53220A - KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES

Keysight Technologies

53200A Series

RF/Universal Frequency

Counter/Timers

Data Sheet

Introduction

Frequency counters are depended on in R&D and in manufacturing for the fastest, most accurate frequency and time

interval measurements. The 53200 Series of RF and universal frequency counter/timers expands on this expectation to

provide you with the most information, connectivity and new measurement capabilities, while building on the speed and

accuracy you’ve depended on with Keysight Technologies, Inc. time and frequency measurement expertise.

Three available models offer resolution capabilities up to 12 digits/sec frequency resolution on a one second gate. Single-

shot time interval measurements can be resolved down to 20 psec. All models offer new built-in analysis and graphing

capabilities to maximize the insight and information you receive.

More bandwidth

– 350 MHz baseband frequency

– 6 or 15 GHz optional microwave

channels

More resolution & speed

– 12 digits/sec

– 20 ps single-shot time resolution

– Up to 75,000 and 90,000

readings/sec (frequency and

time interval)

More insight

– Datalog trend plot

– Cumulative histogram

– Built-in math analysis and

statistics

– 1M reading memory and

USB Flash storage

More connectivity

– LXI-C/Ethernet LAN, USB, GPIB

– Optional battery for unstable

AC power or timebase accuracy

More measurement

capability (53230A only)

– Continuous gap-free

measurements

– Basic measurement and

timestamps for modulation

domain analysis (MDA)

– Optional pulse/burst microwave

measurement

Imagine Your Counter Doing More!

Measurements Model Standard

350 MHz Input

Channel(s)

Opt MW Inputs

(53210A: Ch 2,

53220A/30A: Ch 3)

Frequency 53210A,

53220A,

53230A

● ●

Frequency ratio 53210A,

53220A,

53230A

● ●

Period 53210A,

53220A,

53230A

● ●

Minimum/maximum/

peak-to-peak input

voltage

53210A,

53220A,

53230A

●

RF signal strength 53210A,

53220A,

53230A

●

Single period 53220A,

53230A

●

Time interval A to B, B

to A, A, B

53220A,

53230A

●

Positive/negative

pulse width

53220A,

53230A

●

Rise/fall time 53220A,

53230A

●

Positive/negative duty 53220A,

53230A

●

Phase A to B,

B to A

53220A,

53230A

●

Totalize

(continuous or timed)

53220A,

53230A

●

Continuous/gap-free 53230A ● ●

Timestamp 53230A ● ●

Pulse/burst measure-

ment software1

53230A

(Option 150)

●

Measurement by model

1. Burst carrier frequency, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), pulse repetition interval (PRI),

burst positive width (“on” time), burst negative width (“off” time).

Input characteristics (nom) 53210A 53220A 53230A

Channels

Standard (DC - 350 MHz) Ch 1 Ch 1 & Ch 2

Optional (6 or 15 GHz) Ch 2 Ch 3

Standard inputs (nom)

Frequency range

DC coupled DC (1 mHz) to 350 MHz (2.8 ns to 1000 sec)

AC coupled, 50 Ω1 or 1 MΩ 10 Hz - 350 MHz

Input

Connector Front panel BNC(f). Option 201 adds parallel rear panel BNC(f) inputs2

Input impedance (typ) Selectable 1 MΩ ± 1.5% or 50 Ω ± 1.5% || <25 pF

Input coupling Selectable DC or AC

Input lter Selectable 100 kHz cut-off frequency low pass

10 Hz (AC coupling) cut-off frequency high pass lter

Amplitude range

Input range ±5 V (±50 V) full scale ranges

Sensitivity3,4 (typ) DC - 100 MHz: 20 mVpk

> 100 MHz: 40 mVpk

Noise3500 µVrms (max), 350 µVrms (typ)

Input event thresholds

Threshold levels ±5 V (±50 V) in 2.5 mV (25 mV) steps

Noise reject4Selectable On/ Off

Slope Selectable Positive or Negative

Auto-scale Acquires signal for current measurement channel,

selects range (5 V or 50 V), sets auto-level 50%

Auto-level Selectable On or Off

On: Sets auto-level (% of Vpp) operation

Occurs once for each INIT or after a timeout.

