The HP/Agilent 5006A Signature Analyzer is a specialized digital circuit diagnostic instrument that compresses complex data streams into four-digit hexadecimal signatures for rapid fault isolation. By comparing measured signatures against known good reference values, technicians can identify faulty components and nodes without analyzing entire bit streams. The instrument excels in production test, depot repair, and field service environments where diagnostic speed and accuracy directly impact throughput and cost.
Technical Specifications
• Maximum clock frequency: 25 MHz
• Minimum pulse width: 10 nsec
• Data probe setup time: 10 ns with 0.2V overdrive
• Data probe hold time: 0 ns
• Start, stop, and qualifier setup time: 20 ns with 0.2V overdrive
• Start, stop, and qualifier hold time: 0 ns
• Logic levels (probe): Logic One at 70% of sensed voltage nominal; Logic Zero at 30% of sensed voltage nominal
• Logic levels (pod): 50% of sensed voltage nominal
• Input thresholds: Standard TTL preset (0.8V low, 2.0V high for data probe; 1.4V for timing pod); selectable CMOS logic levels via CMOS sense input
• Fault detection accuracy: 100% probability for single-bit errors; 99.998% probability for multiple-bit errors
– Key Features
• Generates compressed four-digit signature representation of digital data streams at logic nodes
• Composite signature generation: automatic unique signature aggregating all probed signatures since last CLEAR or power-up for complete IC, bus, or circuit verification
• Signature memory stack: stores up to 32 sequential signatures with review and edit capability
• Qualified signature mode for fault isolation in specific modules or devices
• Selectable signature latch to hold displayed signature until triggered replacement or manual clear
• Selectable unstable signature latch with LED indication
• Pulse stretching: 100 msec
• Full programmability via HP-IB (Option 040) and HP-IL (Option 030) interfaces with access to current signature, keyboard, memory, and logic probe indicator
– Typical Applications
• Production line testing and fault isolation
• Depot repair and board-level diagnostics
• Field service troubleshooting
• Maintenance of installed digital systems
– Compatibility & Integration
HP-IB and HP-IL programmable interfaces enable integration into automated test environments and remote diagnostic systems.
