The Keysight E1420B is a C-size, 1-slot, message-based VXI universal counter delivering high-performance frequency, time, and phase measurements for research, development, and manufacturing environments. This base configuration provides exceptional measurement accuracy and resolution across a diverse function set: frequency, period, time interval, totalize, ratio, rise/fall time, pulse width, phase, and AC/DC voltage analysis. The instrument executes up to 60 measurements per second for identical functions, 40 measurements per second when sequencing different functions, or 160 measurements per second with optional shared memory. Its SCPI interface ensures compatibility with existing test software and VXIbus architectures.
Technical Specifications
Measurement Functions
• Frequency: DC to 200 MHz (standard); 90 MHz to 2.5 GHz with Option 030 UHF channel
• Period: 5 ns to 1,000 s
• Time Interval: 2 ns resolution (200 ps with averaging); Option 100 reduces maximum delay from 99.999 seconds to 1 second
• Rise/Fall Time: Automatic measurements down to 15 ns
• Pulse Width and Phase: Automatic measurements
• AC Voltage: 200 mVp-p to 5 Vp-p with x10 attenuation
• DC Voltage: 30 mV to ±10 V with x10 attenuation
• Totalize, Gated Totalize, and Ratio functions included
Input Characteristics
• Input impedance: Selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ
• Input attenuation: Selectable x1 or x10
• Input coupling: AC or DC selectable
• Maximum input: 5 V RMS (x1 attenuation)
• Connectors: Standard BNC format
Timebase
• Standard: VXI CLK10
• Option 010: TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator), 10 MHz
– Key Features
• High-speed measurement acquisition with configurable throughput
• Flexible input impedance and coupling for diverse signal types
• Attenuation control for signal conditioning
• Optional UHF channel extends frequency measurement to 2.5 GHz
• Optional TCXO timebase for temperature-stable operation
– Typical Applications
Frequency and timing characterization, phase relationship analysis, pulse parameter verification, time interval measurement in precision test environments.
– Compatibility & Integration
VXIbus C-size, 1-slot, message-based module architecture. SCPI command interface for software integration with existing test suites.