Measures signal Vpp and sets Trigger level to 50%

Off: Selectable user set level (Volts)

Minimum signal frequency for

auto level

User selectable (Slow (50 Hz), Fast (10 kHz))

Minimum signal for auto level 300 mVpp

Maximum input

50 Ω damage level 1 W

50 Ω protection threshold Will not activate below 7.5 Vpk

50 Ω internal termination auto-protects

by switching to 1 M Ω

1 M Ω damage level DC - 5 kHz: 350 Vpk (AC + DC)

5 kHz - 100 kHz: Derate linearly to 10 Vpk (AC + DC)

>100 kHz: 10 Vpk (AC + DC)

Input Channel Characteristics

53210A 53220A 53230A

Optional microwave inputs (nom)

Frequency range

Option 106 100 MHz - 6 GHz

Option 115 300 MHz - 15 GHz

Input

Connector Front panel precision Type-N(f)

Option 203 moves the input connector to a rear panel SMA(f)

Input impedance (typ) 50 Ω ± 1.5% (SWR < 2.5)

Input coupling AC

Continuous wave

amplitude range

Option 106 Autoranged to +19 dBm max. (2 Vrms)

Option 115 Autoranged to +13 dBm max. (1.0 Vrms)

Sensitivity (typ)56 GHz (Opt 106): -27 dBm (10 mVrms)

15 GHz (Opt 115):

< 3 GHz: -23 dBm

3 – 11 GHz: -27 dBm

> 11 GHz: -21 dBm

Input event thresholds

Level range Auto-ranged for optimum sensitivity and bandwidth

AM tolerance650% modulation depth

Maximum input

Damage level 6 GHz (Opt 106): > +27 dBm (5 Vrms)

15 GHz (Opt 115): > +19 dBm (2 Vrms)

Input Channel Characteristics (continued)

1. AC coupling occurs after 50 Ω termination.

2. When ordered with optional rear terminals, the standard/baseband channel inputs are active on both the front and rear of the universal

counter though the specications provided only apply to the rear terminals. Performance for the front terminals with rear terminals installed

is not specied.

3. Multiply value(s) by 10 for the 50 V range.

4. Stated specication assumes Noise Reject OFF. Noise Reject ON doubles the sensitivity minimum voltage levels.

5. Assumes sine wave.

6. CW only. Assumes AM Rate > 10/gate. For Option 106, spec applies for input powers > -20 dBm; use a tolerance of 15% modulation depth

for frequencies less than 900 MHz. For Option 115, spec applies for input powers > -10 dBm.

53210A 53220A 53230A

Measurement range (nom)

Frequency, period (average) measurements

Common

Channels Ch 1 or optional Ch 2 Ch 1, Ch 2 or optional Ch 3

Digits/s 10 digits/s 12 digits/s 12 digits/s

Maximum display Resolution112 digits 15 digits 15 digits

Measurement technique Reciprocal Reciprocal and resolution

enhanced

Reciprocal, resolution-

enhanced or continuous

(gap-free)

Signal type Continuous Wave (CW) CW and pulse/burst

(Option 150)

Level & slope Automatically preset or user selectable

Gate Internal or external

Gate time21 ms to 1000 s in 10 µs steps 100 µs to 1000 s in 10 µs steps 1 µs to 1000 s in 1 µs steps

Advanced gating3N/A Start delay (time or events) and stop hold-off

(time or events)

FM tolerance ± 50%

Frequency, period

Range9 DC (1 mHz) to 350 MHz (2.8 ns to 1000 s)

Microwave input (optional) Option 106 - 100 MHz to 6 GHz (166 ps to 10 ns)

Option 115 - 300 MHz to 15 GHz ( 66 ps to 3.3 ns)

Frequency ratio4

Range 1015 Displayable range

Timestamp/modulation domain

Sample rate5N/A N/A 1 MSa/s, 800 kSa/s,

100 kSa/s, 10 kSa/s

#Edges/timestamp N/A N/A Auto-acquired per

acquisition

Acquisition length N/A N/A up to 1 MSa or

100,000 s (max)

Time interval (single-shot) measurements11

Common

Channels N/A Ch 1 or 2

Single-shot time resolution N/A 100 ps 20 ps

Gating N/A Internal or external gate

Start delay (time or events) and stop hold-off

(time or events)

Slope N/A Independent start, stop slopes

Level N/A Independent start, stop slopes

Channel-to-channel time skew

(typ)

N/A 100 ps 50 ps

Measurement Characteristics

53210A 53220A 53230A

Time interval A to B, B to A

Range9N/A -1 ns to 100,000 s (nom)

-0.5 ns to 100,000 s (min)

