interconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Figure 3-8 Simplified Program Command Syntax Diagram . . . .160

Figure 3-9 Simplified Common Command Syntax Diagram . . . .161

Figure 3-10 Simplified Program Message Syntax Diagram . . . . .167

Figure 3-11 Simplified Response Message Syntax Diagram . . . .170

Figure 3-12 53147A/148A/149A SCPI Status Reporting

Figure 3-13 Status Byte and Service Request Enable . . . . . . . . .176

Figure 3-14 Standard Event Status Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Figure 3-15 Operation and Questionable Data Status Reporting

Figure 3-16 Status Reporting Flowchart (1 of 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192

Figure 3-16 Status Reporting Flowchart (2 of 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193

Figure 3-17 SCPI Programming Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201

Figure 3-18 The Operation Status Register Group . . . . . . . . . . . .242

Figure 3-19 The Questionable Data/Signal Status Register

Figure 3-20 The Standard Event Status Enable Register . . . . . . .256

Figure 3-21 Standard Event Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257

Figure 3-22 The Service Request Enable Register . . . . . . . . . . . .262

Figure 3-23 The Status Byte Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263

(Part 1 of 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

(Part 2 of 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

(Part 1 of 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

(Part 2 of 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Summary Functional Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 17

Figure C-1 Battery Charge Level Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

Figure C-2 External DC Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

Figure C-3 Removing and Installing Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

18 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

List of Tables

Table 2-1 Calibration Factor Data Point Modifications . . . . . . . .98

Table 2-2 Calibration Table Data-Point Values . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Table 2-3 Factory Default Function Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Table 3-1 IEEE 488.2 Common Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Table 3-2 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A SCPI Command

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Table 3-2 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A SCPI Command

Summary (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Table 3-2 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A SCPI Command

Summary (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Table 3-3 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A *RST State . . . . . . . . .149

Table 3-4 Unaffected by *RST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Table 3-5 Command and Query Parameter Types . . . . . . . . . . .163

Table 3-6 Suffix Multipliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Table 3-7 Response Message Data Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Table 3-8 Status Byte Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Table 3-9 Standard Event Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Table 3-10 Transition Filter Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Table 3-11 Operation Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

Table 3-12 Questionable Data Status Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Table 3-13 Summary of the Measurement Instruction

Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222

Table 3-14 The <function>, <parameters>, and <source_list>

for the Measure Instruction Commands . . . . . . . .227

Table 3-15 Self-Test Error Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265

Table 3-16 Error Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

Table 3-17 Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272

Table B-1 Status Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287

Table B-2 Self-Test Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288

Table B-3 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 19

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

20 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

In This Guide

In This Guide

This book is the Operating and Programming Guide for the Keysight 53147A,
53148A, and 53149A. It consists of a table of contents, this preface, a
quick-reference guide, four chapters, three appendices, and an index.

This preface contains the following information:

– “Contents and Organization” pg. 22

– “Related Documents” pg. 23

– “Types of Service Available if Instrument Fails” pg. 24

– “Repackaging for Shipment” pg. 25

– “Description of the Microwave Frequency Counter/Power Meter/DVM” pg. 26

– “Options” pg. 27

– “Accessories Supplied and Available” pg. 28

– “Manuals Supplied” pg. 28

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 21

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 instrument'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 instrument.

Chapter 3 “Programming” provides information that you can use to remotely
operate the instrument.

Chapter 4 “Specifications” lists the specifications and characteristics of the
instrument.

Appendix A “Rack Mounting the Instrument” provides rack-mounting
procedures for the instrument.

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

Appendix C “Using the Battery Option” explains how to use the instrument with
the Battery option.

“Index”

22 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Related Documents

For more information on frequency counters, refer to the following Series 200
Application Notes:

– Fundamentals of Electronic Frequency Counters,

Application Note 200, Keysight part number 02-5952-7506.

– Understanding Frequency Counter Specifications,

Application Note 200-4, Keysight part number 02-5952-7522.

– Fundamentals of Time and Frequency Standards,

Application Note 52-1, Keysight part number 02-5952-7870.

In This Guide

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 23

In This Guide

Types of Service Available if Instrument Fails

If your instrument fails within one year of original purchase, Keysight will repair it
free of charge. If your instrument fails after your one-year warranty expires,
Keysight 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 Keysight Service Center to arrange to have your instrument
repaired.

Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service (USA Only)

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

24 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Repackaging for Shipment

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

If the instrument is to be shipped to Keysight 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.

Keysight suggests that you always insure shipments.

In This Guide

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 25

In This Guide

Description of the Microwave Frequency Counter/Power Meter/ DVM

The Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A are capable of measuring frequencies
from 10 Hz to 125 MHz on Channel 1 and from 50 MHz to 20 GHz (53147A), 26.5
GHz (53148A), and 46 GHz (53149A) on Channel 2. These instruments are also
capable of measuring power (the power and frequency ranges for power
measurement are dependent on the power-sensor model used) and DC voltages
up to ±50 VDC. All three instruments have a maximum frequency resolution of
1 Hz.

The Keysight 53147A/148A/149A provide GPIB and RS-232 serial interfaces and
are suitable for field, bench-top, and ATE operation.

The basic measurement functions of the Keysight 53147A/148A/149A includes
Frequency, Relative Frequency, Frequency Offset, Power, Power Offset, Relative
Power, and DC voltages. All of these features are accessible from the front panel
and over the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces.

The Keysight 53147A/148A/149A 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 a GPIB or an RS-232 serial interface. The
GPIB and RS-232 ports are standard for the Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and
53149A.

26 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Options

Hardware

Retrofit

In This Guide

The options available for the Keysight 53147A/148A/149A are listed below.
Specifications for the options are listed in Chapter 4, “Specifications”. Options
ordered with the instrument are installed at the factory and are ready for operation
on delivery. Refer to the “Retrofitting Options” chapter in the Keysight 53147A/
148A/149A Assembly-Level Service Guide for information on installing options in
the field.

– High Stability Oven Timebase, Option 001

– Battery/DC Power Input, Option 002

– Rack Mount Kit, Option 1CM

– Soft Carrying Case, Option 007

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

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 27

In This Guide

Accessories Supplied and Available

Accessories Supplied

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

– Power sensor cable (Keysight 11730A)

– DVM test leads (Keysight 34132B)

Accessories Available

– Soft Carrying Case (Keysight P/N 53147-80016)

– Automotive Power Adapter (Keysight P/N 53150-60214)

– Battery (Keysight P/N 53150-80010)

– GPIB Cables (Keysight 10833A/B/C/D)

– RS-232 Cable (Keysight P/N 53150-60215)

– Power Sensors (Keysight 8480 series)

Manuals Supplied

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide
(Keysight P/N 53147-90009)

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Assembly-Level Service Guide

(Keysight P/N 53147-90010)

28 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Quick Reference Guide

Keysight 53147A/148A/
149A Quick Reference
Guide

The Quick Reference Guide is designed for experienced users of the
Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A. It is intended to be used as a tool to
trigger your memory. If you are using the instrument for the first time, it is
recommended 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.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 29

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Quick Reference Guide

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A
Frequency Counter/Power Meter/DVM

00 000 000 000 000

49 999 999 999 999

< 2060162-00 >

< US 000 001 11 >

<OPTNS -- -- -- -- >

BATT VOLTAGE

0.0

53147A >

OP 9999 HRS

DO SELF TEST

RECALL > 0 to 9

CH1 LPF > ON

CH1 LPF > OFF

FM > AUTO

FM > OFF

REF OSC > EXT

REF OSC > INT

HEAD > 8487A

HEAD > 8485A

HEAD > 8482A

HEAD > 8481D

HEAD > OFF

SAVE > 0 to 9

PRESET

PWR REF > ON

PWR REF > OFF

BAUD > 4800

BAUD > 2400

BAUD > 1200

BAUD > 19200

BAUD > 14400

BAUD > 9600

HEAD > 8481A

GPIB ADDR > 0 to 30

CUSTOMHEAD >1

CUSTOMHEAD >2

CUSTOMHEAD >3

± 99.99

± 00.00

AVERAGES 01

AVERAGES 99

RATE FAST

RATE MED

RATE SLOW

RATE HOLD

GHz MHz kHz Hz

+ / –

Rate

RESOL 1 HZ

RESOL 10 KHZ

RESOL 100 KHZ

RESOL 1 MHZ

GHz MHz kHz Hz

Offset

Resol

Freq

GHz MHz kHz Hz

Resol

Offset

Freq

050.0

150.0

GHz MHz kHz Hz

Freq

Factor

Cal

GHz MHz kHz Hz

Avg

Offset

Pwr

GHz MHz kHz Hz

Avg

Offset

Pwr

GHz MHz kHz Hz

Menu

Reset/
Local

00.0

* *.*

GHz MHz kHz Hz

Freq

Factor

Cal

* *.* = Counter
frequency

max.

