The Keysight/Agilent/HP 16531A is a 2-channel digitizing oscilloscope acquisition module for the 16500 series modular logic analysis framework. It captures high-speed transient signals with 1024 samples per channel and delivers integrated waveform analysis within a unified test environment. The module supports both state and timing acquisition modes, with threshold-programmable inputs and comprehensive measurement automation. It integrates directly with the HP 16530A timebase card for synchronized multi-channel operation.
## Technical Specifications
• **Channels:** 2
• **Acquisition Memory:** 1024 samples per channel
• **Setup Time:** 10 ns
• **Hold Time:** 0 ns
• **Minimum Detectable Glitch:** 5 ns wide at threshold
• **State Mode Clock Repetition Rate:** 25 MHz maximum (single phase)
• **Sample Period (Timing Mode):** 20 ns to 50 ms in 1-2-5 sequence
• **Input Impedance:** 100 kΩ ±2% shunted by approximately 8 pF
• **Maximum Input Voltage:** ±40 V peak
• **Probe Minimum Swing:** 600 mV peak-to-peak
• **Dynamic Range:** ±10 V around threshold
• **Threshold Range:** -9.9 to +9.9 V in 0.1 V increments
• **Threshold Accuracy:** ±300 mV over -9.9 to -2.1 V and 2.1 to 9.9 V ranges
• **Minimum Input Offset:** 250 mV at 25°C or input amplitude, whichever is greater
## Key Features
• Independently programmable thresholds for channels 1 and 2
• Selectable clock edges (positive, negative, or either)
• Single-phase, two-phase demultiplexing, or two-phase mixed-mode clocking
• Automatic measurements: Frequency, Rise Time, Fall Time, Period, Pulse Width, Vpp, Preshoot, Overshoot, Vtop-base
• Vertical and time markers for manual measurements
• Autoscale function (requires >10 mV peak amplitude and 50 Hz to 100 MHz frequency)
• ECL and TTL waveform presets
• Change-triggered sampling in timing mode
## Typical Applications
• Digital signal acquisition in mixed-signal test environments
• Transient waveform capture for protocol analysis
• Timing and setup/hold characterization
• Glitch detection and measurement
## Compatibility & Integration
The 16531A operates within the Keysight 16500 series framework and connects to the HP 16530A timebase card. Multiple acquisition modules can share a single timebase card for coordinated multi-channel operation.