Time interval A or B

Range N/A 2 ns to 100,000 s (min)

Minimum width N/A 2 ns

Minimum edge repetition rate N/A 6 ns

Level & slope N/A Auto-level or user selectable

Single-period, pulse-width, rise time, fall time

Range N/A 0 s to 1000 s

Minimum width N/A 2 ns

Minimum edge repetition rate N/A 6 ns

Level & slope N/A Auto-level or user selectable

Duty

Range N/A .000001 to .999999 or 0.0001% to 99.9999%

Minumim width N/A 2 ns

Level & slope N/A Auto-level or user selectable

Phase A to B, B to A

Range6N/A -180.000º to 360.000º

Totalize measurements

Channels N/A Ch 1 or Ch 2

Range9N/A 0 to 1015 events

Rate N/A 0 - 350 MHz

Gating N/A Continuous, timed, or external gate input

Gate accuracy is 20 ns

Level measurements

Voltage level - standard input

channels

±5.1 Vpk with 2.5 mV resolution or ±51 Vpk with 25 mV resolution

Microwave power level (micro-

wave channel option)

0 to 4 relative signal power

Measurement Characteristics (continued)

53210A 53220A 53230A

6 GHz (Option 106) 15 GHz (Option 115)

Pulse/burst frequency and pulse envelope detector (Option 150)12

Pulse/burst measurements N/A N/A Carrier frequency, carrier period, pulse repetition interval (PRI), pulse

repetition frequency (PRF), positive and negative width

Pulse/burst width

for carrier frequency

measurements10

N/A N/A > 200 ns

Narrow: < 17 µs

Wide: > 13 µs

> 400 ns

Narrow: < 17 μs

Wide: > 13 μs

Minimum pulse/burst width for

envelope measurements

N/A N/A > 50 ns > 100 ns

Acquisition N/A N/A Auto, Manual7

PRF, PRI range N/A N/A 1 Hz – 10 MHz 1 Hz - 5 MHz

Pulse detector response time

(typ)8

N/A N/A 15 ns rise/fall 40 ns rise/fall

Pulse width accuracy N/A N/A 20 ns + (2*carrier period) 75 ns

Power ratio (typ) N/A N/A > 15 dB

Power range and sensitivity

(sinusoidal) (typ)

N/A N/A +13 dBm (1 Vrms) to

-13 dBm (50 mVrms)

< 3 GHz: +7 dBm (500 mVrms) to

-6 dBm (115 mVrms)

3 - 11 GHz: +9 dBm (630 mVrms) to

-8 dBm (90 mVrms)

> 11 GHz: +7 dBm (500 mVrms) to

-6 dBm (115 mVrms)

Measurement Characteristics (continued)

1. Maximum display resolution for frequency and period. Totalize display resolution is 15 digits, time interval based measurements are

12 digits.

2. Continuous, gap-free measurements limits the gate time setting to 10 µs to 1000 s in 10 µs steps.

3. Refer to the gate characteristics section for more details on advanced gate capabilities.

4. Measurements on each input channel are performed simultaneously using one gate interval. The actual measurement gate interval on each

channel will be synchrounous with edges of each input signal.

5. Maximum sample rate. Actual sample rate will be limited by the input signal edge rate for signals slower than the selected sample rate.

Maximum timestamp rate offers minimal FM tolerance. If high FM tolerance is required, use lower timestamp rates.

6. Assumes two frequencies are identical, only shifted in phase.

7. Manual control of gate width and gate delay are allowed only for wide pulsed mode.

8. For pulsed signals > -7 dBm (100 mVrms) while gated on.

9. For totalize, time interval and frequency measurements, you may get measurement readings beyond the range stated, but the accuracy of

those readings is not specied.

10. Applies when burst width * Carrier Freq > 80.

11. Specications apply if measurement channels are in 5 V range, DC coupled, 50 Ω terminated and at xed level for: time interval single and

dual channel, pulse width, duty, phase, single period and rise/fall time measurements.