30 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Microwave Frequency Counter/
Power Meter/DVM

Operating and Programming Guide

1 Getting Started

The Front Panel at a Glance 32
The Front Panel Indicators at a Glance 33
The Front Panel Menus at a Glance 35
The Display Annunciators at a Glance 36
The Display Special Characters at a Glance 38
The Rear Panel at a Glance 39
Operating the Instrument 40

31

1 Getting Started

The Front Panel at a Glance

13

POWER

Menu

Standby

Reset/
Local

Shift

Ch 12

Rel Freq

Offset

Avg On

Rel Pwr

Offset

Freq
Offset

Resol

On/Off

Clear

Cal
Factor

Freq

Rate

+ / -

GHz

MODIFY

Pwr
Offset

Avg

Enter

2

29

1 Power / Standby switch
2 Average / Power Offset key
3 LCD display
4 Selection-keys-active indicator
5 Display Power / dBm/W key
6 Instrument-function indicators

(Counter / Power Meter / DVM)

7 Power Reference Output connector
8 Channel 1 input connector
9 Channel 2 input connector
10 Power Meter Input connector
11 DVM + connector
12 DVM – connector
13 Zero key
14 Display DVM key

4

MHz

dB
dBm
Watts
mW
uW

nW

%

Select

2122232425262728

Gate

1951820

kHz

COUNTER

Offset
On/Off

20 GHz Counter/Power Meter/DVM

Hz

Ext Rel

Hold

Rate Rmt SRQ

Pwr Ref

Error
Shift

POWER METER

dBm/W

Display

Zero

Power

Store

Rel Pwr

Offset

Cal

On/Off

Display

Rel FreqChan

DVM

16

6 7 8

DVM

+

–

12 91011

POWER METER

1.00mW 50MHz

Do NOT Exceed
Sensor Max Power

Counter

Power
Meter

DVM

DAMAGE

±60 VDC

141517

13

OUTPUT

Power Ref.

INPUT

COUNTER

CHANNEL 1

10 Hz to 125 MHz

DAMAGE

+30 dBm

COUNTER

CHANNEL 2

50MHz to 20 GHz

DAMAGE

+27 dBm

1MΩ

50Ω

15 Calibrate / Store key
16 Relative Frequency key
17 Power Offset On/Off / Relative Power key
18 Frequency Offset On/Off key
19 Selection (arrow) keys
20 Counter Channel Selection key
21 Gate indicator
22 Enter key
23 Frequency / Calibration Factor key
24 Sign change (+/–) / Rate key
25 Resolution / Frequency Offset key
26 Clear / Display Backlight On/Off key
27 Reset/Local / Menu key
28 Shift key
29 Standby indicator

32 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

The Front Panel Indicators at a Glance

POWER

Standby

Counter

Power
Meter

DVM

COUNT

Gate

Chan
Select

There are five front-panel LED indicators. These are listed and described in the
following table.

Indicator Description

The Standby indicator is lit whenever the power cord is connected (or the
battery option is supplying power), and the POWER switch on the front
panel is OFF (out). During Standby, most of the instrument’s circuits do not
receive power. The cooling fan and the timebase are powered to maintain
temperature stability in the timebase components, 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 ind icator goes off, and all of
the instrument’s circuits receive power.

The function LEDs light to indicate which of the instrument’s functions are
displayed. If frequency is the only measurement displayed (the Power
Meter and the DVM are disabled), only the Counter LED is lit. If both
frequency and power measurements are displayed (the Counter and the
Power Meter are enabled), the Counter and Power Meter LEDs are lit. If a
voltage reading and a power reading are displayed (the DVM and the Power
Meter are enabled), the Power Meter and DVM LEDs are lit. If only a voltage
reading is displayed (the DVM is the only function enabled), the DVM LED
is lit, and the Counter and Power Meter LEDs are not lit.

Getting Started 1

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

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 33

1 Getting Started

NOTE

It is normal for the fan to run when the instrument is in Standby mode. Power is
supplied to the timebase whenever the instrument is connected to a power
source, and the fan runs to cool the power supply.

34 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

The Front Panel Menus at a Glance

Reset/
Local

Menu

Shift

< 2060162-00 >

< US 400 001 11 >

<OPTNS -- -- -- -- >

BATT VOLTAGE

0.0

53147A >

OP 9999 HRS

DO SELF TEST

RECALL > 0 to 9

CH1 LPF > ON

CH1 LPF > OFF

FM > AUTO

FM > OFF

REF OSC > EXT

REF OSC > INT

HEAD > 8487A
HEAD > 8485A
HEAD > 8482A

HEAD > OFF

SAVE > 0 to 9

PRESET

PWR REF > ON

PWR REF > OFF

BAUD > 4800
BAUD > 2400
BAUD > 1200
BAUD > 19200
BAUD > 14400

BAUD > 9600

HEAD > 8481D
HEAD > 8481A

GPIB ADDR > 0 to 30

+ / –

RATE FAST

RATE MED
RATE SLOW
RATE HOLD

Rate

Resol

RESOL 1 HZ

RESOL 10 KHZ
RESOL 100 KHZ
RESOL 1 MHZ

Freq
Offset

CUSTOMHEAD>1
CUSTOMHEAD>2
CUSTOMHEAD>3

Getting Started 1

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 35

1 Getting Started

Ch 12

Rel Freq

Offset

Avg On

Rel Pwr

Offset

dB
dBm
Watts
mW
uW
%

Ext Ref

Error
Shift

Hold

Rate Rmt SRQ

GHz

MHz

kHz

Hz

nW

Pwr Ref

The Display Annunciators at a Glance

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 stored value.

Freq
Offset

Avg On

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

The displayed measurement value is the result of a number of individual
measurements that have been averaged.

Pwr The instrument is set to measure Power (Power Meter is on).

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

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

dB, dBm, Watts,
mW, mW, nW, %

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 Timebase for frequency measurements.

Hold Indicates the instrument 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.

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

Shift

36 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

Annunciator Description

Pwr Ref Indicates that the 1 mW power reference output is turned on.

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

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 37

1 Getting Started

NOTE

The Display Special Characters at a Glance

Special Characters 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.

The 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. To switch between the two, press the right arrow key when the
right pointer ( ) is flashing, or press the left arrow key when the left pointer ( )
is flashing.

38 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

The Rear Panel at a Glance

OPTIONS

001 Oven Time Base
002 Battery

Main Power

!

!

In or Out

Reference 10 MHz

Auxiliary

AC POWER
90-130 VAC 50/60/400 Hz
190-230 VAC 50/60 Hz

FUSE

1.0A
250V

WARNING:

To avoid electrical shock:
Do not remove covers.

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

RS-

232

GPIB

Counter/ Power Meter/ DVM

This unit must be earth grounded.

Made in U.S.A.

of domestic and foreign content

OPTIONS

001 Oven Time Base
002 Battery

Main Power

!

!

In or Out

Reference 10 MHz

Auxiliary

AC POWER
90-130 VAC 50/60/400 Hz
190-230 VAC 50/60 Hz

FUSE

1.0A
250V

WARNING:

To avoid electrical shock:
Do not remove covers.

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

RS-

232

GPIB

Counter/ Power Meter/ DVM

This unit must be earth grounded.

Made in U.S.A.

of domestic and foreign content

BATTERY PACK

Made in U.S.A.

of domestic and foreign content

Battery

Battery
Charging

EXT DC

+

11 to 18 VDC

21

3

4

5

6

7

8

21

3

4

9

6

12

7

8

10

11

Standard

With
Battery Option

Getting Started 1

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 39

1 AC Input/Power module (Senses incoming

voltage and adjusts automatically)

2 Fuse Holder (behind door)
3 External Reference connector (BNC)

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

4 Auxiliary connector (reserved)

[a]

5 Battery option cover plate

[a] The Auxiliary connector is not installed on standard production units.

