The HP/Agilent 5308A is a modular universal counter/timer module designed for operation within the HP 5300B mainframe. It delivers precise frequency, period, time interval, and totalization measurements across multiple functions with selectable gate times and automatic resolution optimization.
## Technical Specifications
**Measurement Functions**
• Frequency: 0 to 75 MHz on Channel A or B
• Frequency Ratio: Channel A (0 to 75 MHz) divided by Channel B (0 to 5 MHz)
• Period: Channel B only, up to 5 MHz
• Period Average: Channel B only, up to 5 MHz
• Time Interval: Channel A to B, or Channel B only; 1 ns to 10 s range with 200 ns minimum dead time
• Time Interval Average: Channel A to B, or Channel B only; 1 ns to 10 s range
• Totalize: Single or two-channel operation
• Stopwatch Function: Available
• Self-Check Function: Available
**Time Base & Gate**
• Internal Reference: 10 MHz
• Gate Times: Eight manual selections from 1 µs to 10 seconds, plus AUTO position for maximum resolution within 1.1-second measurement window
• Accuracy: ±1 count plus time base accuracy
**Triggering**
• Adjustable level control via rear-panel BNC connectors with DVM monitoring
• Independent positive or negative slope selection
• Trigger indicator lamps for internal amplifier confirmation
**Display**
• Automatic resolution selection for frequency, frequency ratio, period average, and time interval average
• Units displayed in nanoseconds, microseconds, or seconds with positioned decimal point
• Display scaling with TIME BASE annunciator
## Key Features
• Maximum frequency measurement: 75 MHz
• Time interval resolution: 1 nanosecond
• Dual-channel input architecture
• Power consumption: 15 watts (including 5300B mainframe)
• BNC input connectors for Channels A and B
## Typical Applications
Electronic component testing, calibration verification, frequency and period measurement, timing analysis, and research requiring sub-microsecond time interval resolution.
## Compatibility & Integration
Module integrates with HP 5300B mainframe. Operates as a plug-in counter/timer unit within the 5300B ecosystem.