12. Option 150 microwave pulse/burst measurement descriptions:

Burst carrier frequency

+ width burst (on)

- width burst (off)

PRI = 1/PRF

PRF

amplitude

p-p

- 6 dB

-6 dB Detector Level

(Option 106 only)

- width burst (off)

PRI = 1/PRF

PRF

- 12 dB

Burst carrier frequency

+ width burst (on)

-12 dB Detector Level

Gate, Trigger and Timebase Characteristics

53210A 53220A 53230A

Gate characteristics (nom)

Gate

Source Time, external Time, external or advanced

Gate time (step size) 11 ms - 1000 s (10 µs) 100 µs - 1000 s (10 µs) 1 µs - 1000 s (1 µs)

Advanced: gate start

Source N/A Internal or external, Ch 1/Ch 2

(unused standard channel input)

Slope N/A Positive or negative

Delay time1N/A 0 s to 10 s in 10 ns steps

Delay events (edges) N/A 0 to 108 for signals up to 100 MHz

Advanced: gate stop hold-off

Source N/A Internal or external, Ch 1/Ch 2

(unused standard channel input)

Slope N/A Positive or negative

Hold-off time1 N/A Hold-off Time settable from 60 ns to 1000 s

Hold-off events (edges) N/A 0 to 108 (minimum width (positive or negative) > 60 ns)

External gate input characteristics (typ)

Connector Rear panel BNC(f)

Selectable as external gate input or gate output signal

Impedance 1 kΩ when selected as external gate input

Level TTL compatible

Slope Selectable positive or negative

Gate to gate timing 3 µs gate end to next gate start

Damage level < -5 V, > +10 V

Gate output characteristics (typ)

Connector Rear panel BNC(f)

Selectable as external gate input or gate output signal

Impedance 50 Ω when selected for gate output

Level TTL compatible

Slope Selectable positive or negative

Damage level < -5 V, > +10 V

53210A 53220A 53230A

Trigger characteristics (nom)

General

Trigger source Internal, external, bus, manual

Trigger count 1 to 1,000,000

Trigger delay 0 s to 3600 s in 1 µs steps

Samples/trigger 1 to 1,000,000

External trigger input (typ)

Connector Rear panel BNC(f)

Impedance 1 kΩ

Level TTL compatible

Slope Selectable positive or negative

Pulse width > 40 ns min

Latency2Frequency, period: 1 µs + 3 periods

time interval, totalize: 100 ns

External trigger rate 300/s max 1 k/s max 10 k/s max

Damage level < -5 V, > +10 V

Timebase characteristics (nom)

Timebase reference Internal, external, or auto

Timebase adjustment method Closed-box electronic adjustment

Timebase adjustment

resolution

10-10 (10-11 for Option 010 U-OCXO timebase)

External timebase input (typ)

Impedance 1 kΩ AC coupled

Level (typ) 100 mVrms to 2.5 Vrms

Lock frequencies 10 MHz, 5 MHz, 1 MHz

Lock range ±1 ppm (±0.1 ppm for Option 010 U-OCXO timebase)

Damage level 7 Vrms

Timebase output (typ)

Impedance 50 Ω ± 5% at 10 MHz

Level 0.5 Vrms into a 50 Ω load

1.0 Vrms into a 1 kΩ load

Signal 10 MHz sine wave

Damage level 7 Vrms

1. Continuous, gap-free measurements limits the Gate Time setting to 10 µs to 1000 s in 10 µs steps.

2. Latency does not include delays due to auto-leveling.

Trigger and Timebase Characteristics (nom)

53210A 53220A 53230A

Math operations

Smoothing (averaging) 1Selectable 10 (slow), 100 (medium), 1,000 (fast) reading moving average

Selectable lter reset .1% /1000 ppm (fast), .03%/300 ppm (medium), .01%/100 ppm (slow) change

from average

Scaling mX-b or m(1/X)-b

User settable m and b (offset) values

Δ-change (X-b)/b scaled to %, ppm, or ppb

User settable b (reference) value

Null (X-b)

User settable b (reference) value

Statistics 1Mean, standard deviation,

Max, Min, Peak-to-Peak, count

Mean, standard deviation, Allan deviation2,

Max, Min, Peak-to-Peak, count

Limit test 3Displays PASS/ FAIL message based on user dened Hi/ Lo limit values.