6 GPIB Interface connector (IEEE-488.2)
7 RS-232 Interface connector (RJ12)
8 Serial number plate
9 Battery sled (Battery option only)
10 Battery power switch (Battery option only)
11 Battery Charging LED (Battery option only)
12 EXT DC power-input connector (Battery option

only)

1 Getting Started

Operating the Instrument

The procedures in this section are designed to familiarize you with the
instrument’s features and controls. Keysight 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 instrument’s settings.
The following procedures are provided:

– Turning the Instrument 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

– Setting the Power Head Model Number

–Measuring Power

–Measuring Relative Power

– Offsetting a Power Measurement

– Setting the Measurement Rate

– Setting the Number of Averages

– Setting the Resolution

–Measuring Voltage

40 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

4

3

56

798

1

2

Legend

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

1 Press key one time

and release

2 Multiple key presses

3 Result
4 Auto operation
5 Connect signal
6 Disconnect signal

7 Indicator off
8 Indicator on
9 Indicator flashing

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 41

1 Getting Started

Ch 12

Rel Freq

Offset

Avg On

Rel Pwr

Offset

dB
dBm
Watts
mW
uW
%

Ext Ref

Error
Shift

Hold

Rate Rmt SRQ

Ch 2

Freq

POWER

Standby

nW

Pwr Ref

Turning the Instrument On

To turn on the instrument, press and release the POWER button on the front
panel.

42 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

NOTE

NOTE

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Shift

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

On/Off

Clear

Ch 2

Freq

On/Off

Clear

NOTE

If a signal was applied to the Counter’s Channel 2 input connector prior to
turning on the instrument, CH2 NO SIGNAL is displayed momentarily. As soon as
the Counter acquires the input signal, it displays the signal’s value.

The internal Reference Oscillator requires 15 minutes to reach a stable operating
temperature. Since the Reference Oscillator receives power only when the
instrument is on or in Standby mode, no measurements should be taken unless
the instrument has been receiving power for at least that amount of time.

Turning the Display Backlight Off or On

When you first turn the instrument 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.

If your instrument has the Battery option, you can extend the length of time the
instrument can operate from the batteries by turning off the display backlight.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 43

1 Getting Started

Ch 2

Freq

Shift

Shift

Menu

Reset/
Local

NOTE

Using the Menu

The Keysight 53147A/148A/149A has one menu that you use to control a number
of the instrument’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.

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.)

The instrument does not switch to EXTernal unless a suitable reference signal is
available at the External Reference connector.

44 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Ch 2

Freq

Shift

Shift

Menu

Reset/
Local

Enter

Ch 2

Ext Ref

Getting Started 1

When you select the Menu, the indicator between the arrow keys flashes to
indicate that the arrow keys are now active. Since the Reference Oscillator setting
is the first one displayed when you invoke the Menu (unless you’ve used the Menu
to change another setting since you turned the instrument on), you don’t have to

use the (up-arrow) key or the (down-arrow) key to get to it.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 45

1 Getting Started

NOTE

When you press the (right-arrow) key, the flashing annunciator ( ) changes
direction, and the current setting for the Reference Oscillator (INT [internal] or EXT

[external]) flashes. This indicates that you can now change this setting. Use either
the up-arrow key or the down-arrow key to change the setting.

If there are more than two settings available for the currently selected function,
you can cycle through the available settings by repeatedly pressing either the
up-arrow key or the down-arrow key. For example,
to change the setting for the Baud rate for the serial port, use the sequence on
the next page.

Press either the Enter key or the left arrow key to accept the currently displayed
setting. The Enter key accepts the setting and exits the Menu; the left arrow key
accepts the setting but does not exit the Menu. Use the left arrow key to accept a
setting if you want to change additional menu settings. The Clear key reverses an
unaccepted setting change.

You navigate to and adjust the remaining settings available in the Menu in the
manner described above. The Menu also contains some items that provide
information only (no settings are required [or possible] for these), such as Battery
Voltage, Operation Hours, and information that identifies the instrument (Keysight
model number, firmware version number, serial number, and installed option
codes). These menu options and the ones described below are shown in “The

Front Panel Menus at a Glance” on page 35.

There is also a menu item called Preset and one called Do Self Test. If you press
the Enter key while PRESET is displayed, all of the instrument’s settings are
returned to the factory-default settings. If you press Enter while DO SELF TEST is
displayed, the instrument repeats the tests that are normally performed when the
instrument is first turned on.

Remember to terminate each value you change in any of the menu options by
pressing the Enter key or the left arrow key. You can abort a change to any menu
option while the Menu is displayed by pressing the Reset/Local key or the Clear
key. Both keys nullify any changes you made to the current menu option, but
they do not affect any changes to other menu options. The Clear key terminates
the current menu session, but the Reset/Local key does not.

46 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Menu

Reset/
Local

Enter

Ch 2

Freq

Shift

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Setting the Serial Port Baud Rate (Menu Example)

Getting Started 1

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 47

1 Getting Started

Chan
Select

Ch 1

Freq

Ch 2

Freq

Chan
Select

Selecting the Counter Input Channel

You can toggle between Counter Channels 1 and 2 by pressing the
Chan Select key.

48 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

Ch 2

Freq

Ch 1

Freq

Chan
Select

Ch 1

Freq

COUNTER

DAMAGE

+30 dBm

10 Hz to 125 MHz

Ch 2

Freq

CHANNEL 1

1M

CAUTION

Measuring Frequency

The following diagram shows the basic sequence to use to make a frequency
measurement using Channel 1. This example assumes that the instrument is on
and has completed the Self Test. For the purposes of this example, use the 10
MHz reference output on the instrument’s rear panel as a signal source for input
to Counter Channel 1.

The same procedure applies to making a basic frequency measurement
on Channel 2. However, since Channel 2 is automatically selected when you turn
on the instrument, the channel-selection step is unnecessary (unless you
previously selected Channel 1).

The Channel 2 input path circuits contain sensitive GaAs semiconductors. To
prevent damage to these components, always adhere to standard ESD
(Electro-Static Discharge) prevention procedures, and ensure that the
maximum power specification for this channel (+27 dBm) is not exceeded.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 49

1 Getting Started

NOTE

CAUTION

– The Counter displays CH2 NO SIGNAL or CH1 NO SIGNAL and shuts down all

– When the frequency of a signal applied to the Channel 2 input exceeds the

– The DVM uses the same portion of the display to display voltage

unnecessary circuits when a signal of insufficient amplitude (or no signal) is
applied to the corresponding input. This lowers the power consumption, and
if the Battery option is installed, it extends the length of time the instrument
can operate from the batteries.

maximum rated frequency for the Counter, it displays CH2 TOO HIGH.

measurements that the instrument uses to display frequency measurements.
Therefore, the DVM and the Counter cannot display measurements
simultaneously. Pressing the Display DVM key toggles the upper portion of
the display between the DVM and the Counter.

The 2.9 mm Planar Crown
Keysight 53149A must be handled with care to prevent damage and/or
contamination, especially since it acts as a wave guide as well as an
electrical connection. Observe the following precautions when handling this
connector:

1 If you remove the outer portion of the connector, do not touch the

exposed surfaces of either part of the connector with your bare skin or
any material that is not intended for cleaning this type of connector.

2 Avoid dropping or striking either portion of the connector.

If the connector becomes contaminated, it can be cleaned with isopropyl
alcohol and a lint-free cloth or other suitable cleaning implement.

[a] Planar Crown® is a registered trademark of Weinschel Corp.

[a]

connector used for the Channel 2 input on the

50 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

Ch 1

Freq

Shift

Ch 1

Freq

Shift

Rel Freq

Ch 1

Rel Freq

NOTE

Measuring Relative Frequency

You can measure the difference in frequency from one measurement to another
(drift) using the Relative Frequency function. You do this by pressing the Shift and
Rel Freq (Offset On/Off) keys as shown in the diagram below (this example
assumes that a signal is currently applied
to Channel 1).

The Counter stores the current frequency reading when you press the
Rel Freq key. It then subtracts this value from all subsequent readings and
displays the difference until you press the Rel Freq key again.

If the input signal fluctuates, the value displayed varies as the Counter continues
to take measurements. You can vary the speed at which measurements are taken
by varying the settings for Rate and Resolution (see “Setting the Measurement

Rate” and “Setting the Resolution for Frequency Measurements” on pages 61

and 63).

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 51

1 Getting Started

NOTE

NOTE

Offsetting a Frequency Measurement

You can use the Frequency Offset (Freq Offset) function to add or subtract a
constant value to/from a frequency measurement. For example, you can use an
offset to compensate for a systematic error or to display the difference in
frequency between two signals.

The Frequency Offset and Relative Frequency functions can be used
simultaneously.

To display an offset frequency measurement, you need to set the value and sign
(+/–) of the offset and to turn the Frequency Offset function on. In the diagram on
the next page, the Frequency Offset function is enabled first, and the offset value
is then entered. However, the order doesn’t matter, so you can also enter the offset
value first, and then turn the offset function on.

When you are entering a value for Frequency Offset (or Power Offset), you can
use the Reset key to restore all of the displayed digits to zero. These are the only
two functions in which the Reset key has this effect.

