Assembly-Level Service Guide Counter 53132A
Assembly-Level Service Guide Counter 53132A
Assembly-Level Service Guide Counter 53132A
Assembly-Level
Service Guide
Warranty (contd) THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT Safety Considerations (contd) Acoustic Noise Emissions
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7.NL.A.11.03.97.R1.P.CW6BC
I DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
(including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking accordingly.
Canada: ICES-001:1998
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 2064.1
Supplemental Information:
[1]
The product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.
For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor.
Authorized EU-representative: Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Straβ e 130, D 71034 Böblingen, Germany
Contents
Preface
How to Use This Guide xiii
Repair Strategy xiii
Instrument Identification xiii
Instruments Covered by this Guide xiv
Assembly-Level Service Guide Organization xiv
How to Order Guides xv
Description of the 225 MHz Counters xvi
Options xviii
Hardware xviii
Support xix
Accessories Supplied and Available xix
Accessories Supplied xix
Accessories Available xix
1 Performance Tests
Introduction 1-2
Operational Verification 1-2
Complete Performance Tests 1-3
Optional GPIB Verification 1-3
Recommended Calibration Cycle 1-3
Test Record 1-3
Equipment Required 1-4
Agilent 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification 1-5
Power-On Self Tests 1-5
Run Self Test 1-8
Termination Check 1-8
External Arm Test (Agilent 53131A/132A Only) 1-10
Equipment 1-10
Equipment 1-65
Counter Setup 1-65
Procedure 1-66
Test 6: Peak Volts, Channel 1 (Agilent 53181A Only) 1-68
Equipment 1-68
Counter Setup 1-68
Procedure 1-69
Agilent 53181A GPIB Verification Program (Optional) 1-70
Agilent 53181A Performance Test Record 1-71
2 Service
Introduction 2-2
Returning the Instrument to Agilent Technologies for Service 2-3
To Provide Repair Information 2-3
To Pack in the Original Packaging Materials 2-4
To Pack in the Commercially Available Materials 2-5
About the Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration Menu 2-6
Overview of the Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration Menu 2-6
The Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration Menu Tree 2-8
To View the Calibration Menu and Security Status 2-9
To Unsecure for Calibration 2-9
To Initiate the Calibration Routines 2-9
To Secure Against Calibration 2-13
To Change to a New Security Code 2-13
To View the Calibration Count 2-14
To Get Help with the Calibration Menu 2-14
The Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration Procedures 2-15
First Determine the Counter Firmware Revision 2-15
To Calibrate the Offset for Channels 1 and 2 2-15
To Calibrate the Gain for Channels 1 and 2 2-18
To Calibrate Time Interval 2-19
Index
If you decide to service the Counter yourself, use the troubleshooting procedures in
Chapter 2 (Service) and the disassembly and reassembly procedures in Chapter 3
(Replacing Assemblies). Then use the calibration instructions in Chapter 2 to
calibrate the Counter for peak-performance operation, and finally perform the
complete performance tests in Chapter 1 to verify the Counter's specifications.
Instrument Identification
Instrument identification is made from the serial number on the rear panel of the
Counter. Agilent uses a two-part serial number with the first part (prefix) identifying a
series of instruments and the second part (suffix) identifying a particular instrument
within a series. An Agilent-assigned alpha character between the prefix and suffix
identifies the country in which the instrument was manufactured.
Instruments having a higher serial prefix are covered when required by one or more
manual-change sheets included with this guide. If a required change sheet is missing,
contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office listed at the back of this guide.
Instruments having a serial prefix lower than that listed on the title page are covered
in Chapter 6, “Backdating.”
Chapter 1, “Performance Tests,” provides procedures that verify the Counter operates
properly and meets the Agilent 53131A/132A or Agilent 53181A specifications given
in Chapter 7, “Agilent 53131A/132A Specifications,” or Chapter 8, “Agilent 53181A
Specifications,” in this guide.
Chapter 2, “Service,” is divided into seven main sections that provide instructions for
returning the Counter to Agilent Technologies for service, calibrating the Counter,
and troubleshooting the assemblies in the Counter.
Chapter 5, “Replaceable Parts,” lists the replaceable parts contained in the Counter,
and explains how to order replacement parts for your Counter.
Chapter 6, “Backdating,” contains information required to adapt this manual for older
instruments.
Chapter 8, “Agilent 53181A Specifications,” lists all the specifications and operating
characteristics for the Agilent 53181A Frequency Counter.
For the Agilent 53131A, frequency and time interval resolutions are 10 digits in one
second and 500 picoseconds, respectively. The Agilent 53131A provides users with
a GPIB measuring speed of 200 measurements per second, and is suitable for bench-
top operation and lower-volume ATE operation. The frequency and time interval
resolutions for the Agilent 53132A are up to 12 digits in one second and 150
picoseconds, respectively. The Agilent 53132A provides users with exceptional
resolution, and is ideal for ATE systems operation.
The Agilent 53181A basic measurement functions include Frequency, Period, Peak
Voltage, and Frequency Ratio (if Channel 2 is installed).
• external gating,
• statistics,
• automatic limit testing,
• SCPI programming capability, and
• analog display mode limit testing
Programmable control is performed via a GPIB. The GPIB and a talk-only RS-232C
serial port are standard for the Agilent 53131A/132A/181A. The serial port is for
printing measured and analyzed data on serial printers, or for outputting an out-of-
limit signal.
Options
The options available for the Agilent 53131A/132A/181A Counter are listed
following this paragraph. Specifications for the options are listed in Chapter 7,
“Agilent 53131A/132A Specifications,” and Chapter 8, “Agilent 53181A
Specifications.” If you’ve purchased an option with the initial order, it will be
installed at the factory and ready for operation at delivery. Refer to the “Retrofitting
Options” chapter in this guide for instructions on field installation of the options.
NOTE The “0’s” and “1’s” in the following option numbers are numeric characters (that is,
they are not letters).
Hardware
• Medium Stability Oven Timebase, Option 001
• DC Power Input, Option 002
• High Stability Oven Timebase, Option 010
• Ultra-High Stability Oven Timebase, Option 012 (Agilent 53132A and
Agilent 53181A Only)
• 1.5 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 2), Option 015 (Agilent 53181A Only)
• 3.0 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 3), Option 030
• 5.0 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 3), Option 050
• 12.4 GHz RF Input Channel (Channel 3), Option 124
*
• Rear Terminals, Option 060
• Rack Mount Kit, Option 1CM (Agilent part number 5063-9240)
*
For the Agilent 53131A/132A Option 030, front and rear terminals can exist for Channel 1 and 2. The optional
Channel 3 can be configured as rear terminals only or front terminals only. For the Agilent 53181A, front and rear
terminals can exist for Channel 1. The optional Channel 2 can be configured as rear terminals only or front
terminals only. Option 050 and Option 124 can be configured only as front terminals.
Support
• 5-year Return to Agilent Technologies for Repair, Option W50
• 5-year Return to Agilent Technologies for Calibration, Option W52
Accessories Available
• Agilent 34161A Accessory Pouch
• Printer RS-232 Interface cables, Agilent 24542G or Agilent 24542H
• GPIB cables, Agilent 10833A/B/C/D
Performance Tests
Verifying Specifications
Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Introduction
Introduction
This chapter provides procedures to test the electrical performance of the Agilent
1
53131A/132A Universal Counter and Agilent 53181A Frequency Counter, using the
specifications listed in Chapter 7, “Agilent 53131A/132A Specifications,” and
Chapter 8, “Agilent 53181A Specifications,” of this guide.
• Operational Verification
• Complete Performance Tests
• Optional GPIB Verification
Operational Verification
The operational verification is an abbreviated series of checks that may be performed
to give a high degree of confidence that the instrument is operating properly without
performing the complete performance tests. An operational verification is useful for
incoming inspection, routine maintenance, and after instrument repair.
1
Optional GPIB Verification
The GPIB verification program, described on page 1-40 (Agilent 53131A/132A) or
page 1-70 (Agilent 53181A), exercises the Counter via the GPIB interface. The
program is written for an HP 9000 series 200 or 300 Desktop Computer as the
controller. If the instrument successfully completes all phases of the verification
program, there is a very high probability that the GPIB interface is working properly.
Test Record
The results of the operational verification, complete performance tests, and GPIB
verification test should be recorded on a copy of the Performance Test Record,
located at the end of each (i.e., Agilent 53131A/132A and Agilent 53181A) complete
performance tests section in this chapter.
Equipment Required
Table 1-1. Recommended Test Equipment
1
1
to give a high degree of confidence that the instrument is operating properly without
performing the complete performance tests.
If you are unfamiliar with the operation of the Counter, you should review the
Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” in the Operating Guide. However, the procedures in this
chapter are written so that little experience is necessary. The procedures should be
followed in the order in which they appear.
2 Make sure no cables are connected to the input channels (rear and front panels)
of the Counter.
NOTE It is normal for the fan in the Counter to continue to run after the Counter is placed in
Standby mode. Power to the timebase is continuous to maintain long term
measurement reliability, and the fan helps maintain timebase temperature stability.
NOTE The power supply will automatically sense the input voltage; thus, there is no need to
change the ac voltage setting.
3 Connect the power cord to the Counter, and connect the other end of the power
cord to the primary power source.
6’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 1.
10 MHz
HP 53131A/132A Out
Counter (rear panel)
Channel 2
Channel 1
BNC Tee
10 MHz
HP 53181A Out
Counter (rear panel)
1
Channel 1
8 Depending on which Counter you are testing, verify the appropriate reading as
shown below:
For Agilent 53131A and Agilent 53181A, verify a reading of 10.000,000,00 MHz.
9’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 2.
NOTE The remaining steps apply to the Agilent 53131A and Agilent 53132A only since
the Agilent 53181A does not have a standard Channel 2 input. For the
Agilent 53181A, proceed to the following “Run Self Test” section.
10 Press Freq & Ratio key until FREQUENCY 2 is displayed to select Channel 2 for
frequency measurements.
2 Power down (turn off the Counter), press and hold Recall (Utility) key, then press
1
POWER key.
Observe that ALL: PASS is displayed after the self test is completed.
5’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 3.
Termination Check
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Agilent 53131A/132A is shown in above figure. This setup for the Agilent 53181A requires a connection to
Channel 1 only.
The LED turns on, indicating a 50Ω input impedance for Channel 1.
1
4 Press Channel 1 DC/AC key.
6’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 4a.
9’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 4b.
10 Repeat steps 3 through 9 for Channel 2 for the Agilent 53131A/132A Counter
ONLY since the Agilent 53181A Counter does not have a standard Channel 2.
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator
Agilent 8130A Pulse Generator (or equivalent)
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 10503A BNC Cables (2)
Agilent 1250-0780 N-to-BNC Connector
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Procedure
1 Set the Pulse Generator to the following:
PERIOD: 20 µs
1
WIDTH: 5 µs
High: 3.00 V Low : 0.8 V
Trailing/Leading : 1.0 ns
Input Mode: TRIG
HP 8130A
Pulse Generator
Output
50Ω HP 8663A
Feedthrough Synthesized Signal Generator
Ext Arm
(rear panel)
Counter
Channel 1 Output
N-to-BNC
Connector
3 Set the Agilent 8663A to output a 200 MHz, 100 mV sine wave signal to Channel
1.
5 Send a single pulse by pressing the MAN key on the Agilent 8130A, and observe
that with each press the Gate annunciator flashes.
Note that the Agilent 53132A only operates with the 10 MHz external timebase;
therefore, perform the procedure in the section titled “10 MHz External
Timebase Input for the Agilent 53132A” on page 1-15 to verify that TIMEBASE
AUTO allows the Counter to be synchronized to the external reference.
Equipment
Agilent 3325B Synthesizers (2)
Agilent 10100C 50W Feedthrough
Agilent 10503 BNC Cables (2)
1
HP 3325B
Synthesizer #1
50Ω
Feedthrough
Ref. In
(rear panel)
Output
HP 3325B
Synthesizer #2
Counter
Channel 1 Output
3 Set Synthesizer #1 (i.e., the Agilent 3325B connected to the rear-panel Ref In
input of the Counter via a 50Ω feedthrough) to output a 1 MHz, 200 mV rms sine
wave signal.
Verify the Counter displays a reading of approximately 2 MHz and the ExtRef
annunciator is lit.
5 For Agilent 53131A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53131A/132A Performance
Test Record on page 1-41, Test 8a.
5’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 5a.
Verify the Counter displays a reading of approximately 2 MHz and the ExtRef
annunciator is lit.
3 For Agilent 53131A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53131A/132A Performance
Test Record on page 1-41, Test 8b.
3’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 5b.
Verify the Counter displays a reading of approximately 2 MHz and the ExtRef
annunciator is lit.
3 For Agilent 53131A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53131A/132A Performance
Test Record on page 1-41, Test 8c.
3’ For Agilent 53181A, mark Pass or Fail in the Agilent 53181A Performance Test
Record on page 1-71, Test 5c.
2 Set Synthesizer #1 (i.e., the Agilent 3325B that is connected to the rear-panel
1
Ref In input of the Counter via a 50Ω feedthrough) to output a 10 MHz, 200 mV
rms sine wave signal.
Verify the Counter displays a reading of approximately 2 MHz and the ExtRef
annunciator is lit.
by performing the performance tests provided in this section. Table 1-2 lists a
summary of the Agilent 53131A/132A performance tests.
(Note: the complete performance tests for the Agilent 53181A Frequency Counter
begin on page 1-47 of this chapter.)
NOTE To perform valid testing of the specifications, warm up the Counter and test
equipment for 30 minutes.
1
Equipment
Agilent 8130A Pulse Generator (or equivalent)
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Procedure
1 Connect the pulse generator signal to Channel 1 of the Counter as shown in
Figure 1-5.
1
HP 8130A
HP53131A/132 Pulse Generator
Counter
Channel 1 Output
PERIOD: 10 µs
WIDTH: 150 ns
High: 1.00 V Low : 0.00 V
Input Mode: Normal
4 Record this value in the appropriate place in the Performance Test Record (Test
1, Line 1 for Agilent 53131A or Test 1, Line 2 for Agilent 53132A).
1
Agilent 53132A Universal Counters.
Equipment
Agilent 3325B Synthesizer
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Procedure
1 Connect the output of the Agilent 3325B to Channel 1 of the Counter as shown in
Figure 1-6.
1
HP 3325B
HP 53131A/132A Synthesizer
Counter
2 Set the Agilent 3325B to output a 1 MHz, 80 mVp-p square wave signal.
5 Now, increment the dc offset on the Agilent 3325B by +1 mV until the Counter’s
Gate annunciator flashes and continue incrementing until the Counter displays
a stable reading of approximately 1 MHz.
6 Add the upper peak voltage (40 mV) of the 80 mV p-p signal to the offset value in
step 5 (For example, −24 mV + 40 mV = 16 mV).
1
9 On the Counter, press Run key.
10 Now, decrement the offset on the Agilent 3325B by −1 mV until the Counter’s
Gate annunciator flashes and continue decrementing until the Counter displays
a stable reading of approximately 1 MHz.
11 Add the lower peak voltage (−40mV) of the 80 mVp-p signal to the offset value in
step 10 (for example, 21 mV −40 mV = −19 mv.)
12 Now, add the upper hysteresis value (recorded in step 6) and lower hysteresis
value (recorded in step 11).
13 Record the trigger level value in the appropriate place in the Performance Test
Record (Test 2, Line 1).
15 Record the trigger level value in the appropriate place in the Performance Test
Record (Test 2, Line 2).
This set of tests verifies frequency sensitivity specifications of the Agilent 53131A
and 53132A Universal Counters.
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator
Agilent 1250-0780 Type N-to-BNC Connector
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 10503A BNC Cables (2)
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
1
For this test, make sure you always use the unit (Agilent 53131A/132A or
Agilent 8663A) that contains the better 10 MHz timebase as the output source as
shown in Figure 1-7.
HP 8663A
Synthesized Output
50Ω Signal Generator (rear panel)
Feedthrough
Ref. In
HP 53131A/132A (rear panel)
Counter
N-to-BNC
Connector
Channel 1 Output
OR
HP 8663A
Synthesized Input
Signal Generator (rear panel)
HP 53131A/132A
Counter 50Ω
Feedthrough
10 MHz
Output
(rear panel)
N-to-BNC
Connector
Channel 1 Output
4 In 0.1 dB steps, increase the power level until the Counter displays a stable
reading of 100 MHz.