Operation Individual and simultaneous operation of smoothing, scaling, statistics, and limit test

Graphical display selections

Digits Numeric result with input level shown

Trend Strip chart (measurements vs. readings over time)

Selectable screen time

Histogram Cumulative histogram of measurements; manual reset

HI/LO limit lines shown

Selectable bin and block size

Limit test Measurement result, tuning bar-graph, and PASS/FAIL message

Markers Available to read values from trend & histogram displays

Memory

Data log Guided setup of # of readings/counts;

automatically saves acquisition results to non-volatile memory

Instrument state Save & recall user-denable instrument setups

Power-off Automatically saved

Power-on Selectable power-on to reset (Factory), power-off state or user state

Volatile reading memory 1 M readings (16 MBytes)

Non-volatile internal memory 75 Mbytes (up to 5 M readings)

USB le system Front-panel connector for USB memory device

Capability Store/recall user preferences and instrument states, reading memory, and bit map displays

Math, Graphing and Memory Characteristics (nom)

53210A 53220A 53230A

Measurement/IO timeout (nom) no timeout or 10 ms to 2000 s, in 1 ms steps

Auto-level speed Slow mode (50 Hz): 350 ms (typ)

Fast mode (10 kHz): 10 ms (typ)

Congure-change speed Frequency, Period, Range, Level: 50 ms (typ)

Single measurement throughput5: readings/s

(time to take single measurement and transfer from volatile reading memory over I/O bus)

Typical (Avg. using READ?):

LAN (VXI-11) 110 120

LAN (sockets) 200 200

USB 200 200

GPIB 210 220

Optimized (Avg. using *TRG;DATA:REM? 1, WAIT):

LAN (VXI-11) 160 180

LAN (sockets) 330 350

USB 320 350

GPIB 360 420

Block reading throughput5: readings/s (Example uses: 50,000 readings)

(time to take blocks of measurements and transfer from volatile reading memory over I/O bus)

Typical (Avg. using READ?):

LAN (VXI-11) 300 990 8700

LAN (sockets) 300 990 9700

USB 300 990 9800

GPIB 300 990 4600

Optimized (Avg. using *TRG;DATA:REM? 1, WAIT):

LAN (VXI-11) 300 990 34700

LAN (sockets) 300 990 55800

USB 300 990 56500

GPIB 300 990 16300

Speed Characteristics4 (meas)

53210A 53220A 53230A

Maximum measurement speed to internal non-volatile memory6: (readings/s)

Timestamp N/A N/A 1,000,000

Frequency, period, totalize 300

1000

75,000

Frequency ratio 44,000

Time interval, rise/fall, width,

burst width

N/A 90,000

Duty cycle N/A 48,000

Phase N/A 37,000

PRI, PRF N/A N/A 75,000

Transfer from memory to PC via:

LAN (sockets) 600,000 readings/sec

LAN (VXI-11) 150,000 readings/sec

USB 800,000 readings/sec

GPIB 22,000 readings/sec

1. These Math operations do not apply for Continuous Totalize or Timestamp measurements.

2. Allan Deviation is only calculated for Frequency and Period measurements. Allan Deviation calculation is available on both 53220A and 53230A,

it is only gap free on 53230A.

3. Limit Test only displays on instrument front panel. No hardware output signal is available.

4. Operating speeds are for a direct connection to a >2.5 GHz dual core CPU running Windows XP Pro SP3 or better with 4 GB RAM and a

10/100/1000 LAN interface.

5. Throughput data based on gate time. Typical reading throughput assumes ASCII format, Auto level OFF with READ? SCPI command. For

improved reading throughput you should also consider setting (FORM:DATA REAL,64), (DISP OFF), and set fastest gate time available.

6. Maximum 53230A rates represent >= 20 MHz input signals with min gate times, no delays or holdoffs. Measurement rates for the 53210A &

53220A are limited by min gate time. Actual meas rates are limited by the repetition rate of the input being measured.

Speed Characteristics4 (meas) (continued)

53210A 53220A 53230A

Warm-up time 45-minutes

Display 4.3" Color TFT WQVGA (480 x 272), LED backlight

User interface and help

languages

English, German, French, Japanese, Simplied Chinese, Korean

USB ash drive FAT, FAT32

Programming language

SCPI 532xx Series and 53131A/53132A/53181A Series compatibility mode

Programming interface

LXI-C 1.3 10/ 100/ 1000 LAN (LAN Sockets and VXI-11 protocol)

USB 2.0 device port USB 2.0 (USB-TMC488 protocol)

GPIB interface GPIB (IEEE-488.1, IEEE-488.2 protocol)

Web user interface LXI Class C Compatible

Mechanical

Bench dimensions 261.1 mm W x 103.8 mm H x 303.2 mm D

Rack mount dimensions 212.8 mm W x 88.3 mm H x 272.3 mm D (2U x 1/2 width)

Weight 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs) fully optioned

3.1 kg (6.9 lbs) without Option 300 (battery option)

Environmental

Storage temperature - 30 °C to +70 °C

Operating environment EN61010, pollution degree 2; indoor locations

Operating temperature 0 °C to +55 °C

Operating humidity 5% to 80% RH, non-condensing

Operating altitude Up to 3000 meters or 10,000 ft

Regulatory

Safety Complies with European Low Voltage Directive and carries the CE-marking

Conforms to UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 61010-1, IEC 61010-1:2001, CAT I

EMC Complies with European EMC Directive for test and measurement products.