52 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Ch 2

Freq

Offset
On/Off

Freq

Ch 2

Offset

Resol

Freq
Offset

Rate

Freq

Offset

Freq

Offset

Enter

Freq

Offset

Ch 2

Shift

Ch 2

Shift

Freq

Offset

+/-

Freq

Offset

Getting Started 1

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 53

1 Getting Started

NOTE

Measuring Power

The Keysight 53147A/148A/149A can measure signal power (the power and
frequency ranges for power measurement are dependent on the power-sensor
model used). To measure power, you must first set the Power Meter for the
power-meter sensor (head) that you intend to use.

Selecting a Power Meter Head (Sensor) Model

The example procedure in the following diagram shows how to select the model
number of the power-meter head (sensor). This procedure assumes that the
Power Meter is currently set to use a model 8481A power sensor and that you
intend to use a model 8482A power sensor.

When you select a power head (sensor), you are implementing a preconfigured
calibration table for that head. There are five preconfigured tables (for head
models 8481A, 8481D, 8482A, 8485A, and 8487A) and three custom calibration
tables (CUST 1, CUST 2, and CUST 3). You can modify the frequency/
calibration-factor values in any of the data points for any power head, add data
points to any configuration table (up to a maximum of 100 data points per table),
and input data to build new calibration tables by selecting CUST 1, CUST 2, and/
or CUST 3. Complete instructions for modifying and adding calibration tables
are provided in “Modifying and Adding Calibration Factor Tables” on page 97.

54 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Menu

Reset/
Local

Enter

Ch 2

Freq

Shift

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Getting Started 1

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 55

1 Getting Started

NOTE

Ch 2

Freq

Display
Power

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr

dBm

Measuring Power

The procedure for measuring power that is illustrated in the following diagram
assumes that the power-sensor head being used has been selected in the
instrument’s menu and that the signal to be measured is connected to the head.

When the power of a signal applied to the Power Meter Input connector exceeds
the maximum rated power for the Power Meter head, the Power Meter displays
HI.

56 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

Display
Power

dBm/W

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr

mW

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr

dBm

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr

dBm

NOTE

Selecting the Unit of Measurement for Power

The instrument’s power meter can display values in either of two sets of units of
measurement—dB and dBm or Watts, mW, μW, and nW (the power meter
automatically selects the most appropriate unit of measurement when Watts is
selected). Use the procedure in the following diagram to select the unit of
measurement for power (this procedure assumes that a signal is currently applied
to the power meter and that power is being displayed):

If a signal having an amplitude that exceeds the Power Meter specifications is
applied, and power measurement is enabled, the annunciators for the power
reading display “HI” to ind icate that the signal’s amplitude exceeds the
specification. If a signal having an amplitude below the minimum specification is
applied, the power annunciators display “LO” to indicate that the signal level is
too low to be measured by this Power Meter.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 57

1 Getting Started

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr

dBm

Shift

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr

dBm

Offset
On/Off

Rel Pwr

Ch 2

Freq

Rel Pwr

dB

Measuring Relative Power

You can measure the difference in power from one measurement to another (drift)
using the Relative Power function. You do this by pressing the Shift and Rel Pwr
(Offset On/Off) keys, as shown in the diagram below (this example assumes that
a signal is currently applied to the Power Meter input connector).

The Power Meter stores the current power reading when you press the
Rel Pwr key. It then subtracts this value from all subsequent readings and
displays the difference until you press the Rel Pwr key again.

58 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

NOTE

Offsetting a Power Measurement

You can use the Power Offset (Pwr Offset) function to add or subtract a constant
value to/from a power measurement. For example, you can use an offset to
compensate for a systematic error or to display the difference in power between
two signals.

The Power Offset and Relative Power functions can be used simultaneously.

To display an offset power measurement, you need to set the value and sign (+/–)
of the offset and to turn the Power Offset function on. In the following diagram,
the Power Offset function is enabled first, and the offset value is then entered.
However, the order doesn’t matter, so you can also enter the offset value first, and
then turn the offset function on.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 59

1 Getting Started

Offset
On/Off

Shift

Rel Pwr

Avg

Pwr
Offset

Pwr
Offset

dB

+/-

dB

Pwr
Offset

Enter

Pwr
Offset

dB

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr
Offset

dB

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr

dBm

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr
Offset

dB

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Pwr
Offset

dB

60 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

Ch 2

Freq

Enter

Ch 2

Freq

Hold

Rate

+/-

Shift

Ch 2

Freq

Setting the Measurement Rate

The measurement rate determines how frequently the instrument takes
measurements (frequency, power, and/or voltage). You can set the measurement
rate to FAST, MED (medium), SLOW, or HOLD (single measurement taken each
time you press the Reset/Local key).

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 61

1 Getting Started

Ch 1

Freq

Avg

Enter

Ch 1

Freq

Avg On

Enter

Ch 1

Freq

Avg On

Pwr
Offset

Setting the Number of Averages

You can set the number of frequency, power, and/or voltage measurements the
instrument takes and averages before displaying the result. The default setting is one
(no averages are performed), and the maximum setting is 99. Note that the tens
position (10 through 90) and the units position (0 through 9) are adjusted
separately, and that you cannot set the number of averages to zero.

62 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

NOTE

NOTE

For most of the instrument’s settings, when you continue to press either the
up-arrow or the down-arrow key when you reach the end of the available
settings, the value for the setting “rolls over” to the value at the opposite end of
the range. For example, if the GPIB address is set to 31, and you press the
up-arrow key, the value changes to one.

However, when you adjust the value in the units position for the number of
measurements to be averaged, rollover does not occur. If you press the up-arrow
when the value in the tens position is zero and the value in the units position is
nine, or if you press the down-arrow when the value in the tens position is zero
and the value in the units position is one, there is no change. If the value in the
units position could roll over (in either direction), it would allow you to set a value of
zero for the number of averages. Since at least one measurement must be taken,
zero is an illegal value.

When the resolution setting is high (e.g., 1 Hz), and a large number of averages
is selected, it takes a considerable amount of time for the instrument to take the
measurements, compute the averages, and display a reading. As a result, the
rate at which the display is updated is considerably slower than at small
numbers of averages and lower resolution settings. For example, when the
resolution is set to 1 Hz, and the number of averages is set to 60, a new reading
is displayed every 60 seconds (approximately).

Setting the Resolution for Frequency Measurements

Since less time is required to complete each measurement as the resolution of the
measurements is reduced, the resolution setting affects the rate at which
measurements are taken and displayed, as well as the number of digits displayed
for the measurements. As a result, the rate at which the Gate indicator flashes
changes when you change the resolution.

As shown in the procedure in the diagram on the next page, the available
resolution settings are 1 Hz (the default setting), 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz,
100 kHz, and 1 MHz.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 63

1 Getting Started

Ch 2

Freq

Resol

Ch 2

Freq

Enter

Freq
Offset

64 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Getting Started 1

Ch 2

Freq

Display
DVM

Ch 2

Freq

DVM

+

–

DAMAGE

±60 VDC

NOTE

CAUTION

Measuring Voltage

To measure voltage, press the Display DVM key, connect the red DVM test lead to
the red + DVM connector, connect the black DVM test lead to the black – DVM
connector, and touch the red and black test prods to the source of the voltage you
want to measure.

If the positive test lead is applied to a positive voltage source, and the negative
lead is applied to a return for that source, the meter indicates the positive value
(+) of the voltage. If the positive test lead is applied to a negative voltage source,
and the negative lead is applied to a return for that source, the meter indicates
the negative value (–) of the voltage.

The DVM automatically selects the appropriate voltage range to display the
measurement with maximum accuracy, and it automatically determines and
displays the polarity of the voltage measured.

The 53147A/148A/149A DVM can measure voltages up to ± 50VDC.
Applying voltages outside of the ± 60VDC range to the DVM inputs can
damage the DVM.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 65

1 Getting Started

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

66 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Microwave Frequency Counter/
Power Meter/DVM

Operating and Programming Guide

2 Operating Your Instrument

Introduction 68
How this Instrument Works for You 69
Summary of the Measurement Sequence 70
Using the Selection Keys 71
Using the Clear and Reset/Local Keys 75
Other Function Selection Keys 76
Measuring Frequency 80
Setting the Resolution and Measurement Rate 82
Setting the Number of Averages 86
Measuring Relative Frequency 89
Offsetting a Frequency Measurement 90
Measuring Power 93
Measuring Relative Power 109
Offsetting a Power Measurement 110
Measuring Voltage 112
Using the Menu 113

67

2 Operating Your Instrument

Introduction

This chapter contains information and usage procedures for the front- panel keys,
operating functions, and menus of the Keysight 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A.

