The HP/Agilent 53310A Modulation Domain Analyzer characterizes frequency and time stability in signal sources with direct measurement of modulation and jitter performance. The instrument addresses frequency drift analysis, jitter characterization in digital communication systems, frequency hopping assessment, and cellular phone switching evaluation through automated statistical analysis and fast histogram acquisition.
## Technical Specifications
**Input Characteristics**
• Minimum input level (Channels A/B): 20 mV
• Input impedance (Channels A/B): 1 MΩ
• Input impedance (Channel C, Option 030/031): 50 Ω
• Input coupling (Channel C, Option 030/031): AC
**Frequency Measurement Ranges**
• Channel A: 10 Hz to 200 MHz
• Channel B: 10 Hz to 100 MHz
• Channel C (Option 030/031): 50 MHz to 2.5 GHz
**Channel C Sensitivity (Option 030/031)**
• –25 dBm (50 MHz to 1.5 GHz)
• –20 dBm (>1.5 GHz to 2.0 GHz)
• –15 dBm (>2.0 GHz to 2.5 GHz)
• Warranted: –13 dBm (50 MHz to 200 MHz), –17 dBm (200 MHz to 2 GHz), –12 dBm (2 GHz to 2.5 GHz)
**Power Handling (Channel C)**
• Maximum input: +7 dBm; +20 dBm with Option 031 (warranted)
• Damage level: +15 dBm; +23 dBm with Option 031 (warranted)
**Data Acquisition**
• Acquisition rate: Up to 1.5 MHz (fast histogram mode)
• Standard data record: 450 points; 8K measurements standard, 32K optional
• Fast sampling (Option 031): 8 MHz
• HP-IB transfer rate: Approximately 175 kBytes/s
## Key Features
• Automated statistical analysis: mean, standard deviation, probability functions, peak-to-peak deviation, min/max values
• Carrier frequency and modulation rate extraction
• Fast histogram computation with resolution improvement via averaging
• Advanced triggering on measurement values and frequency/time interval thresholds
• RF envelope trigger (Option 031): level adjustable in 100 steps (–25 dBm to 0 dBm @ 1 GHz typical)
• Test limit output for out-of-range measurement indication
• Option 031 provides high-resolution 2.5 GHz Channel C capability
## Typical Applications
• Frequency drift and stability assessment in signal sources
• Jitter analysis in digital communication systems
• Frequency hopping performance validation
• Cellular phone switching characterization
## Compatibility & Integration
HP-IB (IEEE Std 488.1-1987 and IEEE Std 488.2-1987) interface with SH1, AH1, T5, TEO, LA, LEO, SR1, RLI, PP0, DC1, DTI, CO, E2 capabilities. Frequency standard input provided.