IEC/EN 61326-1

CISPR Pub 11 Group 1, class A

AS/NZS CISPR 11

ICES/NMB-001

Complies with Australian standard and carries C-Tick Mark

This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001

Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 du Canada

Acoustic noise (nom) SPL 35 dB(A)

Line power

Voltage 100V - 240V ± 10%, 50-60 Hz ±5%

100 V - 120 V, 400 Hz ±10%

Power consumption 90 VA max when powered on or charging battery;

6 VA max when powered off/standby

General Characteristics (nom)

53210A 53220A 53230A

Battery (Option 300)

Technology Internal lithium ion battery with integrated smart battery monitor & charger

Use for maintaining timebase accuracy or environments with unstable AC power

Operating temperature limits 0 to 55 °C. Battery will only charge under 35 °C.

Instrument running on battery power above 50 °C

will turn off to minimize battery capacity degradation.

Storage temperature limits -10 °C to 60 °C.

Extended exposure to temperatures above 45 °C could degrade battery performance and life

Operating time (typ) 3 hours when operated below +35 °C

Standby time - OCXO powered

(typ)

24 hours

Recharge time (typ) 14 hours to 100% capacity; 2 hours to 90% capacity

Accessories included

CD User's guide, SCPI/programmers reference, programming examples, drivers (IVI-COM, LabView),

IO library instructions

Cables Power line cord, 2 m USB 2.0

Standard warranty 3 years

1. Assumes calibrated battery.

General Characteristics (nom) (continued)

Dimensions apply to all three models: 53210A, 53220A, 53230A.

212.8 mm

272.3 mm

88.3 mm

261.2 mm

103.8 mm

302.2 mm

Timebase Standard

TCXO

Option 010

Ultra-High Stability OCXO

Aging 1 (spec)

24-hour, TCAL ±1 °C ± 0.3 ppb (typ)

30-day, TCAL ±5 °C ± 0.2 ppm (typ) ± 10 ppb

1-year, TCAL ±5 °C ± 1 ppm ± 50 ppb

2-year, TCAL ±5 °C ± 0.5 ppm ± 25 ppb

Temperature (typ) 2

0 °C to TCAL - 5 °C and TCAL + 5 °C to 55 °C ± 1 ppm ± 5 ppb

Calibration uncertainty 3

Initial factory calibration (typ) ± 0.5 ppm ± 50 ppb

Settability error ± 0.1 ppb ± 0.01 ppb

Supplemental characteristics (typ)

5-min. warm-up error 4± 1 ppm ± 10 ppb

72-hour retrace error 5< 50 ppb < 2 ppb

Allan deviation τ = 1s 1 ppb 0.01 ppb

Timebase Uncertainty = ( Aging + Temperature + Calibration Uncertainty )

1. All Timebase Aging Errors apply only after an initial 30-days of continuous powered operation and for a constant altitude ±100 m. After the

rst 1-year of operation, use ½ x (30-day and 1-year) aging rates shown.

2. Additional temperature error is included in the time base uncertainty equation if the temperature of the operating environment is outside

the TCAL ± 5 °C (calibration temperature) range. The error is applied in its entirety, not per °C.

3. Initial factory calibration error applies to the original instrument calibration upon receipt from the factory. This error is applied until the

rst re-calibration occurs after shipment. Settability error is the minimum adjustment increment (resolution) achievable during electronic

adjustment (calibration) of the instrument. It is added to the uncertainty of your calibration source.

4. Warm-up error applies when the instrument is powered on in a stable operating environment.

5. When moved between different operating environments add the Temperature error during the initial 30-minutes of powered operation

6. Retrace error may occur whenever the instrument line-power is removed or whenever the instrument is battery operated and the battery

fully discharges. Retrace error is the residual timebase shift that remains 72-hours after powering-on an instrument that has experienced a

full power-cycle of the timebase. Additional frequency shift errors may occur for instrument exposure to severe impact shocks > 50 g.

Timebase

Front/rear view of 53230A

Basic accuracy 1 = ± [(k * Random Uncertainty) + Systematic Uncertainty + Timebase Uncertainty]

Measurement Function 1-σ Random Uncertainty Systematic Uncertainty Timebase

Uncertainty2

Frequency 3

Period (parts error)

1.4* (TSS

2 + TE

2)1/2

RE * gate

If RE ≥ 2: 10 ps / gate (max), 2 ps / gate (typ)4

If RE < 2 or REC mode (RE = 1): 100 ps / gate

●

Option 106 & 115:

Frequency 3

Period (parts error)

1.4* (TSS

2 + TE

2)1/2

RE * gate

If RE ≥ 2: 10 ps / gate (max), 2 ps / gate (typ)4

If RE < 2 : 100 ps / gate

●

Frequency Ratio A/B (typ) 5

(parts error)

1.4* Random Uncertainty

of the worst case Freq input

Uncertainty of Frequency A plus Uncertainty

of Frequency B

Single Period

(parts error)17

1.4* (TSS 2 + TE

2) 1/2

Period Measurement

Taccuracy

Period Measurement

●

Time Interval (TI)17, Width 17, or

Rise/Fall Time 7, 17 (parts error)

1.4* (TSS

2 + TE

2) 1/2

|TI Measurement|

Linearity 6 + Offset 8

|TI Measurement|

Linearity = Taccuracy

Offset (typ) = TLTE + skew + Taccuracy

●

Duty 5, 9, 10, 17

(fraction of cycle error)

2* (TSS 2 + TE

2) 1/2 * Frequency (TLTE + 2*Taccuracy)*Frequency

Phase 5, 9, 17 (Degrees error) 2* (TSS 2 + TE

2) 1/2 * Frequency *

360º

(TLTE+skew+2*Taccuracy)*Frequency*360º

Totalize11 (counts error) ± 1 count11

Volts pk to pk 12 (typ)

5 V range

DC, 100 Hz - 1 kHz: 0.15% of reading + 0.15%

of range

1 kHz - 1 MHz: 2% of reading + 1% of range

1 MHz - 200 MHz: 5% of reading + 1% of range

+ 0.3 * (Freq/250 MHz) * reading

Accuracy Specications

Denitions

Random Uncertainty

The RSS of all random or Type-A measurement errors expressed as the total RMS or 1-σ measurement uncer-

tainty. Random uncertainty will reduce as 1/√N when averaging N measurement results for up to a maximum

of approximately 13-digits or 100 fs.

Systematic Uncertainty

The 95% condence residual constant or Type-B measurement uncertainty relative to an external calibration reference.

Generally, systematic uncertainties can be minimized or removed for a xed instrument setup by performing relative

measurements to eliminate the systematic components.

Timebase Uncertainty

The 95% condence systematic uncertainty contribution from the selected timebase reference. Use the appropriate

uncertainty for the installed timebase or when using an external frequency reference substitute the specied uncertainty

for your external frequency reference.

Accuracy Specications (continued)

Measurement Function 1-σ Random Uncertainty Systematic Uncertainty Timebase

Uncertainty2

6 GHz (Option 106): Optional Microwave Channel Opt 150 - Pulse/Burst Measurements3, 13

PRF, PRI (parts error) 14 If RE > 1: 200 ps / (RE * gate)

If RE = 1: 500 ps / gate

200 ps

RE * gate ●

Pulse/Burst Carrier Frequency 15

(Narrow Mode) (parts error)

100 ps

Burst Width

200 ps

Burst Width ●

Pulse/Burst Carrier Frequency 16

(Wide Mode) (parts error)

40 ps

RE * Burst Width

100 ps

RE * Burst Width ●

15 GHz (Option 115): Optional Microwave Channel Opt 150 - Pulse/Burst Measurements3, 13

PRF, PRI (parts error) 14 1 ns

(RE * gate)

200 ps

RE * gate ●

Pulse/Burst Carrier Frequency 15

(Narrow Mode) (parts error)

100 ps

Burst Width

400 ps

Burst Width

●

Pulse/Burst Carrier Frequency 16

(Wide Mode) (parts error)

75 ps

RE * Burst Width

200 ps

RE * Burst Width

●

1. Apply the appropriate errors detailed for each measuring function.

2. Use Timebase Uncertainty in Basic Accuracy calculations only for Measurement Functions that show the ● symbol in the Timebase

Uncertainty column.

