The HP/Agilent 5343A Microwave Frequency Counter measures microwave frequencies from 10 Hz to 26.5 GHz with 11-digit resolution and 1 Hz minimum step. Engineered for telecommunications, radar, scientific research, and RF testing applications, this microprocessor-controlled instrument delivers high-accuracy frequency determination across a broad spectral range. Dual input channels support 10 Hz to 500 MHz and 500 MHz to 26.5 GHz measurements with automatic operation for CW signals above 500 MHz. Sensitivity reaches -30 dBm at 12.4 GHz, with high FM tolerance accommodating carrier deviations to 50 MHz peak-to-peak.
## Technical Specifications
• **Frequency Range:** 10 Hz to 26.5 GHz (two input ranges: 10 Hz–500 MHz and 500 MHz–26.5 GHz)
• **Resolution:** 11-digit display; selectable 1 Hz to 1 MHz resolution
• **Sensitivity:** -30 dBm @ 12.4 GHz; -35 dBm minimum measurable signal; -33 dBm (500 MHz–12.4 GHz); -28 dBm (12.4–18 GHz); -23 dBm (18–26.5 GHz)
• **Input Impedance:** 50 ohm nominal with selectable 50 ohm and 1 megohm attenuation
• **Input 2:** 10 MHz to 520 MHz, 50 ohm; dynamic range -17 dBm to +20 dBm; damage level +24 dBm
• **Maximum Operating Level:** +22 dBm (500 MHz–18 GHz); +34.8 dBm (3 W, 18–26.5 GHz)
• **VSWR:** <2:1 typical (amplitude); <5:1 typical (frequency); <1.8:1 (500 MHz–10 GHz); <3:1 (10–26.5 GHz)
• **FM Tolerance:** 50 MHz peak-to-peak carrier deviation
• **Measurement Time:** 100 ms plus frequency measurement time
• **Time Base Aging:** <1 × 10⁻⁷/month; Temperature stability ±1 × 10⁻⁶ (0–50°C); Short-term <1 × 10⁻⁹ (1 second averaging)
• **Display:** 11-digit sectionalized readout; simultaneous frequency (to 1 MHz resolution) and level
## Key Features
• Automatic measurement capability for 500 MHz–26.5 GHz CW signals
• Selectable display resolution from 1 Hz to 1 MHz
• High stability time base option (Option 001) available
• HP-IB compatibility with Option 011 for full-resolution frequency output
• Portable design with microprocessor intelligence
## Typical Applications
• Telecommunications system characterization
• Radar frequency verification
• Scientific RF measurements
• General microwave test and verification
## Compatibility & Integration
HP-IB interface support enables automated system integration. Optional high-stability time base (Option 001) provides aging rate <5 × 10⁻¹⁰/day with temperature stability <7 × 10⁻⁹ (0–50°C).