Chapter Summary

– “How this Instrument Works for You” pg. 69

– “Summary of the Measurement Sequence” pg. 70

– “Using the Selection Keys” pg. 71

– “Numeric Entry” pg. 72

– “Changing States” pg. 73

– “Acknowledging Messages” pg. 75

– “Using the Clear and Reset/Local Keys” pg. 75

– “Other Function Selection Keys” pg. 76

– “Measuring Frequency” pg. 80

– “Setting the Resolution and Measurement Rate” pg. 82

– “Setting the Number of Averages” pg. 86

– “Measuring Relative Frequency” pg. 89

– “Offsetting a Frequency Measurement” pg. 90

– “Measuring Power” pg. 93

– “Measuring Relative Power” pg. 109

– “Offsetting a Power Measurement” pg. 110

– “Measuring Voltage” pg. 112

– “Using the Menu” pg. 113

68 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

How this Instrument Works for You

The following is a list of some of the key things the instrument does
for you.

– Presets the menus to default states and values at power-up.

– The instrument’s Menu key and other front-panel keys allow you to select such

things as the timebase source, the GPIB address, and the RS-232 serial-port
baud rate. The instrument also allows you to store your selections in
non-volatile memory; thus, these settings are not lost when power has been off
or after a remote-interface reset.

– Automatically displays measurement(s) when you have selected a

measurement function.

– Accepts your entry for a menu item when you press the Enter key.

You must press the Enter key to complete each setting and/or selection.

– Saves user configuration settings.

Operating Your Instrument 2

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 69

2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

Summary of the Measurement Sequence

1 Connect the power cord to the instrument and to an appropriate power source

(or, if the instrument has the Battery option, turn on the Battery Power switch),
and then press and release the POWER button on the front panel.

The internal Reference Oscillator receives power whenever the power cord is
connected to a power source. Therefore, if the instrument has just been
connected to a power source, the frequency of the reference signal may drift
until the oscillator stabilizes. Specifications for the stability of the standard
internal timebase and the optional Oven Timebase are provided in Chapter 3.

2 Connect the input signal to the appropriate input connector (Counter Channel

1, Counter Channel 2, Power Meter input, or DVM input).

3 Connect an external reference signal to the External Reference connector on

the back panel (if desired).

4 Press the Chan Select key, the Display Power key, and/or the Display DVM

key to select the measurement function (if necessary).

5 Press the Freq Offset key and/or the Power Meter Offset On/Off key(s) to

enable offset measurements (if desired), and then use the Freq Offset (Shift +

Resol) and/or Pwr Offset (Shift + Avg) keys to enter the offset values.

6 Use the Resol, Rate (Shift + +/–), and Avg keys to configure the display.

7 Use the Menu (Shift + Reset/Local) key to set the reference-oscillator source,

to select the Channel 1 low-pass filter, to configure the Counter’s response to
frequency modulation, to select a Power Meter head, and/or to select a
previously saved set of user settings.

8 If you intend to operate the instrument remotely using the GPIB,

use the Menu (Shift + Reset/Local) key to set the GPIB address.

9 If you intend to operate the instrument remotely using the serial interface, use

the Menu (Shift + Reset/Local) key to adjust the serial port Baud rate.

70 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Using the Selection Keys

Reset/
Local

Menu

Shift

Enter

There are six Selection keys—four “arrow” keys, the Enter key, and the sign (+/–)
key. The functions of the arrow keys depend on the instrument’s operating mode
(i.e., sequencing through choices in the Menu, numeric entry, state change, etc.).
This section describes how the Selection keys function in these different operating
modes.

Sequencing Through the Menu

To access the Menu, press the Shift key, and then press the Menu (Reset/Local)
key.

– Press the up- or down-arrow key to go forward to the next menu function or

back to the previous menu function. Pressing either of these keys repeatedly
cycles through the list of menu functions.

– Press the right-arrow key to select a function. When you do this, the flashing

annunciator ( ) changes direction and the current setting flashes to indicate
that you can now use the up- and down-arrow keys to cycle through the
available settings.

– Press the up- or down-arrow key to move through the list of available settings

for a function. Pressing either of these keys repeatedly cycles through the list
of settings.

Operating Your Instrument 2

– Press the Sign (+/–) key to change the sign of numeric values.

– Press the Enter key to accept the currently displayed setting and exit the

Menu.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 71

2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

Enter

In most cases, when you reach the top or bottom of a list of settings, or the left
or right end of a numerical field, the focus rolls over to the opposite end of the
list of settings, or wraps around to the opposite end of the numeric field. In some
situations, however, this does not occur, because if it did, you could choose an
illegal setting. For these settings, you have to use the opposite button to cycle
back through the values or settings.

Numeric Entry

Several menu functions, and several functions that have dedicated keys on the
front panel, require you to enter numeric values.

– Press the (left-arrow) and (right-arrow) keys to move left and right to

select adjustable digits (the selected digit flashes).

– Press the (up-arrow) and/or (down-arrow) key to increment and

decrement the selected (flashing) digit of the displayed value (see note on
previous page).

– Press the Sign (+/–) key to change the sign of the numeric value.

–Press the Enter key to complete a numeric entry. (If you change the value of a

numeric entry, but you forget to press the Enter key, the value of the entry is
not changed.)

72 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Changing States

Several menu functions, and several functions that have dedicated keys on the
front panel, require you to choose from a list of available states. These functions
and the states you can choose for each of them are:

– Reference Oscillator (REF OSC)

– Internal (INT)

–External (EXT)

– Serial Port Baud Rate (BAUD)

– 1200

– 2400

– 4800

– 9600

– 14400

– 19200

– Frequency Modulation (FM)

–Automatic (AUTO)

–Off (OFF)

Operating Your Instrument 2

– Channel 1 Low-Pass Filter (CH1 LPF)

–On (ON)

–Off (OFF)

– Measurement Rate (Rate key)

–Fast (FAST)

– Medium (MED)

–Slow (SLOW)

–Hold (HOLD)

– Resolution (Resol key)

– 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz, 1 MHz

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 73

2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

Use the Selection keys as described below to change the state of these functions:

– When the annunciator ( ) in the display flashes, press the right-arrow key to

move the focus from the displayed menu function (or front-panel-key function)
to the setting for that function.

– Press the up- or down-arrow key to cycle through the available choices.

Press the Enter key to complete the setting. (If you change the setting of a
function, but you forget to press the Enter key, the setting of the function is not
changed.)

The Sign key has no function and is ignored in menu selections and front-panel
functions that have state-change selections only.

74 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Using the Clear and Reset/Local Keys

Reset/
Local

Freq
Offset

On/Off

Clear

Resol

Shift

Menu

The Clear and Reset/Local keys have similar functions in the Menu and in other
front-panel-key function settings, but their effects vary with the instrument’s state
and condition. In general, the Reset/Local key restores the setting that was in
effect when you entered the Menu or front- panel-key function, but it does not
close the Menu or the function-setting display. The Clear key also restores the
previous setting, but it closes the Menu or the front-panel-key function-setting
display at the same time.

If you press the Reset/Local key while the instrument is taking measurements, it
resets the current operation and forces the instrument to reacquire and
re-measure the signal.

Pressing the Reset/Local key while the instrument is in Remote Mode forces the
instrument into Local Mode and enables all of the front-panel controls.

Operating Your Instrument 2

Acknowledging Messages

When a message is displayed, press the Reset/Local key, the Clear key,
or the Enter key (after reading the message) to acknowledge it and erase
it from the display.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 75

2 Operating Your Instrument

MODIFY

Cal
Factor

Freq
Offset

On/Off Rate

Freq

Pwr
Offset

Avg

+/-Clear

Resol

Enter

Other Function Selection Keys

There are several functions that you access directly from front-panel keys (not
from within the Menu). These functions, which are all in the MODIFY section of the
front panel, are:

–Display Resolution (Resol key)

– Frequency Offset (Freq Offset — Shift + Resol key)

– Frequency (Freq key)

– Calibration Factor (Cal Factor — Shift + Freq key)

–Measurement Rate (Rate — Shift + +/– key)

– Number of Averages (Avg key)

– Power Offset (Pwr Offset — Shift + Avg key)

Use the Selection keys in the manner described earlier in this chapter
(see “Numeric Entry” and “Changing States”) to adjust the settings for these
functions. Detailed procedures for using the Resol, Freq Offset, Freq, Cal Factor,
Rate, and Avg keys are provided later in this chapter.

76 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

MO

Cal
Factor

Freq
Offset

On/Off Rate

Freq

+/-Clear

Resol

C

Gate

Chan
Select

COUNTER

Offset
On/Off

Rel Freq

There are also a number of functions that are toggled between states (no
selections or numerical-entry fields are displayed) using named front-panel keys.
These are:

– Display backlight on or off (MODIFY: On/Off). Press Shift, and then press

On/Off (the Clear key in the MODIFY section of the front panel).

