The HP/Agilent 54506B is a 300 MHz digitizing oscilloscope with 500 MSa/s sampling rate, engineered for precision signal acquisition and analysis across laboratory, research, and industrial test environments. This dual-channel instrument delivers 8-bit vertical resolution and captures high-speed waveforms with detailed fidelity. Its advanced triggering system supports edge, pulse width, video, pattern, logic, and runt detection modes. The 54506B provides onboard waveform math including FFT, parametric measurement functions for amplitude, frequency, period, rise/fall time, duty cycle, RMS and noise analysis, plus peak detect at 10 ns capture time. A monochrome CRT display with 400 × 300 dot resolution and configurable graticule provides real-time signal visualization. Vertical sensitivity spans 2 mV/div to 5 V/div with ±3% full-scale accuracy. Timebase coverage extends from 5 ns/div to 100 s/div at ±0.005% accuracy. The instrument supports pre- and post-trigger delay with variable holdoff, and averaging up to 256 waveforms for noise reduction.
Technical Specifications
• Analog Bandwidth: 300 MHz
• Sampling Rate: 500 MSa/s per channel
• Vertical Resolution: 8 bits
• Channels: 2
• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ ± 2% in parallel with 15 pF ± 3 pF
• Input Coupling: AC, DC, GND
• Vertical Sensitivity: 2 mV/div to 5 V/div
• Vertical Accuracy: ±3% of full scale
• Timebase Range: 5 ns/div to 100 s/div
• Timebase Accuracy: ±0.005%
• Peak Detect: 10 ns capture time
• Waveform Averaging: Up to 256 waveforms
• Display: 6.5 inch monochrome CRT, 400 × 300 dots
• Power Input: 90-132 VAC or 195-250 VAC (selectable), 47-63 Hz
• Power Consumption: Approximately 200 VA
• Dimensions: 177 mm (H) × 432 mm (W) × 394 mm (D)
• Weight: 11.3 kg
– Key Features
• Trigger types: Edge, Pulse Width, Video, Pattern, Logic, Runt with pre- and post-trigger delay
• Waveform math: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide, Invert, FFT
• Measurement functions: Amplitude, Frequency, Period, Rise Time, Fall Time, Pulse Width, Duty Cycle, RMS, Mean, Noise
• GPIB interface (IEEE 488.2) for remote control and automated data transfer
• VGA output for external monitor connection
– Typical Applications
Signal characterization in electronic testing, waveform capture for high-speed circuit analysis, automated measurement in production and field testing environments.
– Compatibility & Integration
The 54506B integrates into GPIB-based test systems and legacy measurement architectures through standard IEEE 488.2 control protocols.