The Counter should display 100 MHz when the signal generator level is ≤−21.0 dBm
(20 mVrms). Counters with Option 060 should display 100 MHz when the signal
generator level is ≤−9.5 dBm (75 mVrms).
5 Sweep the frequency from 100 MHz to 100 kHz. For Option 060, sweep
frequencies from 225 MHz to 100 kHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 100 MHz to 100 kHz at an input power
level of ≤−21.0 dBm (20 mVrms). Counters with Option 060 should read
frequencies from 225 MHz to 100 kHz at ≤−9.5 dBm (75 mVrms).
6 Record the actual reading in the appropriate place in the Performance Test
Record (Test 3, Line 1).
If you are testing a Counter with front-panel terminals (Standard), record the
reading on Line 1 of the Standard portion of the test record.
If you are testing a Counter with rear terminals (Option 060), record the reading on
Line 1 of the Option 060 portion of the test record.
NOTE DO NOT test the front terminals if rear terminals are installed. The front terminal
performance is not specified when the rear terminals are installed.
8 On the Counter, press Freq & Ratio key until FREQUENCY 2 is displayed.
10 Record the actual reading in the appropriate place in the Performance Test
Record (Test 3, Line 2).
If you are testing a Counter with front-panel terminals (Standard), record the
reading on Line 2 of the Standard portion of the test record.
If you are testing a Counter with rear terminals (Option 060), record the reading on
Line 2 of the Option 060 portion of the test record.
1
NOTE The remaining sensitivity procedures are NOT required for Counters that contain
Option 060 Rear Terminals; thus, this completes the sensitivity portion of the
Frequency Performance Test. Go to the Frequency Accuracy Test on page 1-27.
3 Increase the power level by 0.1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable 200
MHz reading.
The Counter should display 200 MHz when the input signal level is
≤−17.5 dBm (30 mVrms).
4 Sweep the signal generator frequency from 200 MHz to 100 MHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 200 MHz to 100 MHz when the input
signal level is ≤−17.5 dBm (30 mVrms).
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 3).
7 On the Counter, press Freq & Ratio key until Frequency 1 is displayed.
9 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 4).
3 Increase the power level by 0.1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable
reading of 225 MHz.
The Counter should read 225 MHz when the input signal level is
≤−15.0 dBm (40 mVrms).
4 Sweep the signal generator frequency from 225 MHz to 200 MHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 225 MHz to 200 MHz when the input
signal level is ≤−15.0 dBm (40 mVrms).
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 5).
7 On the Counter, press Freq & Ratio key until Frequency 2 is displayed.
9 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 6).
1
This set of tests verifies the frequency accuracy specifications of the Agilent 53131A
and Agilent 53132A Universal Counters.
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator
Agilent 1250-0780 Type N-to-BNC Connector
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 10503A BNC Cables (2)
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
2 Using the Gate & ExtArm key, set the gate time to TIME 1.000 s.
Procedure
1 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 1-8 with the signal generator
connected to Channel 1 of the Counter.
1
Input
(rear panel)
50Ω
Feedthrough
Ref. In HP 8663A
(rear panel) Synthesized Signal Generator
HP 53131A/132A
Counter
Channel 2
Channel 1 Output
N-to-BNC
Connector
4 Record the actual reading in the appropriate place in the Performance Test
Record (Test 4, Line 1 for Agilent 53131A or Test 4, Line 3 for Agilent 53132A.
Verify the Agilent 53131A Counter reads 100 MHz ±70 mHz.
Verify the Agilent 53132A Counter reads 100 MHz ±15 mHz.
1
6 Record the actual reading in the appropriate place in the Performance Test
Record (Test 4, Line 5 for Agilent 53131A or Test 4, Line 7 for Agilent 53132A).
Verify the Agilent 53131A Counter reads 200 MHz ±130 mHz.
Verify the Agilent 53132A Counter reads 200 MHz ±30 mHz.
8 Record the actual reading in the appropriate place in Performance Test Record
(Test 4, Line 9 for Agilent 53131A or Test 4, Line 11 for Agilent 53132A).
Verify the Agilent 53131A Counter reads 225 MHz ±150 mHz.
Verify the Agilent 53132A Counter reads 225 MHz ±35 mHz.
10 Record the actual reading in the appropriate place in the Performance Test
Record (Test 4, Line 13 for Agilent 53131A or Test 4, Line 15 for Agilent
53132A).
12 On the Counter, press Freq & Ratio key until Frequency 1 is displayed.
14 Record the actual readings in the appropriate places in the Performance Test
Record.
This test verifies the frequency range, and sensitivity of the optional 3-GHz and
5-GHz Channel 3 (Option 030/050/124) for the Agilent 53131A and the Agilent
53132A Universal Counters.
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator (not needed for Option 050)
Agilent 8340B Sweep Oscillator
Agilent 1250-0780 Type N-to-BNC Connector (not needed for Option 050)
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable(2)
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 11500D N-N Cable (Option 050 only)
Agilent 1250-1250 N(M) to SMA(F)
Agilent 1250-0777 N(F) to N(F)
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
1
dBm sine wave, and connect the signal to Channel 3 of the Counter as shown in
Figure 1-9.
Frequency Standard
HP 8340B (switch set to EXT)
Sweep Oscillator
Output
Input
(rear panel)
HP 8663A
Synthesized Signal Generator
HP 53131A/132A 50Ω
Counter Feedthrough
Ref. In
(rear panel)
Channel 3 Output
N-to-BNC
Connector
Figure 1-9. Option 030/050/124 Channel 3 Frequency Sensitivity and Accuracy Test Setup
3 Increase the power level in 5 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable reading
of approximately 2.5 GHz.
The Counter should display 2.5 GHz at ≤−27.0 dBm (10 mVrms).
1
The Counter should read frequencies from 2.5 GHz to 200 MHz at
≤−27.0 dBm (10 mVrms).
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 1).
2 Change the settings of the Sweep Oscillator to 3.0 GHz, −40 dBm.
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable reading
of approximately 3.0 GHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 3.0 to 2.7 GHz at ≤−21.0 dBm.
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 2).
1
2 Change the settings of the Sweep Oscillator to 5.0 GHz, −40 dBm.
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable reading
of approximately 5.0 GHz.
NOTE Use a power meter and sensor to ensure the accuracy of the power being input.
The Counter should read frequencies from 200 MHz to 5.0 GHz at
≤−23 dBm.
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 3).
2 Change the settings of the Sweep Oscillator to 12.4 GHz, −40 dBm.
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable reading
of approximately 12.4 GHz.
NOTE Use a power meter and sensor to ensure the accuracy of the power being input.
The Counter should read frequencies from 200 MHz to 12.4 GHz
at ≤−3 dBm.
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 4).
1
This test verifies the frequency accuracy of the optional 3-GHz or 5-GHz Channel 3
(Option 030).
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator (Option 030 only)
Agilent 8340B Sweep Oscillator
Agilent 1250-0780 Type N-to-BNC Connector (Option 030 only)
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable (2)
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 11500D N-N Cable (Option 050 only)
Agilent 1250-1250 N(M) to SMA(F)
Agilent 1250-0777 N(F) to N(F)
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Procedure
1 Connect equipment as shown in Figure 1-9.
(NOTE: For Options 050 and 124, skip steps 2 through 5. Proceed to step 6.)
2 Set the Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator to output 100 MHz at −
17.0 dBm.
Verify the Agilent 53131A Counter reads 100 MHz ±70 mHz.
Verify the Agilent 53132A Counter reads 100 MHz ±20 mHz.
1
4 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line 1 for
Agilent 53131A or Test 6, Line 2 for Agilent 53132A).
5 Disconnect the Agilent 8663A output from Channel 3 of the Counter, and
connect the Agilent 8340B Sweep Oscillator output to Channel 3 of the Counter
as shown in Figure 1-9.
Verify the Agilent 53132A Counter reads 3.0 GHz ±0.4 Hz.
7 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line 3 for
Agilent 53131A or Test 6, Line 4 for Agilent 53132A).
Verify the Agilent 53132A Counter reads 5.0 GHz ±0.7 Hz.
9 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line 5 for
Agilent 53131A or Test 6, Line 6 for Agilent 53132A).
10 Set the Agilent 8340B to output 12.4 GHz at −17 dBm. (This step is for
Option 124 only.)
11 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line 7 for
Agilent 53131A or Test 6, Line 8 for Agilent 53132A.)
1
This test verifies the Peak Volts accuracy specification of the Agilent 53131A and
Agilent 53132A Universal Counters.
Equipment
Agilent 3325B Synthesizer
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
50Ω/1MΩ, 50Ω
X10 Attenuate, Off
100kHz Filter, Off
50Ω/1MΩ, 50Ω
X10 Attenuate, Off
100kHz Filter, Off
Volt Peak 1
1 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 1-10.
1
HP 3325B
HP 53131A/132A Synthesizer
Counter
Channel 2
Channel 1 Output
The Counter should display −1.00 ±0.12V for the negative peak of the sine wave. This
reading is displayed on the left side of the display.
Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 7, Line 1a).
Also, the Counter should display +1.00 ±0.12V for the positive peak of the sine wave.
This reading is displayed on the right side of the display.
Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 7, Line 1b).
Volt Peak 2
1 Remove the signal from Channel 1 of the Counter and connect it to Channel 2.
1
The Counter should display -1.00 ±0.12V for the negative peak of the sine wave. This
reading is displayed on the left side of the display.
Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 7, Line 2a).
Also, the Counter should display +1.00 ±0.12V for the positive peak of the sine wave.
This reading is displayed on the right side of the display.
Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 7, Line 2b).
The GPIB Verification program exercises the Agilent 53131A/132A and through
various operating modes via the its GPIB interface. If the Counter successfully
completes all phases of the verification program, there is a high probability that the
GPIB interface is operating correctly. If the Counter fails the verification program,
refer to the troubleshooting section in Chapter 2, “Service,” of this guide.
The GPIB Verification program may be loaded into the HP 9000 series 200 or 300
Desktop Computer from the 3 1/2-inch disk (Agilent P/N 53131-13501) or the 5 1/4-
inch disk (Agilent P/N 53131-13502).
1 To run the program on the disk, insert the disk into the Desktop Computer, load
the program by typing Load “VER31”, and press RUN key on the computer’s
keyboard.
3 After running this program, record the result (Pass or Fail) on the last page
(page 1-46) of the Agilent 53131A/132A Performance Test Record.
1
Agilent Technologies Model 53131A/132A Universal Counter
Serial Number: ___________________________ Repair/Work Order No. ____________________
Test Performed By: _______________________ Temperature: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________ Relative Humidity: ________________________
Notes: __________________________________________________________________________
Test Number Operational Verification Test Results
Pass Fail
1 Power on Self Test
2 Channel 1, 10 MHz Test
3 Channel 2, 10 MHz Test
4 Run Self Test
5a Termination Check Ch 1, 50Ω
5b Termination Check Ch 1, 1MΩ
6a Termination Check Ch 2, 50Ω
6b Termination Check Ch 2, 1MΩ
7 External Arm Test
8a 1 MHz External Timebase Input Test (Agilent 53131A Only)
8b 5 MHz External Timebase Input Test (Agilent 53131A Only)
8c 10 MHz External Timebase Input Test (Agilent 53131A Only)
8d 10 MHz External Timebase Input Test for the Agilent 53132A
1
Complete Performance Tests (Continued)
Test Actual Reading
Number Test Description Minimum Maximum
4 Channels 1 and 2
Frequency Accuracy
(Agilent 53131A/132A
Only)
1 MHz Test
(Agilent 53131A):
Channel 1
Channel 2 999,999.999 Hz 1. __________ 1,000,000.001 Hz
1 MHz Test 999,999.999 Hz 2. __________ 1,000,000.001 Hz
(Agilent 53132A):
Channel 1
Channel 2 999,999.9998 Hz 3. __________ 1,000,000.0002 Hz
999,999.9998 Hz 4. __________ 1,000,000.0002 Hz
4 100 MHz Test
(Agilent 53131A):
Channel 1 99.999,999,93 MHz 5. __________ 100.000,000,07 MHz
Channel 2 99.999,999,93 MHz 6. __________ 100.000,000,07 MHz
100 MHz Test
(Agilent 53132A):
Channel 1 99.999,999,980 MHz 7. __________ 100.000,000,020 MHz
Channel 2 99.999,999,980 MHz 8. __________ 100.000,000,020 MHz
1
Complete Performance Tests (Continued)
Test Actual Reading
Number Test Description Minimum Maximum
6 Option 030 Channel 3
Frequency Accuracy
(Agilent 53131A/132A
Only)
100 MHz Test
(Agilent 53131A):
Channel 3
100 MHz Test
(Agilent 53132A): 99.999,999,93 MHz 1. __________ 100.000,000,07 MHz
Channel 3
1
performing the performance tests provided in this section. Table 1-3 lists a summary
of the Agilent 53181A performance tests.
(Note: the complete performance tests for the Agilent 53131A/132A Universal
Counter begin on page 1-16 of this chapter.)
NOTE To perform valid testing of the specifications, warm up the Counter and test
equipment for 30 minutes.
Counter.
Equipment
Agilent 3325B Synthesizer
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Procedure
1 Connect the output of the Agilent 3325B to Channel 1 of the Counter as shown in
Figure 1-11.
1
HP 3325B
HP 53181A Synthesizer
Counter
Channel 1 Output
2 Set the Agilent 3325B to output a 1 MHz, 80 mVp-p square wave signal.
5 Now, increment the dc offset on the Agilent 3325B by +1 mV until the Counter’s
Gate annunciator flashes and continue incrementing until the Counter displays
approximately 1 MHz.
6 Add the upper peak voltage (40 mV) of the 80 mV p-p signal to the offset value in
step 5 (For example, −24 mV + 40 mV = 16 mv).
10 Now, decrement the offset on the Agilent 3325B by −1 mV until the Counter’s
Gate annunciator flashes and continue decrementing until the Counter displays
approximately 1 MHz.
11 Add the lower peak voltage (−40mV) of the 80 mVp-p signal to the offset value in
step 10 (for example, 21 mV −40 mV = −19 mV.)
12 Now, add the upper hysteresis value (recorded in step 6 )and lower hysteresis
value (recorded in step 11).
13 Record the trigger level value in the Performance Test Record (Test 1, Line 1).
1
This set of tests verifies frequency sensitivity specifications of the Agilent 53181A
Frequency Counter.
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator
Agilent 1250-0780 Type N-to-BNC Connector
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 10503A BNC Cables (2)
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Input
(rear panel)
BNC Tee
HP 8663A
50Ω
Synthesized Signal Generator
Feedthrough
Ref. In
HP 53181A (rear panel)
Counter
Channel 1 Output
N-to-BNC
Connector
2 Set the Agilent 8663A Signal Generator to output a 100 kHz, −35.0 dBm sine
wave signal (−20.0 dBm for Option 060) to the Counter’s Channel 1 input.
3 In 0.1 dB steps, increase the power level until the Counter displays a stable
reading of 100 kHz.
The Counter should display 100 kHz when the signal generator level
is ≤−21.0 dBm (20 mVrms). Counters with Option 060 Rear Terminals should display
100 kHz when the signal generator level is ≤−9.5 dBm (75 mVrms).
4 Sweep the frequency from 100 kHz to 100 MHz. For Option 060, sweep
frequencies from 100 kHz to 225 MHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 100 kHz to 100 MHz at an input power
1
level of ≤−21.0 dBm (20 mVrms). Option 060 Counters should read frequencies from
100 kHz to 225 MHz at ≤−9.5 dBm (75 mVrms).
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 2, Line 1).
If you are testing a Counter with front-panel terminals (Standard), record the
reading on Line 1 of the Standard portion of the test record.
If you are testing a Counter with rear terminals (Option 060), record the reading on
Line 1 of the Option 060 portion of the test record.
NOTE DO NOT test the front terminals if rear terminals are installed. The front terminal
performance is not specified when the rear terminals are installed.
NOTE The remaining sensitivity procedures are NOT required for Counters that contain
Option 060 Rear Terminals; thus, this completes the sensitivity portion of the
Frequency Performance Test. Go to the Frequency Accuracy Test on page 1-55.