– Frequency channel selection (COUNTER: Chan Select). Press the Chan Select

key in the COUNTER section of the front panel to toggle between the two
Counter input channels.

– Frequency offset measurement (COUNTER: Offset On/Off). Press the Offset

On/Off key in the COUNTER section of the front panel to turn the frequency
offset function on or off.

– Relative frequency measurement (COUNTER: Rel Freq). Press the

Rel Freq key in the COUNTER section of the front panel to measure
the difference in frequency between the current measurement and the
measurement taken at the time you pressed the Rel Freq key (drift).

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 77

2 Operating Your Instrument

POWER METER

Display
Power

dBm/W

Store

Cal

Zero

Offset
On/Off

Rel Pwr

–

DAMAGE

±60 VDC

Display
DVM

– Display power measurement (POWER METER: Display Power).

Press the Display Power key in the POWER METER section of the front panel
to turn the power measurement function on and off.

– Power offset (POWER METER: Offset On/Off). To turn the power offset

function on or off, press the Offset On/Off key in the POWER METER section of
the front panel (Display Power must be selected).

– Relative power measurement (POWER METER: Rel Pwr — Shift + Offset On/

Off). Press Shift, and then press the Rel Pwr key (the Offset On/Off key in the
POWER METER section of the front panel) to measure the difference in power
between the current measurement and the measurement taken at the time you
pressed the Rel Pwr key.

– Unit of measurement for power (POWER METER: dBm/W — Shift + Display

Power). To toggle between measuring power in dBm and in Watts, press the
Shift key, and then press the dBm/W key (the Display Power key in the
POWER METER section of the front panel).

– Display voltage measurement (DVM: Display DVM). Press the Display DVM

key in the DVM section of the front panel to turn the voltage measurement
function on and off.

78 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

NOTE

The Counter is active by default, so the Display DVM key toggles the upper
portion of the display between voltage measurement and frequency
measurement. Frequency and power measurements can be displayed
simultaneously, as can voltage and power measurements. Frequency
measurements and voltage measurements can be displayed alone, but power
measurements are always accompanied by either the frequency display or the
voltage display.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 79

2 Operating Your Instrument

Battery

Battery
Charging

EXT DC

+

11 to 18 VDC

POWER

Standby

Measuring Frequency

1 Connect the instrument to a power source.

When the instrument is connected to an AC power source, the Standby
indicator on the front panel lights. The Standby indicator also lights if the
instrument is connected to an external DC power source or is operated from
internal batteries and the battery power switch is on (with the Battery option
only).

2 Press the POWER button on the front panel.

The Standby indicator goes off, and all segments of the front-panel display are
temporarily activated. TESTING is displayed while the instrument performs its
power-on self-test. If the instrument passes all of the tests, SELF TEST OK is
displayed, and the instrument then displays its model number, firmware
version number, GPIB address, and CH2 NO SIGNAL. The Counter is now ready
to measure the frequency of a signal applied to the Channel 2 input. Note that
the Ch 2 and Freq annunciators are activated.

3 Connect an input signal to Channel 2.

80 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

CAUTION

COUNTER

CHANNEL 2

50MHz to 26.5 GHz

50Ω

DAMAGE

+27 dBm

NOTE

C

Gate

Chan
Select

The Channel 2 input path circuits contain sensitive GaAs semiconductors. To
prevent damage to these components, always adhere to standard ESD
(ElectroStatic Discharge) prevention procedures, and ensure that the
maximum power specification for this channel (+27 dBm) is not exceeded.

The Counter automatically displays the measured frequency of the input
signal. To set the resolution, measurement rate, and/or the number of
averages, see the appropriate procedure in the section titled “Operating Your

Instrument”, or refer to “Setting the Resolution”, “Setting the Measurement
Rate”, and “Setting the Number of Averages” later in this chapter.

When the frequency of a signal applied to the Channel 2 input exceeds the
maximum rated frequency for the Counter, the Counter displays CH2 TOO HIGH.

4 To measure the frequency of a signal applied to the Channel 1 input, press

the Chan Select key.

CHANNEL 1 is displayed momentarily, and the Ch 1 and Freq annunciators are
activated. If a signal is presently applied to the Channel 1 input, the measured
frequency is then displayed. If no signal is applied, CH1 NO SIGNAL is
displayed until an input signal is connected to the Channel 1 input connector.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 81

2 Operating Your Instrument

GHz

MHz

kHz

Hz

Ch 2

Freq

Setting the Resolution and Measurement Rate

The number of measurements the Counter makes in a given amount of time is
affected by the Rate setting, the Resolution setting, and the quality of the input
signal (signal quality affects the amount of time the Counter requires to determine
an accurate measurement). By adjusting the Resolution and Rate settings, you
can affect how often the Counter takes measurements.

Setting the Resolution

The Counter’s resolution setting determines the number of digits displayed for
measurements and the precision of the measurements. Since less time is required
to compute each measurement as the resolution of the measurements is reduced,
the resolution setting also affects the rate at which measurements are taken and
displayed. As a result, the flash rate of the Gate indicator changes when you
change the resolution.

The numerals shown for the value of the measurement are displayed in four
groups of three digits, as shown below (the leading zero is suppressed):

82 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

Reset/
Local

Freq
Offset

Menu

On/Off

Clear

Resol

Shift

Enter

Resolution Setting Example

For the following example, use the 10 MHz output from the reference timebase as
the input to Channel 1.

1 Press the Resol key to enter the resolution-setting mode.

The current resolution setting is displayed (the current value and the indicator
between the arrow keys are flashing to indicate that you can use the up- and
down-arrow keys to change the setting).

2 Press the up-arrow or down-arrow key to decrease or increase

the resolution.

You can press these keys as many times as necessary to locate the setting you
want to use. The available resolution settings are 1 Hz (the default), 10 Hz, 100
Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz, and 1 MHz.

3 Press the Enter key to activate your setting and exit the resolution-setting

mode.

The setting you chose is now in effect. The number of digits displayed for the
measurement is adjusted accordingly; you can observe the affect on
measurement speed by monitoring the flash rate of the Gate indicator.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 83

2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

MODIFY

Cal
Factor

Enter

Avg

+ / -

Freq

Rate

Pwr
Offset

The measurement resolution has a direct effect on the amount of time the
Counter requires to complete a measurement. Measurements made at the
Counter’s maximum resolution setting (1 Hz) are noticeably slower than at lower
resolutions. This is especially noticeable when the Counter is set to average a
number of measurements.

Setting the Measurement Rate

The measurement Rate setting determines how frequently the instrument initiates
measurements (frequency, power, and/or voltage). Since the actual measurement
rate is also affected by the Counter’s resolution setting and the signal quality, as
mentioned earlier, the available rate settings (FAST, MED, and SLOW) do not
equate to a fixed number of measurements in a given amount of time. The HOLD
setting turns off automatic measurements, so that a single measurement is made
each time you press the Reset/Local key.

Rate Setting Example

1 Press the Rate key to enter the rate-setting mode.

The current rate setting is displayed (the current value and the indicator
between the arrow keys are flashing to indicate that you can use the up- and
down-arrow keys to change the setting).

84 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

Hold

2 Press the up-arrow or down-arrow key to decrease or increase the

measurement rate.

You can press these keys as many times as necessary to locate the setting you
want to use. The available resolution settings are FAST, MED, SLOW, and
HOLD.

3 Press the Enter key to activate your setting and exit the rate-setting mode.

The setting you chose is now in effect. The measurement rate is adjusted
accordingly; you can observe the effect on measurement speed by monitoring
the flash rate of the Gate indicator. The rate annunciator is activated when
either SLOW or MEDIUM is selected for the rate. When you select HOLD, the
HOLD annunciator is activated.

4 If you set the rate to HOLD, press the Reset/Local key to initiate a

measurement.

The instrument computes the measurement and then displays the result (if
averaging is enabled, the instrument displays the AVERAGING message while
it computes the measurement). Press the Reset/Local key again each time you
want to take an additional measurement.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 85

2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

Pwr
Offset

+/–

Avg

Setting the Number of Averages

You can set the instrument to take a variable number of frequency, power, or
voltage measurements and average them mathematically before displaying the
result. You can use this feature to determine the effective measurement of a signal
that is fluctuating. When measuring the frequency of a fluctuating signal, you can
also use averaging to retain some of the precision of a maximum-resolution
measurement.

The default number of averages is 1, which means that no averages are
performed, and the maximum setting is 99. Note that the tens position
(10 through 90) and the units position (0 through 9) are adjusted separately, and
that it is not possible to set the number of averages to 0.

