The HP/Agilent 5316A is a universal counter that performs frequency, time interval, period, ratio, and totalize measurements across multiple channels with selectable coupling and triggering. Its HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface enables remote control and automated data acquisition in ATE and laboratory environments. The instrument delivers 7-digit resolution through reciprocal counting and supports time interval measurements down to 10 ps averaging resolution.
## Technical Specifications
**Frequency Measurements**
• Channels A and B: DC to 100 MHz
• AC coupled: 30 Hz to 100 MHz
• Channel C (Option 003): 50 MHz to 1 GHz, prescaled by 10
• Low-frequency resolution: 7 digits per second of gate time (reciprocal counting)
**Time Interval & Period**
• Single-shot time interval: 100 ns to 10⁵ seconds
• Time interval averaging resolution: 10 ps minimum
• Time interval delay (holdoff): 500 µs to 20 ms nominally
• Minimum dead time (stop to start): 200 ns
• Period range: 10 ns to 10⁵ seconds
**Input Characteristics (Channels A & B)**
• Coupling: AC or DC, switchable
• Sensitivity: 10 mV rms sine to 10 MHz; 25 mV rms to 100 MHz; 75 mV peak-to-peak pulse (5 ns minimum pulse width)
• Adjustable sensitivity: up to 500 mV rms nominal
• Dynamic range: 30 mV to 5 V peak-to-peak (0–10 MHz); 75 mV to 5 V peak-to-peak (10–100 MHz)
• Trigger level: +2.5 V dc to −2.5 V dc variable
• Slope selection: + or − independent
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ nominal, <40 pF shunt
• Attenuator: X1 or X20 nominal
• Low-pass filter: Switchable on Channel A, 100 kHz nominal at −3 dB
**Time Base Options**
• Standard: Internal crystal oscillator
• Option 001 (TCXO): 10 MHz, <1 × 10⁻⁷/month aging, ±1 × 10⁻⁸ stability (0–40°C)
• Option 004 (Oven): 10 MHz, <3 × 10⁻⁸/month aging, ±2 × 10⁻⁸ stability (0–50°C)
• Oscillator output: 10 MHz, 50 mV peak-to-peak into 500 Ω
## Key Features
• Six independent measurement functions: Frequency A, Frequency A Armed by B, Frequency C, Ratio A/B, Totalize, A Gated by B
• Independent slope and trigger-level control per channel
• Switchable input coupling and attenuation for signal conditioning
• Optional high-stability time base for precision metrology
## Typical Applications
• Automated frequency and timing calibration
• Laboratory characterization of oscillators and signal sources
• Time interval and jitter measurement
• Ratio and gated totalize counting in production test
## Compatibility & Integration
HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface for remote instrument control and data logging in networked test systems.