2 Increase the power level by 0.1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable 110
1
MHz reading.
The Counter should read 200 MHz when the input signal level
is ≤−17.5 dBm (30 mVrms).
3 Sweep the signal generator frequency from 100 MHz to 200 MHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 100 MHz to 200 MHz when the input
signal level is ≤−17.5 dBm (30 mVrms).
4 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 2, Line 2).
2 Increase the power level by 0.1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable 200
MHz reading.
The Counter should read 200 MHz when the input signal level is
≤−15.0 dBm (40 mVrms).
3 Sweep the signal generator frequency from 200 MHz to 225 MHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 200 MHz to 225 MHz when the input
signal level is ≤−15.0 dBm (40 mVrms).
4 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 2, Line 3).
1
This set of tests verifies the frequency accuracy specifications of the Agilent 53181A
Frequency Counter.
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator
Agilent 8340B Sweep Oscillator
Agilent 1250-0780 Type N-to-BNC Connector
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 10503A BNC Cables (2)
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
2 Using the Gate & ExtArm key, set gate time to TIME 1.000 s.
Procedure
1 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 1-13 with the signal generator
connected to Channel 1 of the Counter.
1
Frequency Standard
HP 8340B (switch set to EXT)
Sweep Oscillator
Output
Input
(rear panel)
HP 8663A
Synthesized Signal Generator
HP 53181A
50Ω
Counter Feedthrough
Ref. In
(rear panel)
Channel 1 Output
N-to-BNC
Connector
4 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 1).
1
Verify the Counter reads 100 MHz ±70 mHz.
6 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 2).
8 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 3).
10 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 4).
This test verifies the frequency range and sensitivity of the optional 1.5-GHz (Option
015), 3-GHz (Option 030), 5.0-GHz (Option 050), or 12.4-GHz (Option 124)
Channel 2 for the Agilent 53181A Frequency Counter.
Equipment
Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator (Not needed for Option 050/124)
Agilent 8340B Sweep Oscillator
Agilent 1250-0780 Type N-to-BNC Connector (Not needed for Option 050/124)
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable (2)
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
1
Frequency Standard
HP 8340B (switch set to EXT)
Sweep Oscillator
Output
Input
(rear panel)
HP 8663A
Synthesized Signal Generator
HP 53181A
50Ω
Counter Feedthrough
Ref. In
(rear panel)
Channel 2 Output
N-to-BNC
Connector
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter reads 500 MHz.
The Counter should display 500 MHz at ≤−27.0 dBm (20 mVrms).
1
The Counter should read frequencies from 100 MHz to 1.5 GHz
at ≤−27.0dBm (20 mVrms).
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 4, Line 1).
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter reads 500 MHz.
The Counter should display 500 MHz at ≤−27.0 dBm (20 mVrms).
The Counter should read frequencies from 100 MHz to 2.7 GHz
at ≤−27.0 dBm (20 mVrms).
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 4, Line 2).
1
2 Change the settings of the Sweep Oscillator to 3.0 GHz, −40 dBm.
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter displays 3.0 GHz.
The Counter should read frequencies from 3.0 to 2.8 GHz at ≤−21.0 dBm.
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 4, Line 3).
2 Change the settings of the Sweep Oscillator to 5.0 GHz, −30 dBm.
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable reading
of approximately 5.0 GHz.
NOTE Use a power meter and sensor to ensure the accuracy of the power being input.
The Counter should read frequencies from 200 MHz to 5.0 GHz at ≤−23 dBm.
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 4, Line 4).
2 Change the settings of the Sweep Oscillator to 12.4 GHz, −30 dBm.
1
3 Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter displays a stable reading
of approximately 12.4 GHz.
NOTE Use a power meter and sensor to ensure the accuracy of the power being input.
The Counter should read frequencies from 200 MHz to 12.4 GHz
at ≤−23 dBm.
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 4, Line 5).
1
This test verifies the frequency accuracy of the optional 1.5-GHz (Option 015),
3-GHz (Option 030), 5.0 GHz (Option 050), or 12.4 GHz (Option 124) Channel 2 for
the Agilent 53181A Frequency Counter.
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Procedure
1 Connect equipment as shown in Figure 1-15.
1
Frequency Standard
HP 8340B (switch set to EXT)
Sweep Oscillator
Output
Input
(rear panel)
HP 8663A
Synthesized Signal Generator
HP 53181A 50Ω
Counter Feedthrough
Ref. In
(rear panel)
Channel 2 Output
N-to-BNC
Connector
2 Set the Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator to output 100 MHz at −
17.0 dBm.
3 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 1).
1-64 Assembly-Level Service Guide
Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Test 5: Option 015/030/050/124 Channel 2 Frequency Accuracy (Agilent
53181A Only)
1
5 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test (Test 5, Line 2).
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
Procedure
1 Connect equipment as shown in Figure 1-15.
(NOTE: For Option 050/124, skip steps 2 through 7. Proceed to step 8.)
1
2 Set the Agilent 8663A Synthesized Signal Generator to output 200 MHz at −17.0
dBm.
Verify the Agilent 53181A Counter reads 100 MHz ±70 mHz.
4 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 3).
5 Disconnect the Agilent 8663A output from Channel 2 of the Counter, and
connect the Agilent 8340B Sweep Oscillator output to Channel 2 of the Counter
as shown in Figure 1-15.
7 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record. (Test 5, Line 4).
1
Verify the Agilent 53181A Counter reads 5.0 GHz ±3 Hz.
9 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 5).
11 Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 5, Line 6).
Frequency Counter.
Equipment
Agilent 3325B Synthesizer
Agilent 10100C 50Ω Feedthrough
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable
Counter Setup
1 Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter.
50Ω/1MΩ, 50Ω
X10 Attenuate, Off
100kHz Filter, Off
Procedure
1 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 1-16.
1
HP 3325B
HP 53181A Synthesizer
Counter
Channel 1 Output
2 Set the Agilent 3325B to output a 2 MHz, 2 Vp-p sine wave, and connect the
signal to Channel 1 of the Counter.
The Counter should display −1.00 ±0.12V for the negative peak of the sine wave. This
reading is displayed on the left side of the display.
Record the actual readings in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line a).
Also, the Counter should display +1.00 ±0.12V for the positive peak of the sine wave.
This reading is displayed on the right side of the display.
Record the actual readings in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line b).
The GPIB Verification program exercises the Agilent 53181A through various
operating modes via the its GPIB interface. If the Counter successfully completes all
phases of the verification program, there is a high probability that the GPIB interface
is operating correctly. If the Counter fails the verification program, refer to the
troubleshooting section in Chapter 2, “Service,” of this guide.
The GPIB Verification program may be loaded into the HP 9000 series 200 or 300
Desktop Computer from the 3 1/2-inch disk (Agilent P/N 53181-13501) or the 5 1/4-
inch disk (Agilent P/N 53181-13501).
1 To run the program on the disk, insert the disk into the Desktop Computer, load
the program by typing Load “VER81”, and press RUN key on the computer’s
keyboard.
3 After running this program, record the result (Pass or Fail) on the last page
(page 1-74) of the Agilent 53181A Performance Test Record.
1
Agilent Technologies Model 53181A Frequency Counter
Serial Number: ___________________________ Repair/Work Order No. ____________________
Test Performed By: _______________________ Temperature: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________ Relative Humidity: ________________________
Notes: __________________________________________________________________________
Test Number Operational Verification Test Results
Pass Fail
1 Power on Self Test
2 Channel 1, 10 MHz Test
3 Run Self Test
4a Termination Check Ch 1, 50Ω
4b Termination Check Ch 1, 1MΩ
5a 1 MHz External Timebase Input Test
5b 5 MHz External Timebase Input Test
5c 10 MHz External Timebase Input Test
1
Complete Performance Tests
Test 4: Option 015/030/050 Channel 2 Frequency Sensitivity (Agilent 53181A Only)
Actual Reading Specification
100 MHz–1.5 GHz (Option 015 Only) 1. __________ ≤−27 dBm
100 MHz–2.7 GHz (Option 030 Only) 2. __________ ≤−27 dBm
2.8–3.0 GHz (Option 030 Only) 3. __________ ≤−21 dBm
.2–5.0 GHz (Option 050 Only) 4. __________ ≤−23 dBm
.2–12.4 GHz (Option 124 only) 5. __________ ≤−23 dBm
Test Actual Reading
Number Test Description Minimum Maximum
5 Option 015/030 Channel 2
Frequency Accuracy
(Agilent 53181A Only)
100 MHz to 1.5 GHz Test for
Option 015 (Agilent 53181A):
Channel 2 99.999,999,93 MHz 1. __________ 100.000,000,07 MHz
Channel 2 1, 499.999,999 MHz 2. __________ 1,500.000,001 MHz
5 100 MHz to 3.0 GHz Test for
Option 030 (Agilent 53181A):
Channel 2 99.999,999,93 MHz 3. __________ 100.000,000,07 MHz
Channel 2 2,999.999,998 MHz 4. __________ 3, 000.000,002 MHz
5 200 MHz to 5.0 GHz Test for
Option 050: 4,999.999,997 MHz 5. __________ 5,000.000,003 MHz
5 200 MHz to 12.4 GHz Test for
Option 124: 12,399.999,992 6. __________ 12.400.000,008 MHz
Service
Chapter 2 Service
Introduction
Introduction
This chapter provides service information for your Agilent 53131A/132A/181A and
is divided into seven major sections:
2
if downtime is critical. You can receive your repaired Counter via overnight shipment.
Just call 800-403-0801 and ask for Express Repair/Performance Calibration Service.
When your Counter is repaired, it will be returned via overnight shipment at no extra
charge.
If you have the original packaging materials, refer to the following section titled “To
Pack in the Original Packaging Materials.” If the original packaging material are not
available, you can order new materials through an Agilent Technologies Sales Office.
The new materials are identical to those used by the factory when packaging the
instrument. If you want to use commercially available materials, refer to the section
titled “To Pack in the Commercially Available Materials.”
1 Disconnect the power cord, probes, cables, or other accessories attached to the
instrument.
2 Make sure the folded corrugated spacer (which normally contains the manuals)
is in the box to ensure proper fitting.
3 Make sure one of the polystyrene block is in its proper position in the box.
2
4 Place the instrument, front panel end first, on the polystyrene block.
5 Place the other polystyrene block on top of the rear end of the instrument to
secure it.
6 Do not return the manuals with the instrument. Return an accessory only when
it is a part of the failure symptoms.
2
4 Add a layer of shock-absorbing material.
NOTE If you are familiar with the information provided in this section, proceed to the
section titled “The Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration Procedures” on page 2-15 to
calibrate your Counter. This section, “About the Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration
Menu,” can be used as a reference.
NOTE With the exception of the standard timebase oscillator, no adjustments are required for
the Agilent 53131A/132A Counter.
2
A calibration security code feature allows you to enter a security code (electronic key)
to prevent accidental or unauthorized calibrations of the Counter. The security code is
set to 53131 or 53132 (corresponding to the model) when the Counter is shipped from
the factory. If you forget your security code, you can reset the security code to the
model-number default by resetting all of the non-volatile memory to a default state
(Contact Agilent Technologies for this confidential procedure).
NOTE This menu does not exist in early versions of the Counter. In the early versions
(firmware revisions 3317, 3335, and 3402) of the Agilent 53131A/132A, the CAL:
menu item resides in the Utility menu, and there is no calibration security
capability. See Chapter 6, “Backdating,” in this guide for the correct calibration
procedures.
• view the calibration security status of the Counter (CAL SECURE or CAL
UNSECURE)
• initiate the Counter’s calibration routines, which can perform automatic
calibration of the voltage offset and gain of the front-end input amplifiers (CAL:
OFFS 1 / 2 ?, GAIN 1 / 2?), of the optional timebase (CAL: TIMEBAS?), and
of the differences in electrical path-length between channels 1 and 2 (CAL: TI
QUIK? and CAL: TI FINE?)
• secure against calibration by entering the security code while the Counter is
unsecured (CODE: )
2
• unsecure for calibration by entering the security code while the Counter is
secured (CODE: )
• change the security code by entering a new code while the Counter is unsecured
(CODE: )
• view the calibration count, which indicates the number of times that the Counter
has been calibrated (CAL COUNT?). The calibration count increments up to a
maximum of 32,767 after which it wraps around to 1. A calibration count of 0
indicates that the Counter is completely uncalibrated. (The calibration count is
unaffected by interpolator calibration.)
• get Help (HELP: ) with any of the following:
– how to calibrate (CAL?),
– how to secure (SECURE?), and
– how to change the code (CODE?)
NOTE A good precaution is to use a GPIB program (see the programming example titled
“To Read and Store Calibration Data” in Chapter 3 of the Programming Guide) to
read and store the calibration factors prior to initiating any calibration.
POWER
Scale &
2
Offset
On / Stby
CODE: 0
CAL COUNT?
HELP: CAL?
HELP: SECURE?
HELP: CODE?
1
This menu item appears and calibration is permitted only if calibration is unsecure. Enter in the correct code
to change calibration to secure.
2 Timebase can be automatically calibrated only if the timebase option is installed.
2
calibration, and the remaining steps are not applicable.
3 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code “53131”, for example,
if 53131 was the security code set at the factory.
NOTE If “53131” was NOT the correct security code, the Counter would have displayed
BAD CODE.
4 Press any one of the arrow keys until your calibration choice (that is, CAL:
OFFS2?, CAL: GAIN 1?, CAL: GAIN 2?, CAL: TI QUIK?, CAL: TI FINE?, or
CAL: TIMEBAS?) is displayed.
Note that the timebase choice (CAL: TIMEBAS?) only appears when the Timebase
Option is installed.
6 Follow the instructions in the scrolling message, and press Enter key to start the
2
calibration.
The Counter momentarily displays CALIBRATING, and then displays the calibration
test name and pass/fail status (for example, OFFS 1 PASS ).
CAL:TI QUIK? and CAL:TI FINE? are two different ways to calibrate out the
differences in electrical path length between Channel 1 and Channel 2. When you
provide the calibration signal, the instrument measures how the difference in path
length translates to an average delay between the two channels.
The Quick Time Interval Calibration requires a simple input signal. You provide on
Channel 1 a clean square wave with a rapid rise time and an approximate frequency of
10 MHz. The instrument routes the calibration signal in COMMON to both channels
1 and 2, and measures the average delay between the two channels so configured. The
advantage of the Quick Calibration is that it is easy, quick, and requires little special
equipment. The disadvantage is that the calibration term is best fit for
TI measurements configured COMMON and measured from rising to rising edge; it
leaves uncorrected a small systematic error for all other configurations. The Fine
Time Interval Calibration minimizes systematic error by calibrating the instrument in
each configuration.
The Fine Time Interval Calibration requires a special calibrator signal source to
provide input—because it produces eight calibration terms, each tailored to a different
combination of input conditions. It requires the synthesizer driving the calibrator to
produce a very accurate 10 MHz waveform—because it calibrates the pulse width
configuration against the 50-nanosecond pulse width so provided. It minimizes
systematic error by calibrating the instrument in each of the eight configurations:
falling to falling edges, falling to rising edges, etc., and both SEPARATE and
COMMON routing.
2
Disadvantage: One correction term for all slope and routing configurations.
Input signal: clean square wave, fast rise time, approximately 10 MHz, 1 volt
peak-to-peak, no dc offset (oscillating about 0.0 volts), driving 50Ω.
Procedure: From the front-panel calibration menu, one keypress invokes the
calibration.
HP 8130A In A B HP 53131A/132A
Pulse Generator Counter
1 2 3 4
PERIOD: 100 ns
WIDTH: 50 ns
High: 0.50 V Low: −0.50 V
Input Mode: Normal
Procedure: From the front-panel calibration menu, one keypress invokes the
calibration. You are prompted to press buttons on the Agilent 59992A J06
Calibrator for each part of a four-part calibration.
Note that CAL: TI FINE? requires the completion of four steps in order.
3 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code, then press Enter key.
2
To Change to a New Security Code
1 Press and hold Scale & Offset key, then cycle POWER key.
2 Unsecure for calibration by the using the procedure described in the section
titled “To Unsecure for Calibration.”
4 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the new or customized security code,
then press Enter key.
A scrolling message will appear, indicating what the new code is. For example, the
Counter displays the NEW CODE IS 5 if you entered “5” as the new code.
3 Press any one of the entry keys (arrow, +/-, Enter) to have a scrolling message
appear, indicating what the calibration count is.
Your Counter was calibrated before it left the factory. When you receive your
Counter, read the calibration count to determine its initial value.
1 Press and hold Scale & Offset key, then cycle POWER key.
3 Press any one of the arrow keys until your help choice (that is, HELP: CAL?,
HELP: SECURE?, HELP: CODE?) is displayed.
REV: n is displayed; where “n” represents the numeric firmware revision code.
If 3317, 3335, or 3402 is displayed as the firmware revision code, then perform the
calibration procedures in Chapter 6, “Backdating.”
2
If the Counter’s firmware revision code is higher than the ones in the previous
paragraph, then perform the following procedures in this section.
NOTE After completing the instrument calibration, BE SURE to secure the calibration by
performing the procedure in the section titled “To Secure Against Calibration” on
page 2-13 of this chapter.
The first item in the Calibration menu is a message indicating the calibration security
status: CAL SECURE or CAL UNSECURE.
3 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code “53131”, for
example, if 53131 is the security code by performing the following steps:
NOTE If “53131” is NOT the correct security code, the Counter will display BAD CODE.
A scrolling message on the display will ask you to remove any signals connected to
Channel 1. Follow the instruction.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
7 To calibrate Channel 2, press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: OFFS 2 ? is
displayed.
2
A scrolling message on the display will ask you to remove any signals connected to
Channel 2. Follow the instruction.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
This completes the Offset Calibration procedure. Proceed to the next procedure to
calibrate the gain.
HP 53131A/132A
DC Power Supply Counter Digital Multimeter
+ - -
BNC Tee
6 Disconnect the digital multimeter from the Counter to prevent noise from being
introduced into the measurement.
The Counter momentarily displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display GAIN
1 PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
8 To calibrate the gain for Channel 2, connect the input or the BNC Tee to
Channel 2 of the Counter.
9 Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: GAIN 2 ? is displayed.
2
The Counter momentarily displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display GAIN
2 PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
This completes the Gain Calibration procedure. Proceed to the next procedure to
calibrate the time interval.
3 Connect the Agilent 8130A Pulse Generator output to Channel 1 of the Counter
as shown in Figure 2-3.
Equipment
2
HP 8130A
HP53131A/132A Pulse Generator
Counter
Channel 1 Output
PERIOD: 100 ns
WIDTH: 50 ns
High: 0.50 V Low : −0.50 V
Input Mode: Normal
NOTE Any external timebase connected to the Counter is ignored during this calibration.
The Counter displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display TI CAL PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
Depending on which timebase the Counter contains, proceed to the procedure “To
Calibrate the Standard Timebase” (page 2-23) or the “To Calibrate the High Stability
Timebase Option (Medium, High, or Ultra-High)” procedure (page 2-24) to calibrate
2
the timebase.
Equipment
Agilent 8130A Pulse Generator (or equivalent)
Agilent 59992A J06 Time Interval Calibrator (or equivalent)
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable (3)
HP 8130A In A B HP 53131A/132A
Pulse Generator Counter
1 2 3 4
PERIOD: 100 ns
WIDTH: 50 ns
High: 0.50 V Low : −0.50 V
Input Mode: Normal
NOTE Any external timebase connected to the Counter is ignored during this calibration.
3 Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: TI FINE? is displayed.
2
Note the Counter display message prompts you to press buttons on the Agilent
59992A J06 Calibrator for each part of a four-part calibration.
Note that CAL: TI FINE? requires the completion of four steps in the proper
order.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
House Standard
10 MHz Reference
HP 53131A/132A
Counter
2
Channel 1
3 With an insulated tuning tool, turn the OSC Adjust potentiometer (located on the
rear chassis of the Counter) until the frequency reading in the Counter display is
10.00000000 MHz ± 5 Hz.
If you are not able to adjust the frequency correctly, refer to the troubleshooting
section in this chapter.
2 Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: TIMEBAS? is displayed.
2
Note that the timebase choice (CAL: TIMEBAS?) only appears when the Timebase
Option is installed.
3 Press Enter key and follow the instructions in the scrolling message that appears
in the Counter display.
The Counter displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display TB CAL PASS.
If the fail message is displayed (even after the Counter has been warmed up for 24
hours), refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
NOTE If you are familiar with the information provided in this section, proceed to the
section titled “The Agilent 53181A Calibration Procedures” (page 2-31) to calibrate
your Counter. This section, “About the Agilent 53181A Calibration Menu,” can be
used as a reference.
NOTE With the exception of the standard timebase oscillator, no adjustments are required for
the Agilent 53181A Counter.
2
Overview of the Agilent 53181A Calibration Menu
The Calibration menu is accessed by holding the Scale & Offset key and cycling the
POWER
POWER key. All of the calibration factors and security settings are stored in non-
Scale &
Offset volatile memory, and do not change when power has been off or after a remote
interface reset.
On / Stby
A calibration security code feature allows you to enter a security code (electronic key)
to prevent accidental or unauthorized calibrations of the Counter. The security code is
set to 53181 when the Counter is shipped from the factory. If you forget your security
code, you can reset the security code to the model-number default by resetting all of
the non-volatile memory to a default state.
• view the calibration security status of the Counter (CAL SECURE or CAL
UNSECURE)
• initiate the Counter’s calibration routines, which can perform automatic
calibration of the voltage offset and gain of the front-end input amplifiers (CAL:
OFFS 1?, GAIN 1?), of the optional timebase (CAL: TIMEBAS?)
• secure against calibration by entering the security code while the Counter is
unsecured (CODE: )
• unsecure for calibration by entering the security code while the Counter is
secured (CODE: )
• change the security code by entering a new code while the Counter is unsecured
(CODE: )
• view the calibration count, which indicates the number of times that the Counter
has been calibrated (CAL COUNT?). The calibration count increments up to a
maximum of 32,767 after which it wraps around to 1. A calibration count of 0
indicates that the Counter is completely uncalibrated. (The calibration count is
unaffected by interpolator calibration.)
• get Help (HELP:) with any of the following:
– how to calibrate (CAL?),
– how to secure (SECURE?), and
2
NOTE A good precaution is to use a GPIB program (see the programming example titled
“To Read and Store Calibration Data” in Chapter 3 of the Programming Guide) to
read and store the calibration factors prior to initiating any calibration.
POWER
Scale &
Offset
On / Stby
2
3 CAL: OFFS1?
CAL: GAIN1?
4 CAL: TIMEBAS?
CODE: 0
CAL COUNT?
HELP: CAL?
HELP: SECURE?
HELP: CODE?
3
This menu item appears and calibration is permitted only if calibration is unsecured. Enter in the correct code
to change calibration to secure.
4
Timebase can be automatically calibrated only if the timebase option is installed.
3 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code “53181”, for example,
if 53181 was the security code set at the factory.
NOTE If “53181” was NOT the correct security code, the Counter would have displayed
BAD CODE.
4 Press any one of the arrow keys until your calibration choice (that is, CAL:
GAIN 1?, or CAL: TIMEBAS?) is displayed.
Note that the timebase choice (CAL: TIMEBAS?) only appears when the Timebase
Option is installed.
2
5 Press Enter key.
6 Follow the instructions in the scrolling message, and press Enter key to start the
calibration.
The Counter momentarily displays CALIBRATING, and then displays the calibration
test name and pass/fail status (for example, OFFS 1 PASS ).
3 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code, then press Enter key.
2 Unsecure for calibration by the using the procedure described in the section
titled “To Unsecure for Calibration.”
4 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the new or customized security code,
then press Enter key.
A scrolling message will appear, indicating what the new code is. For example, the
2
Counter displays the NEW CODE IS 5 if you entered “5” as the new code.
3 Press any one of the entry keys (arrow, +/-, Enter) to have a scrolling message
appear, indicating what the calibration count is.
Your Counter was calibrated before it left the factory. When you receive your
Counter, read the calibration count to determine its initial value.
3 Press any one of the arrow keys until your help choice (that is, HELP: CAL?,
HELP: SECURE?, HELP: CODE?) is displayed.
REV: n is displayed; where “n” represents the numeric firmware revision code.
NOTE After completing the instrument calibration, BE SURE to secure the calibration by
performing the procedure in the section titled “To Secure Against Calibration” on
page 2-29 of this chapter.
2
To Calibrate the Offset for Channel 1
1 To access the Calibration menu, power down, and press and hold the Scale &
Offset key, then press POWER key.
The first item in the Calibration menu is a message indicating the calibration security
status: CAL SECURE or CAL UNSECURE.
3 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code “53181”, for
example, if 53181 is the security code by performing the following steps:
NOTE If “53181” is NOT the correct security code, the Counter will display BAD CODE.
A scrolling message on the display will ask you to remove any signals connected to
Channel 1. Follow the instruction.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
This completes the Offset Calibration procedure. Proceed to the next procedure to
calibrate the gain.
2
HP 53181A
DC Power Supply Counter Digital Multimeter
+ - -
BNC Tee
6 Disconnect the digital multimeter from the Counter to prevent noise from being
introduced into the measurement.
The Counter momentarily displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display GAIN
1 PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
Depending on which timebase the Counter contains, proceed to either the following
procedure “To Calibrate the Standard Timebase” or the “To Calibrate the High
Stability Timebase Option (Medium, High, or Ultra-High)”procedure (page 2-35) to
calibrate the timebase.
House Standard
10 MHz Reference
HP 53181A
Counter
Channel 1
3 With an insulated tuning tool, turn the OSC Adjust potentiometer (located on the
rear chassis of the Counter) until the frequency reading in the Counter display is
10.00000000 MHz ± 5 Hz.
If you are not able to adjust the frequency correctly, refer to the troubleshooting
section in this chapter.
2 Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: TIMEBAS? is displayed.
2
Note that the timebase choice (CAL: TIMEBAS?) only appears when the Timebase
Option is installed.
3 Press Enter key and follow the instructions in the scrolling message that appears
in the Counter display.
The Counter displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display TB CAL PASS.
If the fail message is displayed (even after the Counter has been warmed up for 24
hours), refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
NOTE If the counter has been disconnected from line power for over 24 hours, it may take
up to 30 days for the daily aging rate to be re-attained.
Pre-Troubleshooting Information
This section contains the following pertinent troubleshooting information:
• Safety Considerations
• Recommended Test Equipment
• Repair Considerations
• After Service Considerations
• Assembly Identification and Location
2
Safety Considerations
Although this instrument has been designed in accordance with international safety
standards, this guide contains information, cautions, and warnings which must be
followed to ensure safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition.
Service instructions, and adjustment procedures requiring removal of the instrument
cover, are for use by service-trained personnel only. To avoid dangerous electric
shock, do not perform any servicing or make any adjustments with the cover
removed, unless qualified to do so.
2
Any maintenance and repair of the opened instrument under voltage should be
avoided as much as possible and, if necessary, should be carried out only by a skilled
person who is aware of the hazards involved (for example, fire and electric shock).
Repair Considerations
Electrostatic Discharge
Electronic components and assemblies in the Agilent 53131A/132A/181A can be
permanently degraded or damaged by electrostatic discharge. Use the following
precautions when servicing the instrument:
2
1 VISUAL INSPECTION. Visually inspect the interior of the instrument for any signs
of abnormal internally generated heat, such as discolored printed circuit boards or
components, damaged insulation, or evidence of arcing. Determine and remedy the
cause of any such condition.
2 GROUND CONTINUITY TEST. Plug the power cord into the rear-panel power
receptacle. (DO NOT connect the instrument to ac power at this time.) Using a
suitable ohmmeter, check resistance from the instrument’s metallic connection (such
as the rear panel or BNC ground collar) to the ground pin on the power cord plug. The
reading must be less that 1Ω. Flex the power cord while making this measurement to
determine whether intermittent discontinuities exist.
3 Check any indicated front- or rear-panel ground terminals marked, using the above
procedure.
4 INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST. Tie the line and neutral pins of the power cord
plug together. Measure the resistance from the instrument enclosure (chassis) to the
line and neutral pins of the power cord plug. The minimum acceptable resistance is 2
MΩ. Replace any component which results in a failure.
2
A4 AC Power Supply
Standard 0950-2496 no exchange
Option 002 53132-60207 no exchange
Option 010 and 012 53132-60208 no exchange
A5 DC Power Supply
Option 002 53132-60206 no exchange
A6 Oven Timebase
(Option 001) 53132-60008—Support Board no exchange
1813-0931—Oscillator no exchange
(Option 010) 53132-60016—Support Board no exchange
10811-60160—Oscillator 10811-69160
(Option 012) 53132-60016—Support Board no exchange
10811-60260—Oscillator 10811-69260
* Exchange part availability subject to change without notice. Contact your local Agilent Technologies Sales Office for current
information.
** If the Motherboard needs to be replaced in a unit which contains Options 030, 050, or 124, it must be done at an Agilent Technologies
Service Center.
A4 AC Power Supply
Standard 0950-2496 no exchange
Option 002 53132-60207 no exchange
Option 010 and 012 53132-60208 no exchange
A5 DC Power Supply
Option 002 53132-60206 no exchange
A6 Oven Timebase
(Option 001) 53132-60004 or 53132-60008—Support Board no exchange
1813-0931—Oscillator no exchange
(Option 010) 53132-60016—Support Board no exchange
10811-60160—Oscillator 10811-69160
(Option 012) 53132-60016—Support Board no exchange
10811-60260—Oscillator 10811-69260
* Exchange part availability subject to change without notice. Contact your local Agilent Technologies Sales Office for current information.
** If the Motherboard needs to be replaced in a unit which contains Options 030, 050, or 124, it must be done at an Agilent Technologies
Service Center.
2
J6
A4 AC Power Supply
Assembly A3 Option 030/050
Channel 3 Assembly for
HP 53131A/132A
OR
A3 Option 015/030/050
Channel 2 Assembly for
HP 53181A
J9
A1 Motherboard
Assembly
J7
A6 High Stability A3 Option 015/030/050 Channel
Timebase Assembly Input Board Assembly
Cable (P/O optional channel
input board, Option 015/030 only)
A2 Display Board
Assembly Cable Input BNC Connectors
(P/O Display (P/O A1 Motherboard Assembly)
Board Assembly)
XLR (Male)
Jack (P/O A5)
J6 (Hidden)
A4 AC Power Supply
Assembly A3 Option 030
Channel 3 Assembly for
HP 53131A/132A
OR
A3 Option 015/030
Channel 2 Assembly for
HP 53181A
J9
A1 Motherboard
Assembly
J7
A6 High Stability A3 Option 015/030/050 Channel
Timebase Assembly Input Board Assembly
Cable (P/O optional channel
input board, Option 015/030 only)
A2 Display Board
Assembly Cable Input BNC Connectors
(P/O Display (P/O A1 Motherboard Assembly)
Board Assembly)
1 Remove the power cord from the back of the instrument to disconnect the
Counter from the power source.
2
2 Remove the cover as described in Chapter 3.
NOTE A4 AC Power Supply Assembly is fused for safety reasons. It is assumed that if the
fuses are blown, then damage has occurred to the power supply which will make it
unreliable. Do not attempt to repair the power supply.
The fan should begin to operate as soon as power is supplied. If the fan does not
operate, replace A4 AC Power Supply Assembly.
After replacing the power supply assembly, perform the appropriate calibration
procedures in this chapter.
4 Connect the negative lead of a voltmeter to the chassis and verify that the
voltages in Table 2-4 match the voltages measured on connector J18 of A1
Motherboard Assembly. See Figure 2-9 for illustration of J18 viewing from the
bottom of the Counter.
CAUTION BE CAREFUL to NOT short the positive-side lead of the voltmeter to the chassis
when probing at the testpoints shown in Figure 2-9.
2
Ref
In
z
0H
/40 Hz
!
/60 /60
50 50
C
AC LINE:
VA
VA 20 AC
10 MHz Out
600 - 140 V
100 - 2
20
ISM 1-A
FOR LABORATORY USE BY
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
FOUR USAGE EN LABORATOIRE
PAR PERSONNEL QUALIFIE
001 MS Oven
2
OPTIONS
Talk Only
HP-IB
010 HS Oven
92
To Configure:
Hold Recall during turn-on.