When a large number of averages is selected for a frequency measurement in
combination with a high resolution setting (e.g., 1 Hz), it takes a considerable
amount of time for the instrument to take the measurements, compute the
averages, and display an initial reading. For example, when the number of
averages is set to 60, and the resolution is set to 1 Hz, the first reading is
displayed after 60 seconds (approximately). Subsequent computations do not
require as much time, since the averaging function computes a running average.
However, the rate at which the display is updated after the initial average
computation is also slower than at lower resolution settings.

Averages Setting Example

1 Press the Avg key to enter the averages-setting mode.

The current averages setting is displayed (the current value and the indicator
between the arrow keys are flashing to indicate that you can use the up- and
down-arrow keys to change the setting).

86 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

NOTE

Ch 12

Rel Freq

Avg On

2 Press the up-arrow or down-arrow key to decrease or increase the value for

the units position of the number of averages.

For most of the instrument’s settings, when you continue to press either the
up-arrow or the down-arrow key when you reach the end of the available
settings, the value for the setting “rolls over” to the value at the opposite end of
the range. For example, if the GPIB address is set to 31, and you press the
up-arrow key, the value changes to 1. However, when you adjust the value in
the units position for the number of measurements to be averaged, rollover does
not occur. If you press the up-arrow when the value in the tens position is 0 and
the value in the units position is 9, or if you press the down-arrow when the
value in the tens position is 0 and the value in the units position is 1, there is no
change. If the value in the units position could roll over (in either direction), it
would allow you to set a value of 0 for the number of averages. Since at least
one measurement must be taken, 0 is an illegal value.

3 Press the left-arrow key once to move the focus to the tens position, and

then use the up- and/or down-arrow key to set the value for the tens
position (if desired).

Note that the tens and units values are set separately.

4 Press the Enter key to activate your setting and exit the averages-setting

mode.

The Avg On annunciator is activated, and the instrument displays AVERAGING
while it takes the first set of measurements. The length of time that the
AVERAGING message is displayed varies primarily with setting for the number
of averages, since this determines the number of measurements that must be
made and averaged before displaying a result. When the first set of averages is
complete and the result is displayed, the instrument immediately takes
another measurement, discards the oldest measurement included in the
current average computation, recomputes the average and displays the new

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2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

result. This continues until you change the setting for the number of averages
or disable averaging (by setting the number of averages to 0).

In certain situations, the length of time that the AVERAGING message is
displayed can be affected by additional factors. When you are measuring
frequency, the current resolution setting, the rate setting, and the quality of
the signal all affect the length of time required to make the measurements and
complete the average computation.

If the measurement rate is set to HOLD, and a value larger than 1 is set for
averages, the first set of measurements is not initiated until you press the
Reset/Local key. When you do, the instrument displays the AVERAGING message
while it takes the first set of measurements. When the first set of measurements
is complete, and the averaging result is displayed, the instrument remains in this
state until you press the Reset/Local key to initiate another set of
measurements, change the value for averages back to one, or change the setting
for the measurement rate to SLOW, MED, or HIGH. When the measurement rate
is set to HOLD, the instrument performs a block-average computation instead of
a running-average computation.

88 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Measuring Relative Frequency

You can measure the difference in frequency from one measurement to another
(frequency drift) or between two separate input signals using the Relative
Frequency function.

Relative Frequency Example

Press the Rel Freq key. The Shift annunciator activates when you press the Shift
key. When you press the Rel Freq key, the Rel Freq annunciator in the upper-left
corner of the display activates. At the same time, the Counter saves the frequency
measurement it was displaying at the time you pressed the Rel Freq key, and it
computes and displays the difference between the stored measurement and all
subsequent measurements until the relative frequency function is deactivated.

You can also use the Relative Frequency function to measure the difference
between two different signals. To do this, activate the Relative Frequency
function, as described in the previous paragraph, disconnect the cable supplying
the signal to the input connector, and then connect the second signal to the same
input connector. The value displayed when the Counter acquires the second
signal is the frequency difference between the two signals.

Operating Your Instrument 2

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2 Operating Your Instrument

GHz

MHz

kHz

Hz

Ch 1

Rel Freq

Offsetting a Frequency Measurement

You can use the Frequency Offset (Freq Offset) function to add or subtract a
constant value to/from a frequency measurement. For example, you can use an
offset to compensate for a systematic error or to display the difference in
frequency between two signals.

To display an offset frequency measurement, you need to set the value and sign
(+/–) of the offset and to turn the Frequency Offset function on.

Frequency Offset Example

1 Connect a cable from the 10 MHz reference output on the back panel to the

Channel 1 input connector, and press the Chan Select key (if necessary) to
activate Channel 1.

The display should look like this:

2 Press the Shift key, and then press the Freq Offset (Resol) key in the MODIFY

section of the front panel.

The Shift annunciator activates when you press the Shift key. When you press
the Freq Offset key, the Shift annunciator disappears, and the Freq Offset
annunciator at the left side of the display activates.

3 Use the left- and right-arrow keys to move the focus to the digit(s) in the

frequency-offset display that you need to ad just to enter the offset value,
and then use the up- and down-arrow keys to adjust the value for each
digit. Enter a value of 500 Hz.

The flashing digit is the digit that currently has the focus. This means that you
can change the value of the flashing digit using the up- and down-arrow keys.

90 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

GHz

MHz

kHz

Hz

Ch 1
Rel Freq
Offset

NOTE

GHz

MHz

kHz

Hz

Ch 1

Rel Freq

Offset

4 Press the sign (+/–) key (if desired) to change the sign of the offset value.

The display should look like this:

5 Press the Enter key to confirm the offset value and exit the offset-entry

display.

The Freq Offset annunciator is deactivated, and the measurement display
returns.

When you are entering a value for Frequency Offset (or Power Offset), you can
use the Reset key to restore all of the displayed digits to zero. These are the only
two functions in which the Reset key has this effect.

6 Press the Offset On/Off key in the COUNTER section of the front panel.

The Freq Offset annunciator is activated, and the value of the display is
adjusted to reflect the value and sign of the offset entered in Steps 2 and 3.

The display should look like this:

Since the offset function can be used to add or subtract a fixed value to/from
the measurement result, you can use this feature to tune or align the odd
frequencies of a local oscillator (LO). If you enter the target frequency as a
negative offset, the Counter displays the difference between the LO’s
frequency and the target frequency. You can then adjust the LO until the
Counter displays a value of zero.

Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide 91

2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

The maximum value that can be entered for Frequency Offset is
±49,999,999,999 Hz.

92 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Measuring Power

The Keysight 53147A/148A/149A can measure signal power in the power and
frequency ranges listed in the specifications in Chapter 4. The power
measurement, which is shown in a dedicated area of the display, includes a digital
readout and an analog representation. The display, which can be configured to
show power in units of dBm or Watts, is auto-ranging when set to measure in
Watts.

Selecting a Power Head (Sensor)

There are a number of Keysight power heads that can be used with the Power
Meter in this instrument. Choosing the appropriate power head is a matter of
matching the head’s characteristics to the signal to be measured.

Before you can make any power measurement, you must determine which power
head (sensor) to use for the measurement, select the power head in the
instrument’s menu (see “Using the Menu” on page 113), and configure the Power
Meter to use the appropriate calibration factor for the frequency of the signal. The
five power head models that have pre-recorded calibration-factor tables in the
instrument’s non-volatile memory are listed under “Power Head Selection

(HEAD)” on page 121.

You can also modify the data points (frequency/calibration-factor data pairs) in
the preconfigured calibration-factor tables, add data points to these tables, and
add up to three custom tables for power heads that are not included in the
instrument’s menu. Instructions for modifying and adding data points in
calibration-factor tables are provided in “Modifying and Adding Calibration Factor

Tables” on page 97.

Operating Your Instrument 2

Making a Power Measurement

When you turn the Power Meter on, you must always zero and calibrate it with the
power head connected before making any measurements. If you are using a
different model power head than the one used the last time the Power Meter was
used, you must also set the power head model in the instrument’s menu. As part
of the measurement sequence, you must input either the frequency of the signal
you intend to measure or the power factor for that frequency (from the table
provided with the power head).

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2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

dB

dBm

Watts
mW
uW
%

Pwr

Ch 2

Freq

NOTE

You must re-zero and recalibrate the Power Meter if you change the power head,
if the instrument is shut off for any period of time, if the ambient temperature

changes by 5
instrument. In any case, you should calibrate the Power Meter at least once a
day.

Always follow the directions provided with the power head in addition to the
instructions provided in this manual.

