The Agilent/Keysight Option 030 extends the measurement capabilities of the 53131A and 53132A universal counters by adding a third input channel dedicated to high-frequency signal characterization. This option unlocks frequency measurement from 100 MHz to 3 GHz, enabling engineers to assess RF and microwave signals beyond the 225 MHz bandwidth limitation of the base instrument’s primary channels.
Channel 3 accepts sinusoidal inputs across two sensitivity bands: −27 dBm to +19 dBm from 100 MHz to 2.7 GHz, and −21 dBm to +13 dBm from 2.7 GHz to 3 GHz. Maximum input withstand voltage is 5 Vrms. The expanded frequency range preserves all measurement functions inherent to the base counters—frequency, period, time interval, ratio, pulse width, rise/fall time, phase angle, duty cycle, totalize, and peak voltage—making this option suitable for characterizing oscillators, synthesizers, and RF subsystems in development and production environments.
Technical Specifications
Channel 3 Frequency Measurement:
• Frequency range: 100 MHz to 3 GHz
• Power sensitivity (100 MHz–2.7 GHz): −27 dBm to +19 dBm
• Power sensitivity (2.7 GHz–3 GHz): −21 dBm to +13 dBm
• Maximum input voltage: 5 Vrms
Input Configuration:
• Impedance: 1 MΩ or 50 Ω (selectable)
• Input capacitance: 30 pF
• Coupling: AC or DC
• Low-pass filter: 100 kHz, switchable
Base Instrument Performance (53131A / 53132A):
• Frequency/period resolution: 10 digits/s (53131A), 12 digits/s (53132A)
• Time interval resolution: 500 ps (53131A), 150 ps (53132A)
• Channels 1 & 2 bandwidth: 225 MHz
– Key Features
• Extends measurement range to 3 GHz on dedicated Channel 3
• Maintains all universal counter measurement modes
• Selectable input impedance and AC/DC coupling for measurement flexibility
• Dual-sensitivity power detection accommodates weak and strong RF signals
• GPIB and RS-232 control with IntuiLink software included
– Compatibility & Integration
Option 030 installs on Agilent/Keysight 53131A and 53132A universal counters. Standard GPIB interface and optional RS-232 connectivity enable automated test sequences and data logging. IntuiLink software provides remote control and waveform acquisition.