-9V
Osc Adjust
9G
GND
-12
J18
+12
GND
E
AT
L PL
RS - 232
+5
RIA
SE
A1
Motherboard
Assembly
Table 2-4 lists A4 power supply voltages, the corresponding wire color, and the
tolerances.
2
Black 0.0 V ______
Blue -12.0 V ±1.2 V
5 After verifying the correct voltage and that all calibrations passed, proceed to
the following section.
• TEST LOOP:
• TST PRINT:
• TEST:
The Counter includes several self-tests. Some self tests are performed at the power-up
of the Counter. Some of these self tests can also be invoked from the Utility menu.
Other tests can also be invoked from the Utility menu, but a slightly different test is
performed. For example, a power-up self test might work regardless of connections to
the inputs while a Utility menu self test may require a specific signal to be connected.
Some self tests can only be invoked from the Utility menu, for example, the keypad
test.
You can specify that the tests should loop forever (TEST LOOP: ON or OFF) or
until any key is pressed.
You can also specify that failure messages be sent to a printer, the RS-232, and the
GPIB—if in talk-only (TST PRINT: ON or OFF).
There are 13 choices for the TEST: menu item. They are listed and described in the
following text.
TEST: ALL? —run all tests, except display, keypad and printer tests.
KEYPAD? —request user to press all keys. Note, this test is not available
if TEST LOOP: is ON. TEST LOOP: must be OFF.
PRINT? —send three test lines to a printer via the RS-232. If in talk-
only, also send three test lines to a printer via the GPIB.
NOTE When running the TEST LOOP self-test routine, be sure to connect the Counter to a
serial printer via the RS-232 using a RS-232 printer interface cable (Agilent 24542G
or Agilent 24542H) to receive more specific failure information. If you run the TEST
LOOP test without Counter being connected to a printer, the Counter will only
2
display pass or fail message.
The counter will display the tests as they are being performed. When the tests are
completed the display should show ALL: PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, run the appropriate individual test as described in the
following sub-section. If the individual test fail, use Table 2-5 to determine which
board or assembly you should replace.
NOTE If power does not cycle or the display does not light, go to the section titled “Power
Supply Check” on page 2-45 of this chapter.
Note that the DISP? and KEYPAD? tests are not available if TEST LOOP: is ON.
2
If TEST LOOP: ON is displayed, press any one of the arrow keys to set TEST
LOOP to OFF.
5 Press any one of the arrow keys to select the desired self test (for example, the
DISP? self test).
NOTE After the DISP? (Display) test has cycled through each display segment and
annunciator, press the Enter key to stop the test and to display the pass or fail
message.
7 If you are asked to do something, press Enter key when you have completed the
requested task.
Note that for the TEST: FR END? test, connect Counter as shown in Figure 2-11A or
Figure 2-11B (depending on which Counter you are testing) and press Enter key.
10 MHz
HP 53131A/132A Out
Counter (rear panel)
Channel 2
2
Channel 1
BNC Tee
10 MHz
HP 53181A Out
Counter (rear panel)
Channel 1
9 If the FAIL message is displayed for a test, use Table 2-5 to determine which
assembly may need replacing.
NOTE After replacing an assembly, perform the calibration procedures in this chapter.
Replacing Assemblies
Disassembly and Reassembly
Chapter 3 Replacing Assemblies
Introduction
Introduction
This chapter contains the instructions for removing major assemblies in the
Agilent 53131A/132A/181A. To install an assembly, reverse the removal instructions.
CAUTION Do not replace assemblies with the instrument turned on. Damage to components can
occur.
Refer to Chapter 5, “Replaceable Parts,” for the part number of the assemblies.
Tools Required
The following tools are required for these removal and replacement procedures:
Do This First
Before performing any of the removal and replacement procedures, the following
3
steps must be performed.
2 To remove the rear bezel, loosen the captive screws on the sides as shown in
Figure 3-1 using the TORX 15 screwdriver.
WARNING: NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING TO SERVICE TRAINED PERSONNEL.
AC LINE:
1 2
ISM 1-A 92
50/60 Hz
50/60/400 Hz
SERIAL PLATE
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
FOUR USAGE EN LABORATOIRE
PAR PERSONNEL QUALIFIE
3
3
OPTIONS
I
N 001 MS Oven 010 HS Oven
100 - 120 VAC
200 - 240 VAC
P !
HP-IB
U
60 VA
3 Remove the screw (H1) located at the bottom near the rear of the cover (MP3) as
shown in Figure 3-2.
H1
Arm
Ext
t
z Ou
MH
10
In
Ref MP3
60 VA
200 - 240 VAC
!
50/60/400 Hz
Talk Only
2
50/60 Hz
Hold
Recal
Osc Adju HP-IB
l durin 001 MS
To Con g turn-on. st Oven
figure:
OPTIO AC
010 HS LIN
Oven NS PAR
E:
RS - FOUR PERSO
USAG NNEL
232 QUALI E EN QUALI
FOR FIED LABOR FIE
LABOR PERSO ATOIR
ATOR NNEL E
ISM 1-A
Y USE
BY
SERIAL PLATE
92
3
Figure 3-2. Bottom View for Cover Removal
4 With one hand gripping the front bezel, pull the cover off with the other hand by
sliding the cover backward.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
2 Remove the bail handle (MP7) by rotating it to the vertical position and pull the
ends outward as shown in Figure 3-3.
3 Remove the front rubber bumper (part of MP2), stretch a corner and then slide
it off as shown in Figure 3-4.
5 Remove the BNC nuts (H3), shown in Figure 3-5, from the front panel using the
14-mm deep-socket spin tight.
H1
W1
H1
H3
3
H1
6 For Counters with the optional 1.5 GHz or 3.0 GHz channel (Option 015 or 030),
pull cable W1 out of the front bezel as shown in Figure 3-5. For the optional 5.0
or 12.4 GHz channel, remove knurled nut.
CAUTION When reassembling A3 (Option 015/030) Assembly, ensure that cable W1 is not
placed or folded on top of the input circuits of A1 Motherboard Assembly or is tucked
behind A3 as the Counter may start reading or measuring noise.
7 Remove the two screws (H1), located in the sides of the front bezel, using the
TORX 15 screwdriver as shown in Figure 3-5.
8 Loosen the screw (H1), shown in Figure 3-5, that helps secure A1 Motherboard
Assembly to the chassis to make step 9 (the following step) easier.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
See the section titled “To Remove A4 AC Power Supply Assembly” in this chapter.
See the section titled “To Remove the Front Bezel” in this chapter.
5 If the Counter contains one of the optional high stability timebase assemblies
3
(Option 001, 010, 012), disconnect the flat-ribbon cable from J6 of A1
Motherboard as shown in Figure 2-8A (See Chapter 2, “Service.”).
6 If the Counter contains the Option 002 DC Power Input Assembly, remove it.
See the section titled “To Remove A5 DC Power Input Assembly (Option 002)” in
this chapter.
7 Remove the two hex screws (H4), shown in Figure 3-6, on the rear-panel GPIB
connector using the 7-mm spin tight.
H3
H5 H1
H4
J7 H1
H5 A3 1.5/3.0 GHz
Channel Assembly
H1 (Option 015/030)
MP1
A1 Motherboard
Assembly
3
8 Remove the BNC nuts (H3), shown in Figure 3-6, from the rear of the chassis
using the 14-mm deep-socket spin tight (Opt 015/030 only). Remove knurled nut
for Option 050.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
See the section titled “To Remove the Front Bezel” in this chapter.
3 Note that A2 Display Board Assembly, shown in Figure 3-7, is held in place by
five tabs (two on top and three on bottom) which are part of the front bezel.
3
P/O Rubber Keypads (MP6)
Window (MP5)
Cap
P/O Rubber Keypads (MP6)
4 Pull up on the top portion of the front bezel until the top portion of the display
board is free from the top tabs.
5 Pull down on the bottom portion of the front bezel until the display board is free
from the bottom tabs.
If the board is still not free, insert a small flat-blade screw driver or object between
the bottom of the display board and the bezel to gently pry the board loose from the
bottom tabs.
NOTE When installing A2 Display Board into the front bezel, pull up on the top portion of
the front bezel and press display board into place. Make sure that the board is
positioned all the way into the bezel until the two tabs on top and three on bottom are
visible.
7 Now, remove the POWER key cap by gripping and pulling it.
3
NOTE The cap must be removed to make installation of the A2 Display Board Assembly
easier.
8 As shown in Figure 3-7, the rubber keypads (MP6) are now free. Just pull them
out of the bezel.
9 Remove the window (MP5), shown in Figure 3-7, by pressing down on the two
top tabs and sliding the window forward.
NOTE The 1.5 GHz Channel 2 Assembly is available only for the Agilent 53181A
Frequency Counter.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
2 Using the 14-mm deep-socket spin tight, remove the BNC nut (H3) from the
optional Channel 3 (or Channel 2 for Agilent 53181A) input connector (Options
015/030 only). For Option 050 or 124 remove the knurled nut using a pair of
pliers.
3 Pull W1, which is the optional channel assembly cable, out of the Channel 3 (or
2) opening in the front panel assembly as shown in Figure 3-8. For the Option
3
050 or 124, the connector is part of the Option assembly.
CAUTION When reassembling A3 (Option 015/030) Assembly, ensure that cable W1 is not
placed or folded on top of the input circuits of A1 Motherboard Assembly or is tucked
behind A3 as the Counter may start reading or measuring noise.
A3 3 GHz
Channel Assembly
(Shown with Option 015/030)
W1
H2
J7
H2
H3
3
5 Remove the four (two or three for Option 050 or 124) screws (H2) attaching the
optional channel to the chassis as shown in Figure 3-8.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
2 Remove the TORX screw (H1) located in the upper-middle of the chassis using
the TORX 15 screwdriver as shown in Figure 3-9.
A4 AC Power Supply
Assembly
H1
H2
3
H2
J18
3 Remove the two TORX screws (H2) on the rear panel using the TORX 10
screwdriver as shown in Figure 3-9.
4 Lift up A4 AC Power Supply Assembly and disconnect its cable from J18 on A1
Motherboard Assembly to remove the power supply assembly as shown in
Figure 3-9.
NOTE When replacing the power supply, order the rubber foot (0403-0424). Figure 3-10
shows where the rubber foot is located on the defective assembly.
Rubber foot
A4 AC Power
Supply Assembly
3
5 If the Counter contains the Option 002 DC Power Input Assembly, disconnect
A4 AC Power Supply’s other cable from Option 002 as shown in Figure 3-11.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
2 Remove the four TORX 10 screws (H2) that attach A5 DC Power Input
Assembly to the side of the chassis as shown in Figure 3-11.
A5
DC Power Input Assembly
(Option 002)
H2
H2
H2
3
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
A6 High Stability
Timebase Assembly
H2
H2 H2
3
SERIAL PLATE
92
BY
ISMR LAIFIBOEDAGRAPEENEENRSLLAQUAL 2
NS Oven - 23
FO AL US ON
E:
QUUR RS
FOR PE -on.RS
IN PA
TIO 0 HS rn
ACL OP 01 ure: rin
g tu
en fig l du
Ov Con ecal t
MS us
50/60 Hz
001
To R Adj
!
ut
J9 3
Re
f 10
MH
zO
I In
N
P
U Ext
T rm
S A
Figure 3-12. Option 001, 010, and 012 A6 High Stability Timebase
Assembly Removal
4 Remove the three TORX 10 screws (H2) attaching the timebase to the chassis as
shown in Figure 3-12.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in this chapter.
2 Unsolder the lead-end of the cables from their appropriate ground and input
pads on the A1 Motherboard Assembly (J16, J17) as shown in Figure 3-13.
For the Agilent 53131A/132A unsolder the rear chassis INPUTS 1 cable to J16 and
INPUTS 2 to J17.
For the Agilent 53181A unsolder the rear chassis INPUTS 1 cable to J17.
NOTE If there are upper or lower shields installed on A1 Motherboard Assembly, cut them
out and then remove Option 060 Rear Terminal cable(s). Replace the front bezel with
the metalized version (53131-40001).
W1
H6 from
Option 015/030
W2
H3
H6
J17
(Channel 2 for HP53131A/132A
Channel 1 for HP 53181A)
J16
(Channel 1
for HP53131A/132A)
NOTE Options 050 and 124 (5.0 or 12.4 GHz Input) is front panel only.
3 Loosen and remove the 2940-0256 BNC nuts (H3) that secure the coaxial cable(s)
to the rear chassis, using the 14-mm deep-socket spin tight.
5 Pull the connector-end of W1 and washer (H6) out of the rear INPUTS opening.
6 Plug opening (s) with MP9 (6960-0159) if you are not going to re-install Option
060.
Retrofitting Options
Chapter 4 Retrofitting Options
Introduction
Introduction
This chapter provides the following retrofit procedures:
Tools Required
The following tools are required for these retrofitting procedures:
• pliers
Do This First
Before performing any of the retrofit procedures, the following steps must be
performed.
NOTE Retrofitting to Option 015 (1.5 GHz), Option 030 (3.0 GHz), Option 050 (5.0 GHz),
and Option 124 (12.4 GHz) must be performed by technicians at an Agilent
Technologies Service Center.
NOTE Option 002 can NOT be installed or combined with Option 060 Rear Terminals.
Preliminary Procedure
1 Remove the cover.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in Chapter 3 of this guide.
See the section titled “To Remove the Front Bezel” in Chapter 3 of this guide.
4
See the section titled “To Remove A1 Motherboard Assembly” in Chapter 3 of this
guide.
Retrofitting Procedure
1 Slide A1 Motherboard Assembly into the new chassis (MP10) as shown in
Figure 4-1A.
H3
H5 H1
H4
H1
H5
H1
MP10
A1 Motherboard
Assembly
4
2 Insert but do not tighten the three TORX 15 screws (H1) that attach A1
Motherboard Assembly to the new chassis (MP10) as shown in Figure 4-1A.
3 Insert and tighten the three BNC nuts (H3) onto the BNC connectors that
protrude from the rear of the chassis using the 14-mm deep-socket spin tight.
4 Insert and tighten the two hex screws (H4) and the lock washers (H5) onto the
GPIB connector that protrudes from the rear of the chassis using the 7-mm spin
tight.
5 Now, re-install the front bezel by performing the front bezel removal procedure,
in Chapter 3 of this guide, in reverse. Be sure to insert A2 Display Board’s cable
into connector J6 on A1 Motherboard Assembly.
6 Tighten the three H1 screws, shown in Figure 4-1A, to secure the motherboard to
the chassis.
A4 AC Power Supply
Assembly
H1
H2
H2
J18
4
8 Insert and tighten the two TORX 10 screws (H2) to attach A4 Power Supply
Assembly to the rear of the chassis as shown in Figure 4-1B.
9 Insert and tighten the TORX 15 screw (H1) into the upper-middle of the chassis
as shown in Figure 4-1B.
A5
DC Power Input Assembly
(Option 002)
H2
H2
H2
4
b. Position A5 Power Input Assembly against the rear of the chassis and align
it with the two appropriate holes in the rear of the chassis.
c. Using the four TORX 10 screws (H2), secure A5 DC Power Input Assembly
to the side of the chassis (MP10) as shown in Figure 4-1C.
11 To install the rear label (MP11), remove the protective seal from the back of it
and press into place making sure to properly align the label with the holes in the
rear of chassis as shown in Figure 4-1D.
A4
MP10
MP11
SERIAL PLATE
92
1-A
E BY IRE
US
RYNNEL ATO
ISM
ATOSO ORFIE
ORPER LABALI
D EN QU
R LAB
FIE E EL
FO ALI USAGNN
2
: NS - 23
INE
QUUR SO n.
L
FO PER
IO rn-o RS
PAR
T g tu
AC OP ure: rin
en nfig du
Ov Co call just
50/60 Hz
MS To Re
001 Oven
se
60 VA
Fu
DC3 A
ut
zO
MH
10
In
Ref
Arm !
Ext
A5 INP
UTS
4
Figure 4-1D. DC Power Input Assembly Retrofitting
13 Note that you will have to assemble your own dc power cable using 18 AWG
connecting wires and a three-pin Agilent E9640A XLR (female) connector plug,
shown in Figure 4-1E.
Cable wires
connected
to this end
dc-supply ( ) 2
1
3
14 From the rear of the XLR plug, connect the external power supply’s supply-side
wire to pin 2 of the XLR plug. Connect the external power supply’s return
(ground) wire to pin 1, and the chassis ground wire to pin 3 of the XLR plug.
15 Observing the correct polarity, attach the other ends of the wires to a dc source
4
This completes the DC Power Input Assembly (Option 002) retrofit procedure.
*Option
010 High Stability Timebase Assembly Parts
Item Agilent Part No. Qty.
• A6 Timebase Support Board 53132-60016 1
• Oven Oscillator 10811-60160 1
• TORX 10 screws (H2) 0515-0430 3
• Pozidriv screws (H7) 2360-0331 2
*Option
012 Ultra-High Stability Timebase Assembly Parts
Item Agilent Part No. Qty.
• A6 Timebase Support Board 53132-60016 1
• Oven Oscillator 10811-60260 1
4
• TORX 10 screws (H2) 0515-0430 3
• Pozidriv screws (H7) 2360-0331 2
*
These options can be installed or retrofitted in Counters that have firmware revisions 3402 and greater only.
Contact your local Agilent Technologies Service Center for more information.
Procedure
1 Turn off the Counter and remove power cord.
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in Chapter 3 of this guide.
3 If you are retrofitting the Option 010 High Stability or Option 012
Ultra-High Stability assembly, go to step 4 below.
If you are retrofitting the Option 010 High Stability and Option
4
H7
H7
A6 High Stability
Timebase Assembly P1
J2
Jumper cap
H2
H2 H2
4
Figure 4-2. High Stability Timebase Retrofitting (Option 001, 010, 012)
See the section titled “To Remove the Cover” in Chapter 3 of this guide.
2 For retrofitting the Agilent 53131A or Agilent 53132A that do NOT contain the
Optional Channel 3 (Option 030), push out INPUTS plugs 1 and 2 (located on
rear of chassis) as shown in Figure 4-3A.
For retrofitting the Agilent 53131A or Agilent 53132A that contain the Optional
Channel 3 (Option 030), push out INPUTS plugs 1, 2, and 3 (located on rear of
chassis) as shown in Figure 4-3A.
For retrofitting Agilent 53181As that do NOT contain the optional Channel 2
(Option 015/030), push out INPUTS plug 1 (located on rear of chassis) as shown
in Figure 4-3A.
For retrofitting the Agilent 53181As that contain the optional Channel 2, push
4
out INPUTS plugs 1 and 2 (located on rear of chassis) as shown in Figure 4-3A.
See the following NOTE.
NOTE The Agilent 53131A and 53132A front and rear terminals can be in parallel for inputs
1 and 2. However, the optional Channel 3 input (Option 030) can be configured as
rear terminals only or front terminals only. The optional Channel 3 inputs (Option
050 or 124) can be front terminal only (53131A, 53132A, 53181A).
NOTE For the Agilent 53181A, the front and rear terminals can exist for Channel 1.
However, Agilent 53181A’s optional Channel 2 input (Option 015/030) can be
configured as rear terminals only or front terminals only.
NOTE If there are upper or lower shields installed on A1 Motherboard Assembly, cut them
out and replace the front bezel with the metallized version (53131-40001).
Panel
Plug (MP9)
3 Remove the end of the optional channel (Option 015/030) coaxial cable (W1) that is
connected to the front-panel and insert it through the appropriate rear INPUTS
opening (3 for Agilent 53131A/132A; 2 for Agilent 53181A) as shown in
Figure 4-3B.
W1
H6 from
Option 015/030
W2
MP9
H6
MP9 To J17
To J16
J17
(Channel 2 for HP53131A/132A
Channel 1 for HP 53181A)
4
J16
(Channel 1
for HP53131A/132A)
4 Insert the connector-end of the W1, with the washers (H6) in place on the
connector, through the appropriate rear INPUTS opening.
5 Insert and tighten the BNC nuts (H3) to secure the coaxial cables to the rear of
the chassis.
6 Solder the lead-end of the cables to their appropriate ground and input pads on
A1 Motherboard Assembly (J16, J17)
For the Agilent 53131A/132A solder the rear chassis INPUTS 1 cable to J16 and
INPUTS 2 to J17. (See Figure 4-3B.)
For the Agilent 53181A solder the rear chassis INPUTS 1 cable to J17.
(See Figure 4-3B.)
NOTE When using the front terminals of Inputs 1 and 2, the rear terminals should be
terminated with a 50-ohm load (such as part number 1250-0207). When using the rear
terminals, these loads should be placed on the front terminals, or the 50-ohm input
button selected (but not both).
Replaceable Parts
Chapter 5 Replaceable Parts
Introduction
Introduction
This chapter contains information for ordering parts. Table 5-1 lists the exchange
assemblies. Table 5-2 lists reference designations used in the parts list and throughout
the guide, and Table 5-3 lists all replaceable assemblies and parts for the Agilent
53131A/132A/181A Counter. Table 5-4 is a list of manufacturer’s code numbers
given in the parts list (Table 5-3). It contains the names and addresses corresponding
to the code number of the manufacturer. Figure 5-1 is an exploded view of the
Agilent 53131A/132A/181A.
Exchange Assemblies
Table 5-1 lists assemblies within the Agilent 53131A/132A/181A that may be
replaced on an exchange basis. Factory repaired and tested exchange assemblies are
available only on a trade-in basis. Defective assemblies must be returned for credit.
(Note that the part numbers for the new and exchange assemblies are also listed in
Table 5-3.)
Reference Designations
Table 5-2 lists the reference designations used in the parts lists, block diagrams, and
throughout the guide.
Replaceable Parts
Table 5-3 is a list of replaceable parts and is organized as follows:
1. Reference designation.
2. Agilent Technologies part number.
3. Part number check digit (CD).
4. Total quantity (QTY) in instrument. The total quantity is given once and at the
first appearance of the part number in the list.
5. Description of the part.
6. Typical manufacturer's part number for the part.
Parts Identification
To identify the part(s) you want, first refer to the exploded view in Figure 5-1 at the
back of this chapter or Figure 2-8A and Figure 2-8B in Chapter 2, “Service.”
When ordering from Agilent Technologies, the important numbers to note from the
Parts List are the Agilent Part Number and part-number check digit (in the “CD”
column), and the quantity of the part you want.
If the part you want is NOT identified in the guide, you can call on Agilent
Technologies for help (see the following section titled “Contacting Agilent
Technologies”). Please have the following information at hand when you contact
Agilent Technologies for help:
• Outside the United States, contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office.
• Within the United States, we encourage you to order replacement parts or request
parts information directly by telephone or mail from the Agilent Support
Materials Organization, using the telephone numbers or address listed on the next
page. (You can also contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office. Agilent
Technologies sales offices are listed at the back of this package.)
By telephone:
– For Parts Ordering use our toll-free number, (800) 227-8164, Monday
through Friday (except Holidays), 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).
If you need a part in a hurry, an extra-cost Hotline phone ordering service is
available 24 hours a day. Use the toll-free number above at the times
indicated; at other times, use (916) 785-8460.
– For Parts Identification Assistance, call us at (916) 783-0804
Our Parts Identification hours are from Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to
5 p.m. (Pacific Time).
For mail correspondence, use the address below:
Agilent Technologies
Support Materials Roseville
P. O. Box 1145
Roseville, CA 95661-1145
A3 (Agilent 53181) 53132-60003 5 1 OPTION 015, 1.5 GHz INPUT BOARD (RESTORED) 28480 53132-60003
A3 53132-60003 3 1 OPTION 030, 3 GHz INPUT BOARD (RESTORED) 28480 53132-60003
A3 53132-69211 1 OPTION 050, 5 GHz INPUT BOARD (RESTORED) 28480 53132-69211
A3 53132-69212 1 OPTION 124, 12.4 GHz INPUT BOARD (RESTORD) 28480 53132-69212
ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES
A2 53131-60002 3 1 DISPLAY BOARD 28480 53131-60002
CHASSIS PARTS
H1 0515-0433 6 6 SCREW-MACH TORX 15 00000 ORDER BY DESCRIPTION
H2 0515-0430 3 3 SCREW-MACH TORX 10 00000 ORDER BY DESCRIPTION
H3 2940-0256 4 2 NUT-BNC 00000 ORDER BY DESCRIPTION
H4 0380-1332 7 2 SCREW-STDF, GPIB CONN HEX 00000 ORDER BY DESCRIPTION
H5 2190-0577 1 2 WASKER-LOCK 00000 ORDER BY DESCRIPTION
H6 0590-0505 1 NUT-KNURLED 00000 ORDER BY DESCRIPTION
MP5 (Agilent 53181A 53181-40017 8 1 WINDOW, 5 GHz, FOR Agilent 53181A ONLY 28480 53181-40017
only)
MP2 53131-40014 5 1 BEZEL 28480 53131-40014
P/O MP2
MP7
A5
(Option 002)
MP3
MP8
(MP11 for Option 002)
A3
A4
A2 A6
(Option 001,
010, or 012)
A1
MP1
(MP10 for Option 002)
MP5
(HP 53181A only)
MP4
P/O MP2
5
Backdating
Manual Changes
Chapter 6 Backdating
Introduction
Introduction
This chapter contains information necessary to adapt this guide to apply to older
6
instruments.
The backdating information includes the following:
Manual Changes
This guide applies directly to Counters with the following serial prefixes listed in
Table 6-1.
As engineering changes are made, newer instruments may have higher serial prefix
numbers than the one shown on the title page of this guide. The guides for these
instruments will be supplied with “Manual Updating Changes” package containing
the required information. Replace the affected pages or modify existing guide
information as directed in the pages of the Manual Updating Changes package.
Contact the nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Support Office.
Older Instruments
To adapt this guide to older Agilent 53131A/132A/181A Counters having a serial
prefix lower than 3711, perform the backdating provided in the following sections.
Backdating Hardware
CHANGE 1 (Below Series Prefix 3711A)
6
Page 2-40, Table 2-1. Agilent 53131A Assembly Identification:
Change A3 Channel 3 Input Board (Option 050) part number from 53132-60212
to 53132-60211; exchange part numbers change from 53132-69212 to 53132-
69211.
Change A3 Channel 3 Input Board (Option 050) part number from 53132-60212
to 53132-60211; exchange part numbers change from 53132-69212 to 53132-
69211.
4a If the Counter under test contains Option 010 or 012 High Stability Timebase,
perform the following:
A6 GND
High Stability -9V (Wht)
Timebase (Gray)
Assembly
J2
A4
AC Power Supply
Assembly
SERIAL PLATE
92
E BY IRE
1-A US L
RY NE ATO
ISM
ATO ON ORFIE
ORPERS LABALI
D EN QU
R LAB
FIE ENEL
FO ALI USAG
2
: QUUR RS
ON
NS en - 23
E FOR PE Ov -on.RS
LIN
PA
TIO 0 HS g tu
rn
AC OPen 01 ure: rin
nfig du
Ov Co call just
50/60 Hz
MS To Re
001
100 - 120 VAC 50/60/400 Hz
ld c Ad
-IB Ho Os
HP
ly
On
2 Ta
lk
200 - 240 VAC
1
60 VA
!
3 ut
zO
MH
10
Ref
I In
N
P
U Ext
T rm
S A
b. Connect the negative lead of a voltmeter to the white wire connection (GND)
on the connector of the two-wire cable, and connect the positive lead to the
gray wire connection (−9V) as shown in Figure 2-10.
Verify a reading of −9.0 ± 0.45 V.
6
Page 5-7, Table 5-3. Agilent 53131A/132A/181A Replaceable Parts:
Change A6 Options 001, 010, and 012 Timebase Support Board from 53132-
60016 to 53132-60008.
Option 002
MP10 Option 002 Rear Label 53131-80039 53131-80013
Option 015
MP5 Window 1.5 GHz (53181A) 53181-40015 53181-40005
Option 030
MP5 Window, 3.0 GHz (53181A) 53181-40014 53181-40004
Option 050
Front Panel, 5 GHz (53131/132A) 53131-40012 53131-40006
1
Add 53131-00004; 9; 1; SHIELD UPPER; 28480; 53131-00004
6
1
Add 53131-00005; 0; 1; SHIELD LOWER; 28480; 53131-00005
1
Add 53131-00008; 3; 1; SHIELD CHASSIS; 28480; 53131-00008
1
Add 53131-00009; 4: 1; GROUND CONNECTION 28480; 53131-00009
1
These shields were needed to reduce susceptibility to EMI. However, the shields are
not needed on A1 Motherboard Assembly if the metalized front bezel is used in the
Counter. Thus, when you order a new A1 Motherboard Assembly (53131-60001,
same part number as the old A1) for your Agilent 53131A Counter, you need to
order a new metalized front bezel (53131-40003, same part number of the old non-
metalized front bezel).
Backdating Firmware
CHANGE 1 (Firmware Revisions 3317, 3335, 3402, 3427)
6
(Note: firmware revision 3413 added the new security menu item and the new
Calibration Menu to the Agilent 53131A Counter.)
(Note: firmware revision 3427 was set up to work with the new FPGA [Xilinx
3042A]; and shortens TI delay from 1 ms to 100ms. This revision is backward
compatible.
Page 2-6 thru Page 2-15 (“About the Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration Menu,” and
“The Agilent 53131A/132A Calibration Procedures” sections).
Utility The Utility menu’s calibration items, illustrated on the following page, provide you
Utility Menu:
Hold at power up
Recall
with the functions to:
6
NOTE Turn power off, press and hold Recall (Utility) key, then press POWER key to access
this menu.
POWER Utility
Recall
On / Stby
REV: XXXX
HP-IB: 3 TEST: ALL? BAUD: 9600
TIMEBAS: AUTO TEST: DISP? BAUD: 19200
TIMEBAS: I NT TEST: CPU? BAUD: 300
TIMEBAS: EXT TEST: ROM? BAUD: 1200
CAL: OFFS 1? TEST: RAM? BAUD: 2400
CAL: OFFS 2? TEST: EEPROM? PARITY: OFF
CAL: GAIN 1? TEST: HP-IB? PARITY: EVEN
CAL: GAIN 2? TEST: QSPI? PARITY: ODD
* CAL:TIMEBAS?
CAL:TI 1 2?
TEST: FPGA?
TEST: FR END?
SW PACE: XON
SW PACE: NONE
TEST LOOP: OFF TEST: MEAS? DTR: HIGH
TEST LOOP: ON TEST: INTERP? DTR: LIMIT
TST PRINT:OFF TEST: KEYPAD? DTR: HW PACE
TST PRINT: ON TEST: PRINT? SHOW 9 AS: 9.0
SHOW 9 AS: 9,0
*
Timebase can be automatically calibrated only if the timebase option is installed.
The display will ask you to remove any signals connected to Channel 1. Follow the
instruction.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
5 To calibrate Channel 2, press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: OFFS 2 ? is
displayed.
The display will ask you to remove any signals connected to Channel 2. Follow the
instruction.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
This completes the Offset Calibration procedure. Proceed to the next procedure to
calibrate the gain.
6
1
4 Connect the Counter, dc power supply, and multimeter as shown in Figure 2-1.
HP 53131A
DC Power Supply Counter Digital Multimeter
+ - -
BNC Tee
5 Adjust the power supply until the multimeter displays + 5.000 V ± 0.001 V.
6 Disconnect the digital multimeter from the Counter to prevent noise from being
introduced into the measurement.
The Counter momentarily displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display GAIN
1 PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
9 Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: GAIN 2 ? is displayed.
The Counter momentarily displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display GAIN
2 PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
This completes the Gain Calibration procedure. Proceed to the next procedure to
calibrate the time interval.
3 Connect the Agilent 8130A Pulse Generator output to Channel 1 of the Counter
as shown in Figure 2-3.
6
Agilent 10503A BNC Cable
HP 8130A
HP53131A Pulse Generator
Counter
Channel 1 Output
PERIOD: 100 ns
WIDTH: 50 ns
High: 0.50 VLow : −0.50 V
Input Mode: Normal
NOTE Any external timebase connected to the Counter is ignored during this calibration.
The Counter displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display TI CAL PASS.
If the fail message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
CHANGE 1 (Firmware Revisions 3317, 3335, 3402, 3427) (Continued)
6 Disconnect the calibration setup.
House Standard
10 MHz Reference
HP 53131A
Counter
Channel 1
3 With an insulated tuning tool, turn the OSC Adjust potentiometer (located on the
rear chassis of the Counter) until the frequency reading in the Counter display is
10.00000000 MHz ± 5 Hz.
If you are not able to adjust the frequency correctly, refer to the troubleshooting
section in this chapter.
6
NOTE Allow the Counter to warm up for approximately 30 minutes before performing
this calibration. This calibration is unlikely to fail, unless the Counter is not warmed
up.
2 Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: TIMEBAS? is displayed.
Note that the timebase choice (CAL: TIMEBAS?) only appears when the Timebase
Option is installed.
3 Press Enter key and follow the instructions in the scrolling message that appears
in the Counter display.
The Counter displays CALIBRATING, and then it should display TB CAL PASS.
If the fail message is displayed (even after the Counter has been warmed up for 30
minutes), refer to the troubleshooting section in this chapter.
Backdating Specifications
CHANGE 1 (53131A, Serial Prefix 3710A and Below)
6
6
from:
TTL Compatible
to:
High-Level Input: >3.0 V
Low-Level Input: <1.5 V
Introduction
The specifications of the Agilent 53131A/132A Universal Counter are provided in
this chapter.
Instrument Inputs
Channel 1 & 2 Input Specifications1 Channel 1 & 2 Input Characteristics1
Frequency Range Impedance: 1 MΩ or 50 Ω
DC Coupled: DC to 225 MHz 1 MΩ Capacitance: 30 pF
AC Coupled: 1 MHz to 225 MHz (50 Ω) Coupling: AC or DC
30 Hz to 225 MHz (1 MΩ) Low-Pass Filter: 100 kHz (or disabled)
–20 dB at > 1 MHz
7
FM Tolerance: 25%
Voltage Range and Sensitivity (Sinusoid)2 Input Sensitivity: Selectable between
Low, Medium, or High (default).
DC to 100 MHz: 20 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc Low is approximately
(75 mVrms with optional rear connectors)3 2x High Sensitivity.
100 MHz to 200 MHz: 30 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc
(75 mVrms with optional rear connectors)3
200 MHz to 225 MHz: 40 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc
(75 mVrms with optional rear connectors)3
Voltage Range and Sensitivity (Single-Shot Pulse)2
4.5 ns to 10 ns Pulse Width: 100 mVpp to 10 Vpp
(150 mVpp with optional rear connectors) 3
>10 ns Pulse Width: 50 mVpp to 10 Vpp
(100 mVpp with optional rear connectors) 3
Trigger Level 2 Trigger Slope: Positive or Negative
Range: ±5.125 V Auto Trigger Level
Accuracy: ±(15 mV + 1% of trigger level) Range: 0 to 100% in 10% steps
Resolution: 5 mV Frequency: > 100 Hz
Damage Level Input Amplitude: > 100 mVpp
50 Ω: 5 Vrms (No amplitude modulation)
0 to 3.5 kHz, 1 MΩ: 350 V dc + ac pk Attenuator
3.5 kHz to 100 kHz, 1 MΩ: 350 V dc + ac pk linearly derated to 5 Vrms Voltage Range: x10
>100 kHz, 1 MΩ: 5 Vrms Trigger Range: x10
1 MΩ
350 Vdc + acpk
50Ω
5 Vrms
7
200 MHz to 12.4 GHz –23 dBm to +13 dBm
Damage Level:
Option 030 5 Vrms
Option 050 +25 dBm
Option 124 +25 dBm
Time Base
Internal Time Base Stability
Aging Rate Per Day: < 4 x 10–8 < 5 x 10–10 < 1 x 10–10
(after 30 days) Per Month: < 3 x 10–7 < 2 x 10–7 < 1.5 x 10–8 < 3 x 10–9
Per Year: < 2 x 10–8
Turn-on stability vs. time: < 2 x 10–7 < 5 x 10 –9 < 5 x 10 –9
7
Note that power to the time base is maintained when the counter is placed in standby via the front panel switch. The internal fan will continue to
operate under this condition, to maintain long-term instrument reliability.
External Time Base Input Specifications External Time Base Input Characteristics
Voltage Range: 200 mVrms to 10 Vrms Threshold: 0V
Damage Level: 10 Vrms Impedance: 1 kΩ
Input Capacitance: 23 pF
Frequency (53131A): 1 MHz, 5 MHz or 10 MHz
(automatic selection)
Frequency (53132A): 10 MHz
Internal vs. External Time Base Selection:
Manual: Select Internal or External
Automatic: Internal used when External not present
(default)
Measurement Specifications
Frequency, Period
Channel 1 and 2 Range: 0.1 Hz to 225 MHz 4.44 ns to 10 s
Channel 3 Range:
Option 030 100 MHz to 3 GHz 0.33 ns to 10 ns
Option 050 200 MHz to 5 GHz 0.2 ns to 5 ns
Option 124 200 MHz to 12.4 GHz 80 ps to 5 ns
(Period 2 or 3 selectable only via the GPIB interface)
For Automatic or External Arming: For Time or Digits Arming:
(and signals < 100 Hz using Timed Arming)
7
LSD Displayed: LSD Displayed:
t re s Frequency 2 2 × t re s t jitt er Frequency
---------------------------
- × or -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + ---------------------------- × or
Gate Time Gate Time × Number or Samples Gate Time
Period Period
The following graphs may also be used to compute errors for Period Measurements. To find the Period error (∆P), calculate the frequency of the
1 ∆F
- ) and find the frequency error (∆F) from the chart. Then, calculate the period error as: ∆P = ------- × P
input signal ( F = ---
P F
1E+02
Auto Armed
1E+00 1ms
10ms
Frequency Error (Hz)
1E-2 100ms
1s
1E-4
7
10s
1E-6
Gate
Time
1E-8
1E-10
10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10
Input Frequency (Hz)
1E+02
1E+00
1ms
Frequency Error (Hz)
1E-2
10ms
100ms
1E-4
1s
1E-6
10s
1E-8
Gate
Time
1E-10
10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10
Input Frequency
The preceding graphs do not reflect the effects of trigger error. To place an upper bound on the added effect of this error term, determine the
frequency error from the appropriate graph and add a trigger error term as follows:
Automatic or External Arming Time or Digit Arming
Frequency Frequency
2 × Trigger Error 4 × 2 × Trigger Error
Frequency Error + ------------------------------------------------ × or Frequency Error + -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- × or
Gate Time Period Gate Time × Number of Samples Period
1E+02
1E+00
1ms
Frequency Error (Hz)
Auto Armed
10ms
1E-2
100ms
1E-4 1s
7
10s
1E-6
Gate
Time
1E-8
1E-10
10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10
Input Frequency (Hz)
1E+02
1E+00
Frequency Error (Hz)
1ms
1E-2
10ms
1E-4
100ms
1E-6
1s
1E-8
10s
Gate
Time
1E-10
10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10
Input Frequency (Hz)
The preceding graphs do not reflect the effects of trigger error. To place an upper bound on the added effect of this error term, determine the
frequency error from the appropriate graph and add a trigger error term as follows:
Time or Digit Arming Automatic or External Arming
Frequency Frequency
4 × 2 × Trigger Error 2 × Trigger Error
Frequency Error + -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- × or Frequency Error + ------------------------------------------------ × or
Gate Time × Number of Samples Gate Time
Period Period
–9
= 4.0 × 10
– 9 1 × 10
– 11 4 × ( 225 × 10 – 12 s )2 + ( 2 × 0 ) 3 × 10– 12 s
Measurement Error = ± 4.0 × 10 ± ---------------------------- ± 2 × ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + ---------------------------- × 15MHz
s
1s 1s × 200, 000 1s
–9 – 12 – 12
= ( ±4.0 × 10 ± 2 × ( 2.01 × 10 + 3 × 10 ) ) × 15MH z
–9 – 11
= ( ±4.0 × 10 ± 1 × 10 ) × 15MHz
= ±60.2 mHz
Which is to say that the Agilent 53132A would display results in the range 15 MHz ±60.2 mHz. Note however that the dominant error is the
Time Base Error. If an even higher stability time base is available or if the instrument can be source locked to the 15 MHz signal, then this error
term can be substantially reduced. The measurement resolution under these conditions is ±75 µHz (1 sigma) which determines the number of
digits displayed.
53131A 53132A
tres --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
750 ps 300 ps
Systematic Uncertainty: ±(Time Base Error × TI) ± Trigger Level Timing Error ± 1.5 ns Differential Channel Error (Agilent 53131A)
7
± 900 ps Differential Channel Error (Agilent 53132A)
Time Interval Delay
After a Time Interval Measurement has begun by satisfying the trigger conditions on Channel 1, the instrument will wait for the
user-entered delay time to elapse before the end-of-measurement trigger will be accepted on Channel 2. Please refer to Measurement
Arming for additional information.
RMS Resolution:
2 2
2 × 1 + ( Ch1 Freq × Ch2 Trigger Error ) 2 × 1 + ( Ch1 Freq × Ch3 Trigger Error )
Ratio 1⁄ 2 : --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio 1⁄ 3 : ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ch2 Freq × Gate Time Ch3 Freq × Gate Time
2
2 × Ch2 Freq × 1 + ( Ch1 Freq × Ch2 Trigger Error ) - 2 × Ch3 Freq × 1 + ( Ch1 Freq × Ch3 Trigger Error ) -
2
Ratio 2⁄ 1 : ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Ratio 3⁄ 1 : ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( Ch1 Freq ) × Gate Time ( Ch1 Freq ) × Gate Time
2
To minimize relative phase measurement error, connect the higher frequency signal to Channel 1 when possible.
7 See Specifications for Pulse Width and Rise/Fall Time measurements for additional restrictions on signal timing characteristics.
53131A 53132A
tres --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
750 ps 300 ps
Systematic Uncertainty:
± (Time Base Error × Pulse Width) ± Trigger Level Timing Error±1.5 ns Differential Channel Error (Agilent 53131A)
± 900 ps Differential Channel Error (Agilent 53132A)
Rise/Fall Time
Measurement is specified over the full signal ranges of Channel 1. The interval between the end of one edge and start of a similar edge
must be greater than 4 ns. (e.g., when measuring a rising edge, 4 ns must elapse between the 90% point of one rising edge and the
10% point of the next rising edge).
Edge Selection: Positive or Negative
Trigger: Default setting is Auto Trigger 8 at 10% and 90%
Results Range: 5 ns to 105 s
53131A 53132A
LSD: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
500 ps 150 ps
2 2 2
RMS Resolution: t res + Start Trigger Error + Stop Trigger Error
53131A 53132A-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tres
750 ps 300 ps
Systematic Uncertainty:
± (Time Base Error × Transition Time) ± Trigger Level Timing Error ±1.5 ns Differential Channel Error (Agilent 53131A)
± 900 ps Differential Channel Error (Agilent 53132A)
Phase
Measurement is specified over the full signal range of Channels 1 and 2.
Results Range: –180° to +360°
2
Phase
( t r es + ( 2 × Trigger Error ) ) × 1 + ----------------- × Frequency × 360°
2 2
RMS Resolution: 360°
53131A 53132A-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tres
750 ps 300 ps
Systematic Uncertainty: (± Trigger Level Timing Error ± 1.5 ns Differential Channel Error) × Frequency × 360° (Agilent 53131A)
(± Trigger Level Timing Error ± 900 ps Differential Channel Error) × Frequency × 360° (Agilent 53132A)
8
Restrictions noted on page 7-2 for Auto Trigger apply to the proper operation of these measurements. The Peak Volts measurement is used to
determine the signal amplitude and inaccuracies from this, noted on page 7-11, should be included in calculating theTrigger Level Timing Error.
53131A 53132A-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tres
750 ps 300 ps
Totalize
Measurement is specified over the full signal range of Channel 1.
7
Results Range: 0 to 1015
Resolution: ± 1 count
Peak Volts
Measurement is specified on Channels 1 and 2 for DC signals; or for AC signals of frequencies between 100 Hz and 30 MHz with peak-to-
peak amplitude greater than 100 mV. (The measurement will continue to operate up to 225 MHz, though results are for indication only.)
Results Range: –5.1 V to +5.1 V
Resolution: 10 mV
Systematic Uncertainty for AC signals: 25 mV + 10% of V
for DC signals: 25 mV + 2% of V
Use of the input attenuator multiplies all voltage specifications (input range, results range, resolution and systematic uncertainty) by a
nominal factor of 10. For example with AC signals, the Systematic Uncertainty becomes: 250 mV + 10% of V.
Measurement Definitions
Definitions of Systematic Uncertainty Terms
• Trigger Error
External source and input amplifier noise may advance or delay the trigger points that define the beginning and end of a measurement.
The resulting timing uncertainty is a function of the slew rate of the signal and the amplitude of spurious noise spikes (relative to the input
hysteresis band).
The (rms) trigger error associated with a single trigger point is:
2 2
( E i nput ) + ( Esi gnal )
Trigger Error = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in seconds)
Input Signal Slew Rate at Trigger Point
where
Einput = RMS noise of the input amplifier: 1 mVrms (350 µVrms typical). Note that the internal measurement algorithms significantly
7
Multiply this quantity by the measurement result to yield the absolute error for that measurement. Averaging measurements will not reduce
(fractional) time base error. The Agilent 53131A/132A universal counters exhibit negligible sensitivity to line voltage; consequently this term
may be ignored.
• Differential Channel Error
The Differential Channel Error term included in many of the Systematic Uncertainty equations accounts for channel-to-channel mismatch
and internal noise. This error can be substantially reduced by performing the TI Calibration in the temperature environment in which future
measurements are to be made and by careful measurement technique. Calibration is accessible via the Calibration Menu during power-up.
7
Typical Versus Worst Case Specifications
Specifications identified as “Typical” represent performance of the instrument that the majority of users will perceive under a wide variety of
conditions and signals. The specifications identified as “Worst Case” should be used when the instrument is under extreme environmental
conditions or when the accuracy of the measurement results are critically important.
10MHz
x.y = ------------------- For Example:
fs
10MHz
where x is any integer, and y is any fraction in the set: 25.25 = -----------------------------
396, 039.6
,
1
⁄ 3,
2
⁄ 3,
1
⁄ 4,
2
⁄ 4,
3
⁄ 4,
1
⁄ 5,
2
⁄ 5,
3
⁄ 5,
x = 25
The value of fs is not available to the user, but the instrument can be queried over GPIB to determine if this condition exists.
After the measurement completes, use the query :DIAGnostic:MEASure:PRESolution? The response is an ASCII text formatted string “Ø”
for normal resolution and “1” for reduced resolution. This command is valid only when making frequency measurements in time or digits
arming and the input frequency is greater than 100 Hz.
Measurement Arming
Start Measurement: Free Run, Manual, or External
Stop Measurement: Continuous, Single, External, or Timed
Arming Modes:
(Note that not all arming modes are available for every measurement function.)
Auto Arming: Measurements are initiated immediately and acquired as fast as possible, using a minimum number of signal
edges. Auto arming offers the highest measurement throughput, though measurement resolution may be
7
reduced.
Timed Arming: The duration of the measurement is internally timed to a user-specified value (also known as the “gate time”).
This mode should be used when the length of the measurement time must be controlled.
Digits Arming: Measurements are performed to the requested resolution (number of digits) through automatic selection of the
acquisition time. This is the most convenient mode for when a specific measurement resolution is desired.
External Arming: An edge on the External Arm Input enables the start of each measurement. Depending on the measurement
function, Auto Arming, Timed arming modes or another edge on the External Arm Input may be used to complete
the measurement.
Time Interval
Arming Modes: Agilent 53131A
Time Interval Stop Delay Arming: The Stop Measurement condition on Channel 2 is inhibited (trigger hold-off) for
a user specified time following the Start Measurement on Channel 1.
Time Interval Delay Range: 100 µs to 10 s*
Time Interval Delay Resolution: 10 µs from 100 µs to 100 ms
1 ms from 100 ms to 10 s
Agilent 53132A
Time Interval Start Delay Arming: The start of a Time Interval measurement is delayed for a user-specified
amount of time, or number of Channel 2 events, from the Start External Arming edge.
Start Delay TimeRange: 100 ns to 999.9999 ms
Start Delay Time Resolution: 100 ns
Start Delay Event Range: 1 to 99,999,999 Channel 2 events
Start Delay Event Rate: 5 MHz maximum
Start Delay Event Setup Time: 30 ns minimum
Time Interval Stop Delay Arming: The Stop Measurement condition on Channel 2 is inhibited (trigger hold-off) for
a user-specified amount of time, or number of Channel 2 stop events, following the Start Measurement on
Channel 1, or, if enabled, the Stop External Arming edge.
Stop Delay Time Range: 100 ns to 10 s**
Stop Delay Time Resolution: 100 ns from 100 ns to 1 s
1 ms from 1 s to 10 s
Stop Delay Event Range: 1 to 99,999,999 Channel 2 events
Stop Delay Event Rate: 5 MHz maximum
Stop Delay Event Setup Time: 30 ns minimum
* For firmware revisions below 3427 the valid range of delay is 1 ms to 10 s.
** For firmware revisions below 3646 the valid range of delay is 1 ms to 10 s.
Measurement Limits
Limit Checking: The measurement value is checked against user-specified limits at the end of each measurement.
7
Display Modes: The measurement result may be displayed as either the traditional numeric value or graphically as an asterisk
moving between two vertical bars. These bars define the upper and lower limits, and the asterisk represents the
current measurement result relative to these limits.
Out-of-Limits Indication: The out-of-limits condition can be indicated by any of the following methods:
• The limits annunciator will light on the front panel display.
• The instrument will generate an SRQ if enabled via GPIB.
• The limits hardware signal provided via the RS-232 connector will go low for the duration of the out-of-limit
condition (see the description of this connector under the General Information section of this specifications
table).
• If the Analog Display mode is enabled, the asterisk appears outside the vertical bars, which define the upper
and lower limits.
General Information
Save and Recall: Up to 20 complete instrument setups may be saved and recalled later. These setups are retained when
power is removed from the universal counter.
Rack Dimensions (HxWxD): 88.5 mm x 212.6 mm x 348.3 mm
Weight: 3.5 kg maximum
AC Line Supply DC Supply (Option 002 Only)
Power Supply Voltage: 100 to 120 VAC ±10% - 50, 60 or 400 Hz ±10% 10 to 32 VDC, 3-pin male XLR connector
220 to 240 VAC ±10% - 50 or 60 Hz ±10%
AC Line Voltage Selection: Automatic Option 002 may not be ordered with Option 060
Power Requirements: 170 VA maximum (30 W typical) 4A initial inrush at 10 VDC
3A max, once stabilized
Operating Environment: 0° C to 55° C
7
Introduction
The specifications of the Agilent 53181A Frequency Counter are provided in this
chapter.
Instrument Inputs
Channel 1 Input Specifications Channel 1 Input Characteristics
Frequency Range Impedance: 1 MΩ or 50 Ω
DC Coupled: DC to 225 MHz 1 MΩ Capacitance: 30 pF
AC Coupled: 1 MHz to 225 MHz (50 Ω) Coupling: AC or DC
30 Hz to 225 MHz (1 MΩ) Low-Pass Filter: 100 kHz (or disabled)
FM Tolerance: 25% –20 dB at > 1 MHz
Voltage Range and Sensitivity (Sinusoid)1 Input Sensitivity: Selectable between
Low, Medium, or High (default).
DC to 100 MHz: 20 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc Low is approximately
(75 mVrms with optional rear connectors)2 2x High Sensitivity.
100 MHz to 200 MHz: 30 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc
(75 mVrms with optional rear connectors)2
200 MHz to 225 MHz: 40 mVrms to ±5 V ac + dc
(75 mVrms with optional rear connectors)2
Voltage Range and Sensitivity (Single-Shot Pulse)1
4.5 ns to 10 ns Pulse Width: 100 mVpp to 10 Vpp
8
50Ω
5 Vrms
8
Signal Input Range: Impedance: 1 kΩ
TTL compatible Input Capacitance: 17 pF
Start Slope: Positive or Negative
Timing Restrictions: Stop Slope: Positive or Negative
Pulse Width: > 50 ns
Transition Time: < 250 ns Notes:
Start-to-Stop Time: > 50 ns External Arm available for all measurements except Peak Volts.
Damage Level: 10 Vrms
External Arm is referred to as External Gate for some
measurements.
3 Channel 2 is available as an option.
4 When ordered with optional rear terminals, the Channel 2 connector on the front panel for Options 015 or 030 will be removed. There is no
degradation in specifications for this input. Option 050 and Option 124 input connectors are available on the front panel only.
Time Base
Internal Time Base Stability
Note that power to the time base is maintained when the counter is placed in standby via the front panel switch. The internal fan will continue to
operate under this condition, to maintain long-term instrument reliability.
External Time Base Input Specifications External Time Base Input Characteristics
Voltage Range: 200 mVrms to 10 Vrms Threshold: 0V
8
Measurement Specifications
Frequency, Period
Channel 1 Range: 0.1 Hz to 225 MHz 4.44 ns to 10 s
Channel 2 Range:
Option 015 100 Mhz to 1.5 Ghz 0.67 ns to 10 ns
Option 030 100 MHz to 3 GHz 0.33 ns to 10 ns
Option 050 200 MHz to 5 GHz 0.2 ns to 5 ns
Option 124 200 MHz to 12.4 GHz 80 ps to 5 ns
(Period 2 selectable only via the GPIB interface)
For Automatic or External Arming: For Time or Digits Arming:
(and signals < 100 Hz using Timed Arming)
8
N
tjitter: 50 ps typical5
For Automatic Arming: Gate Time = ---------------------------
-
Frequency
Number of Samples =
where N = 1 for Ch1 Frequency < 1 MHz Gate Time x Frequency (Frequency < 200 kHz)
4 for Ch1 Frequency > 1 MHz Gate Time x 200,000 (Frequency > 200 kHz)
128 for Ch2
t acc Frequency t ac c Frequency
Systematic Uncertainty: ± Time Base Error ± ---------------------- × or Systematic Uncertainty: ± Time Base Error ± ---------------------- × or
Gate Time Period Gate Time Period
t acc: 350 ps typical tacc: 100 ps typical
1.25 ns worst case 300 ps worst case
Trigger: Default setting is Auto Trigger at 50% Trigger: Default setting is Auto Trigger at 50%
The following graphs may also be used to compute errors for Period Measurements. To find the Period error (∆P), calculate the frequency of the
1-
input signal ( F = --- ) and find the frequency error (∆F) from the chart. Then, calculate the period error as: ∆P = ∆ F-
------
× P
P F
1E+02
Auto Armed
1E+00 1ms
10ms
Frequency Error (Hz)
1E-2 100ms
1s
1E-4
10s
1E-6
Gate
Time
1E-8
1E-10
10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10
Input Frequency (Hz)
1E+02
1E+00
1ms
Frequency Error (Hz)
1E-2
10ms
100ms
1E-4
1s
1E-6
10s
1E-8
Gate
Time
1E-10
10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10
Input Frequency
The preceding graphs do not reflect the effects of trigger error. To place an upper bound on the added effect of this error term, determine the
frequency error from the appropriate graph and add a trigger error term as follows:
Automatic or External Arming Time or Digit Arming
Frequency Frequency
2 × Trigger Error 4 × 2 × Trigger Error
Frequency Error + ------------------------------------------------ × or Frequency Error + -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- × or
Gate Time Gate Time × Number of Samples
Period Period
8
Which is to say that the Agilent 53181A would display results in the range 15 MHz ±63.1 mHz. Note however that the dominant error is the
Time Base Error. If an even higher stability time base is available to the instrument or if the instrument can be source locked to the 15 MHz
signal, then this error term can be substantially reduced. The measurement resolution under these conditions is ±0.8 MHz (1 sigma) which
determines the number of digits displayed.
Ch2 Freq
Rat io 2⁄ 1 : -------------------------------------------------------------------
2
( Ch1 Freq) × Gate Time
RMS Resolution:
2
2 × 1 + ( Ch1 Freq × Ch2 Trigger Error )
Ratio 1⁄ 2 : ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ch2 Freq × Gate Time
2
2 × Ch2 Freq × 1 + ( Ch1 Freq × Ch2 Trigger Error )
Ratio 2⁄ 1 : ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
-
( Ch1 Freq ) × Gate Time
To minimize relative phase measurement error, connect the higher frequency signal to Channel 1 when possible.
8
Peak Volts
Measurement is specified on Channels 1 for DC signals; or for AC signals of frequencies between 100 Hz and 30 MHz with peak-to-peak
amplitude greater than 100 mV. (The measurement will continue to operate up to 225 MHz, though results are for indication only.)
Use of the input attenuator multiplies all voltage specifications (input range, results range, resolution and systematic uncertainty) by a
nominal factor of 10. For example with AC signals, the Systematic Uncertainty becomes: 250 mV + 10% of V.
Measurement Definitions
Definitions of Systematic Uncertainty Terms
• Trigger Error
External source and input amplifier noise may advance or delay the trigger points that define the beginning and end of a measurement.
The resulting timing uncertainty is a function of the slew rate of the signal and the amplitude of spurious noise spikes (relative to the input
hysteresis band).
The (rms) trigger error associated with a single trigger point is:
2 2
( E i nput ) + ( Esi gnal )
Trigger Error = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in seconds)
Input Signal Slew Rate at Trigger Point
where
Einput = RMS noise of the input amplifier: 1 mVrms (350 µVrms typical). Note that the internal measurement algorithms significantly
reduce the contribution of this term.
Esignal = RMS noise of the input signal over a 225 MHz bandwidth (100 kHz bandwidth when the low-pass filter is enabled). Note that
the filter may substantially degrade the signal’s slew rate at the input of the trigger comparator.
Multiply this quantity by the measurement result to yield the absolute error for that measurement. Averaging measurements will not reduce
(fractional) time base error. The Agilent 53181A counters exhibits negligible sensitivity to line voltage; consequently this term may be
8
ignored.
Measurement Arming
Start Measurement: Free Run, Manual, or External
Stop Measurement: Continuous, Single, External, or Timed
Arming Modes:
(Note: auto arming is the only mode available for the Peak Volts function.)
Auto Arming: Measurements are initiated immediately and acquired as fast as possible, using a minimum number of signal
edges. Auto arming offers the highest measurement throughput, though measurement resolution may be
reduced.
Timed Arming: The duration of the measurement is internally timed to a user-specified value (also known as the “gate time”).
This mode should be used when the length of the measurement time must be controlled.
Digits Arming: Measurements are performed to the requested resolution (number of digits) through automatic selection of the
acquisition time. This is the most convenient mode when a specific measurement resolution is desired.
External Arming: An edge on the External Arm Input enables the start of each measurement. Auto Arming, Timed arming modes or
another edge on the External Arm Input may be used to complete the measurement.
8
Measurement Statistics
Available Statistics: Mean, Minimum, Maximum, Standard Deviation
Number of Measurements: 2 to 1,000,000. Statistics may be collected on all measurements or on only those which are between the limit
bands. When the Limits function is used in conjunction with Statistics, N (number of measurements) refers to the
number of in-limit measurements. In general, measurement resolution will improve in proportion to N , up to the
numerical processing limits of the instrument.
Measurements: Statistics may be collected for all measurements except Peak Volts.
Measurement Limits
Limit Checking: The measurement value is checked against user-specified limits at the end of each measurement.
Display Modes: The measurement result may be displayed as either the traditional numeric value or graphically as an asterisk
moving between two vertical bars. These bars define the upper and lower limits, and the asterisk represents the
current measurement result relative to these limits.
Out-of-Limits Indication: The out-of-limits condition can be indicated by any of the following methods:
• The limits annunciator will light on the front panel display.
• The instrument will generate an SRQ if enabled via GPIB.
• The limits hardware signal provided via the RS-232 connector will go low for the duration of the out-of-limit
condition (see the description of this connector under the General Information section of this specifications
table).
• If the Analog Display mode is enabled, the asterisk appears outside the vertical bars, which define the upper
and lower limits.
General Information
Save and Recall: Up to 20 complete instrument setups may be saved and recalled later. These setups are retained when
power is removed from the counter.
Rack Dimensions (HxWxD): 88.5 mm x 212.6 mm x 348.3 mm
Weight: 3.5 kg maximum
AC Line Supply DC Supply (Option 002 Only)
Power Supply Voltage: 100 to 120 VAC ±10% - 50, 60 or 400 Hz ±10% 10 to 32 VDC, 3-pin male XLR connector
220 to 240 VAC ±10% - 50 or 60 Hz ±10%
AC Line Voltage Selection: Automatic Option 002 may not be ordered with Option 060
Power Requirements: 170 VA maximum (30 W typical) 4A initial inrush at 10 VDC
3A max, once stabilized
Operating Environment: 0° C to 55° C
Storage Environment: –40° C to 71° C
Remote Interface: GPIB (IEEE 488.1-1987, IEEE 488.2-1987)
GPIB Interface Capabilities: SH1, AH1, T5, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E2
Remote Programming Language: SCPI-1992.0 (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
Safety: Designed in compliance with IEC 1010-1, UL 3111-1 (draft), CAN/CSA 1010.1
EMC: CISPR-11, EN50082-1, IEC 801-2, -3, -4
Electrostatic Discharge and Fast Transient/Burst Immunity Testing: When the product is operated at
maximum sensitivity (20 mVrms) and tested with 8kV AD according to IEC801-2 or with 1kV power line
transients according to IEC 801-4, frequency miscounts may occur that will affect measurement data
8
made during these disturbances.
Radiated Immunity Testing: When the product is operated at maximum sensitivity (20 mVrms) and tested
at 3 V/m according to IEC 801-3, external 100 to 200 MHz electric fields may cause frequency miscounts.
RS-232C: The rear-panel RS-232 connector is a 9-pin connector (DB-9, male). You can connect the universal
counter to any terminal or printer with a properly configured DTE connector (DB-25). You can use a
standard interface cable (Agilent part number 24542G or 24542H). Data is “output only”; the instrument
can not be programmed via the RS-232 interface.
Note on Pin 4: May be used as either a DTR signal or an indication of measurement in-limit as configured by the Utility menu.
When used as an in-limit indicator, the signal will be high for every measurement within the user set limits.
cover , 3-4 I
display board, 3-11 initiating calibration, 2-9, 2-29
front bezel, 3-6 installing options
keypads, 3-11 A3 1.5 GHz Channel 2 (Option 015), 4-3
motherboard , 3-9 A3 3 GHz Channel 3 (Option 030), 4-3
Rear Terminals (Option 060) , 3-21 A3 5 GHz Channel 3 (Option 050), 4-3
window , 3-11 DC Power Input (Option 002), 4-4
disk High Stability Timebase (Option
Agilent 53131A/132A, 1-40 001), 4-11
Agilent 53181A , 1-70 High Stability Timebase (Option
disks program , 1-3 010), 4-11
display board, 3-11 High Stability Timebase (Option
E 012), 4-11
Rear Terminals (Option 060), 4-14
Electrostatic discharge, 2-38
Instrument
entering a new security code, 2-30
cabinet parts and hardware, 5-6
equipment required , 1-4
defective assemblies, 5-2
example procedure for
identification, xiii
running the self test, 2-49
packing for shipment, 2-4
exchange assemblies , 2-40, 2-41, 2-42, 5-2
parts identification, 5-4
exploded view , 5-9
pre-troubleshooting information, 2-36
Express Repair/Performance Calibration
recommended test equipment, 2-37
Service , xiii
replaceable parts, 5-2
external arming , 8-10
safety considerations, 2-36
F serial and model number, 5-4
fan, 1-5 serial number prefix, xiv
fine time interval calibration, 2-11 Instrument identification, xiii
front bezel, 3-6 Instrument model number, 2-3
front rubber bumper removal, 3-6 Insulation resistance test, 2-39
IPB, 5-9
G
Ground continuity test , 2-39 K
GPIB program , 1-3 keypads, 3-11
GPIB verification , 1-3
L
Agilent 53131A/132A, 1-40
list of options, xviii
Agilent 53181A , 1-70
list, replaceable parts, 5-7, 5-10
GPIB verification (optional), 1-3
GPIB verification program , 1-70 M
Agilent 53131A/132A, 1-40 Maintenance, corrective, 2-2
H manual changes, 6-2
model number, 5-4
handle removal, 3-6
motherboard, 3-9