Power Measurement Example

The instrument must be powered on and must remain at the same ambient
temperature for 15 minutes before beginning this procedure. If the temperature

changes by 5

1 Connect the output cable from the power-meter head to the Power Meter

Input connector.

This example assumes that you have a power head available that is
appropriate for the measurement to be taken.

° C (9° F) or more, and if the GPIB “INIT” command is sent to the

° C (9° F) or more, wait another 15 minutes.

2 Press the Display Power key to enable power measurement.

The Pwr annunciator at the left side of the display is activated, and the Power
Meter’s digital and analog power displays show the power measurement in dB
or dBm (the default units of power measurement).

The display should look like this:

When there is no signal applied to the power head, the Power Meter reads the
noise level, as shown in the illustration above. This reading is generally below
–25 dBm prior to zeroing and will vary.

94 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

NOTE

NOTE

The upper portion of the display may show a frequency measurement or a
voltage measurement if a signal is applied to the Counter or DVM input and the
Counter or DVM is enabled. In this example, the Counter is enabled, but no
signal is applied, so the upper portion of the display shows CH2 NO SIGNAL. If
the DVM is enabled with no signal applied, the upper portion of the display will
show VDC 0.000.

3 Press the Shift key, and then press the Menu (Reset/Local) key.

One of the items in the instrument’s menu is displayed (if the menu has not
been used since the instrument was turned on, the initial menu display is
“REF OSC > INT”).

4 Use the up and/or down arrow keys to cycle through the menu until

“HEAD > OFF” is shown.

Note that a power head model number may appear instead of “OFF” if a power
head was previously chosen.

5 Press the right arrow key.

The flashing indicator after HEAD changes from to , and “OFF” (or the
currently selected power head model number) begins to flash.

6 Select the model number of the power head you intend to use by pressing

the up- and/or down-arrow key repeatedly until the correct model number
is displayed, and then press Enter.

You can change the values of the frequency/power-factor data points that are
stored in the instrument’s memory (or add data points) by pressing the
right-arrow key while a power-head model number is displayed and pressing the
right-arrow key again when “LIST” is displayed. For instructions on entering or
changing data, see “Numeric Entry” on page 72.

The instrument is shipped with calibration tables in nonvolatile memory for five
of the supported power heads. The data points in these tables are almost always
sufficient to provide accurate readings, so it is usually unnecessary to add or
modify the values in the tables.

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2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

NOTE

Three empty tables are provided for compatible power-sensor heads that the
instrument does not have pre-recorded tables for. You can create your own table
by entering a set of frequency/power-factor data points for a power head by
selecting CUST 1, CUST 2, or CUST 3 from the HEAD menu. You then enter a set
of frequency/power factor data points for the power head. For instructions on
entering or changing data, see “Numeric Entry” on page 72.

7 Press the Zero key.

The Power Meter displays ZEROING and then returns to the display shown in
Step 2.

8 Connect the power-head input connector to the Power Meter Output

connector.

9 Press the Cal key.

During calibration, the Power Meter displays CALIBRATING. It then returns to
the display shown in Step 2.

10 If you know the frequency of the signal you intend to measure, press the

Freq key, enter the frequency value, and press Enter (for instructions on
entering or changing values, see “Numeric Entry” on page 72).

The Power Meter uses the frequency to set the power-factor per the values in
the stored calibration tables. If you prefer, you can use the Cal Factor key to
enter the calibration factor value directly.

If the signal you intend to measure is already applied to one of the Counter’s input
channels, you can press the Store key (Shift + Cal) to input the frequency value
instead of using either the Freq or Cal Factor keys and entering a value
manually. This saves time and has the same effect.

96 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

dB

dBm

Watts
mW
uW
%

Pwr

Ch 2

Freq

dB
dBm
Watts

mW

uW
%

Rel Pwr

Ch 2

Freq

11 Disconnect the power-head input connector from the Power Meter Output

connector and connect it to the signal to be measured.

The Power Meter measures the signal power and displays it, as shown below:

12 To measure the signal power in Watts, press the Shift key, and then press

the dBm/W (Display Power) key.

When you press the Shift key, the Shift annunciator is activated. When you
press the dBm/W (Display Power) key, the Shift annunciator goes off, and the
units of measurement annunciator group to the right of the digital power
measurement changes from dB or dBm to Watts, mW, μW, or nW, as shown
below:

Modifying and Adding Calibration Factor Tables

The HEAD menu option provides access to preconfigured, editable
calibration-factor tables for five models of Keysight power-sensor heads (models
8481A, 8481D, 8482A, 8485A, and 8487A) and three custom tables. You can
modify the frequency/calibration-factor values in any of the data points for any
power head, and you can input data to build new calibration tables (CUST 1,
CUST 2, and CUST 3). Table 2-1 shows the changes you can and cannot make to
the various data points in the five factory-configured calibration-factor tables (for
models 8481A, 8481D, 8482A, 8485A, and 8487A) and the three custom
calibration tables (CUST 1, CUST 2, and CUST 3).

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2 Operating Your Instrument

Tab le 2-1 Calibration Factor Data Point Modifications

Calibration Table Data Points Modify Delete Reset Add

Factory defined data points
(for 8481A, 8481D, 8482A, 8485A, and 8487A)

Data points added to factory-defined tables by user All All N/A N/A

Custom calibration-factor tables
(CUST1, CUST2, and CUST3)

Calibration Table Modification Example

This example demonstrates how to view and modify the values in any of the
preconfigured calibration tables or in one of the three custom calibration tables.

1 Press the Shift key, and then press the Menu (Reset/Local) key.

One of the items in the instrument’s menu is displayed (if the menu has not
been used since the instrument was turned on, the initial menu display is “REF
OSC> INT”).

2 Use the up and/or down arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “HEAD

> OFF” is shown.

All None All Yes

All All N/A Yes

Note that a power head model number (or CUST 1, CUST 2, or CUST 3) may
appear instead of “OFF” if a power-head model was previously selected.

3 Press the right arrow key.

The flashing indicator after HEAD changes from to , and “OFF” (or the
currently selected power head model number) begins to flash.

4 Select the model number of the power head you intend to mod ify the data

point(s) for by pressing the up- and/or down-arrow key repeatedly until the
correct model number is displayed, and then press Enter.

You can now change the values of the frequency/power-factor data points that
are stored in the instrument’s memory (or add data points) by pressing the
right-arrow key while a power-head model number is displayed and pressing
the right-arrow key again when “LIST” is displayed. For instructions on
entering or changing data, see “Numeric Entry” on page 72.

98 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide

Operating Your Instrument 2

dB
dBm
Watts
mW
uW

%

Ch 2

Freq

Offset

Avg On

Pwr

Offset

dB
dBm
Watts
mW
uW

%

Ch 2

Freq

Offset

Avg On

Pwr

Offset

5 Press the right arrow key.

The display scrolls right-to-left and displays LIST and the frequency (on the top
line) and calibration-factor (on the bottom line) values in the first data point.
You can now use the up and down arrow keys to cycle through the data points
in the currently displayed calibration table.

6 Press the right arrow key again.

The flashing indicator after LIST changes from to , and the first digit in the
frequency value begins to flash. You can now use the up and down arrow keys
to change the value of the first digit of the frequency value.

You can also use the right and left arrow keys to move between the digits of
the frequency value and use the up and down arrow keys to change the values
of these digits.

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2 Operating Your Instrument

NOTE

dB
dBm
Watts
mW
uW

%

Ch 2

Freq

Offset

Avg On

Pwr

Offset

In instruments that have firmware that is modified as described in Service Note
53147/8/9A-01, you can change the instrument’s setting to match the 50 MHz

reference calibration factor (RCF) of your power head. When the frequency
reading on the display is 00.05 GZ (50 MHz), you can change the RCF to the one
for your particular power head. After doing this, always re-zero and recalibrate
the instrument (see Steps 7 through 9 on page 96).

All units shipped from the factory after August 2001 have the modified firmware
installed. To determine whether your instrument has the modified firmware,
display the menu as described in “Sequencing Through the Menu” on page 71.
The instrument’s model number is listed between the Preset and Op Hours menu
items. Press the right arrow key once to display the model number. If your
instrument’s model number is any number lower than 2060166-99, you should
obtain and install the firmware kit (Keysight part number 53147-80018).

7 When you move the focus to the last digit of the frequency value (the one

furthest to the right), an additional flashing ind icator ( ) appears at the
right end of the display, and the indicator to the left of the frequency value
( ) stops flashing.

This indicates that, in addition to being able to use the up and down arrow
keys to adjust the value of the flashing digit in the frequency value, you can
also press the right arrow key to move the focus from the last digit of the
frequency value to the first digit of the calibration-factor value.

100 Keysight 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide