Agilent Technologies Introduces Industry's First LXI RF and Universal Frequency Counter/Timers

The Agilent 53200 RF and universal frequency counter/timer series offers base bandwidth of 350 MHz with options to extend up to 15 GHz. Measurement reading speed has increased by more than two orders of magnitude from the previous generation. The 53200 offers resolution performance up to 12 digits/second continuous-count gap free frequency resolution and 20 pico-second single-shot time interval resolution, giving it the highest capabilities in its class.

LXI/Ethernet and USB 2.0 are standard features, making it quick and simple to connect to a PC test system instruments or a network. The 53200 includes internal memory of 1M readings and supports a USB memory stick, making storing and retrieving data from the counter fast and easy.

A large 4.3 inch graphical display offers excellent viewing for fast trigger and instrument set-up. The 53200 series has built-in post measurement analysis, internal reading memory and fast data transfer speeds, expanding the capabilities of the 53200 series beyond the typical general-purpose frequency counter. Advanced math and statistical information, including basic modulation domain analysis (MDA), simple jitter analysis, Allan deviation and histograms, allow engineers in design and manufacturing to view the history of their measurements quickly and see the quality and performance of their signal.

Many design and manufacturing customers use frequency counters for their proven speed and accuracy, said Gary Whitman, vice president and general manager, Agilent's System Products Division. The new 53200 series features allow quick and easy set-up of the instrument, as well as the ability to see the measurement data in a graphical way through data-logging, trending and histograms -- something they've never seen before in a general-purpose counter.

The Agilent 53200 RF and universal frequency counter/timer series includes:

* Greater frequency response: 350 MHz baseband frequency, 6 or 15 GHz optional microwave channels;
* higher resolution: up to 12 digits/sec and 20 ps single shot time interval;
* greater information accessibility: 1M reading memory, up to 75,000 frequency readings/sec, stripchart/trend plot, cumulative histograms;
* increased connectivity: first LXI compliant counters (LXI/Ethernet, USB, plus optional GPIB connectivity); and
* new measurement capability: basic modulation domain/timestamp and optional pulse/burst microwave measurements.

The 53200's optional battery supports remote usage and maintenance of accurate measurements by keeping the timebase warm at all times. The 53200 series is SCPI compatible with Agilent's current generation of RF/universal frequency counters (53131A, 53132A, 53181A). An optional GPIB interface is available to meet any legacy system compatibility requirements.