The HP/Agilent 5180A Waveform Recorder is a high-performance digitizing instrument for capture, storage, and analysis of transient and repetitive signals. It delivers 20 MS/s sampling with 10-bit resolution and 16K memory depth, enabling accurate recording of complex waveforms in power supply testing, signal characterization, and circuit troubleshooting. The instrument supports dual-trace display, variable cursors for precise voltage and time measurements, rise time analysis, and zoom/gain expansion. Flexible triggering—including pre-trigger recording up to 100% of memory block and internal/external trigger modes—isolates critical events. It captures electrical, mechanical, and acoustic signals across single-shot or repetitive applications.
Technical Specifications
• Sampling rate: 20 MS/s (50 ns per sample)
• ADC resolution: 10 bits (approximately 0.1% voltage resolution)
• Memory depth: 16K × 10 bits per word; segmentable into up to 32 blocks, minimum 512 points
• Input frequency range: DC to 10 MHz
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ || 40 pF (standard channels); 50 Ω AUX channel available
• Pre-trigger capability: Up to 100% of memory block; specified in absolute time or as percentage of record length
– Key Features
• Dual-trace simultaneous display
• Front-panel cursor measurements (voltage, time, rise time)
• Horizontal zoom and vertical gain for waveform expansion
• Flexible triggering: internal/external modes with adjustable level and position
• Segmented memory architecture for multiple event capture
– Typical Applications
• Power supply transient analysis
• Electronic circuit characterization and debugging
• Single-shot and repetitive signal recording
• Multi-channel signal comparison and timing measurements
– Compatibility & Integration
• HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface for data transfer and instrument control
• DMA (Direct Memory Access) high-speed port: up to 1 million data words per second; supports Fast O, Fast I, and FSO modes
• Direct control of external XYZ displays and hard-copy devices without computer
• Bench footprint: 16 × 14 × 10 inches; 25 lbs