3. Assumes Gaussian noise distribution and non-synchronous gate, non-gaussian noise will effect Systematic Error. Note all optional

microwave channel specications (continuous wave and pulse/burst) assume sine signal.

4. Typical is achieved with an average of 100 readings with 100 samples per trigger. Worst case is trigger and sample count set to 1.

5. Improved frequency ratio, duty and phase specications are possible by making independent measurements.

6. Minimum Pulse Width for using stated linearity is 5 ns; Pulse Widths of 2-5 ns use linearity=400 ps.

7. Residual instrument Rise/ Fall Time 10%-90% 2.0 ns (typ). Applies to xed level triggering. Threshold can still be set based on % of

auto-level detected peaks, but since these peak levels may contain unknown variations, accurate measurements need to be based on

absolute threshold levels.

8. Input signal slew rates and settling time have effects on offset. Offset is calibrated with rise times < 100 ps.

9. Constant Duty or Phase are required during the measurement interval. Duty and Phase are calculated based on two automated sequential

measurements - period and width or TI A to B, respectively.

10. Duty is represented as a ratio (not as a percent).

11. Additional count errors need to be added for gated totalize error, latency or jitter. If gated, add gate accuracy term (See Totalize measure-

ments in the Measurement Characteristics section).

12. Volts pk error apply for signal levels between full range and 1/10th range. Spec applies to sine wave only. 50 V range reading accuracy is

2% at DC-1 KHz, 5% 1 KHz -1 MHz band. Accuracy above 200 MHz is not specied on both ranges.

13. For 6 GHz (Opt 106): Specications apply to signals from ±13 dBm, operable to ±19 dBm. For 15 GHz (Opt 115): Specications apply to

input powers as listed under “Pulse/burst frequency and pulse envelope detector (Option 150) measurement characteristics”, operable from

+13 dBm to -8 dBm.

14. Use the RE equation, but use the input PRF for FIN. Assume sharp envelope transition.

15. Applies when Burst Width * Carrier Freq > 80.

16. Specications based on gate and width for automated detection. If in manual mode, delay and width selected will impact accuracy speci-

cation. For approximate accuracy for manual gate, use the RE calculation, but FIN is now 106 and use gate as burst width. For input signals

where PRI < 250 μs, double the 1-σ Random Uncertainty specication, unless a Trigger Count of 1 and a large Sample Count acquisition

method are used.

17. Specications apply if measurement channels are in 5 V range, DC coupled, 50Ω terminated and at xed level. The following minimum pulse

width requirements apply:

Single-Period: < 250 MHz, 50% Duty

Phase, Dual Channel Time Interval: < 160 MHz, 50% Duty

> 2 ns > 4 ns

Negative width, Negative duty,

Single Channel Time Interval Fall to Rise

Positive width, Positive duty,

Single Channel Time Interval Rise to Fall

Accuracy Specications (continued)

Resolution enhancement factor (RE)

The resolution enhancement (RE) calculates the added frequency resolution beyond the basic reciprocal measurement ca-

pability that is achieved for a range of input signal frequencies and measurement gate times. The maximum enhancement

factor shown is for input signals where TSS > TE and is limited due to intrinsic measurement limitations. For signals where

TSS << TE, RE may be signicantly higher than the specied levels. RE will always be >=1.

For signals where TSS >> T E, RE = √(FIN * Gate/16) RE is limited by gate time as show below

Gate time > 1 s, RE max of 6

Gate time 100 ms, RE max of 4

Gate time 10 ms, RE max of 2

Gate time < 1 ms, RE = 1

Interpolation between listed gate times allowed.

Single shot timing (TSS)

Timing resolution of a start/stop measurement event.

Skew

Skew is the additional time error if two channels are used for a measurement. It is not used for width, rise/fall time, and

single channel time interval.

Taccuracy

For 5v (500µV2 + EN

2+Vx2)1/2

SR-TRIG POINT

For 50v (5000µV2 + EN

2+Vx2)1/2

SR-TRIG POINT

± TLSE-start ± TLSE-stop ± ½ VH - ½ VH

SR-start SR-stop SR-start SR-stop

Taccuracy is the measurement error between two points in time.

Threshold error (TE)

Threshold error (TE) describes the input signal dependent random trigger

uncertainty or jitter. The total RMS noise voltage divided by the input signal

slew rate (V/s) at the trigger point gives the RMS time error for each threshold

crossing. For simplicity TE used in the Random Uncertainty calculations is the

worst TE of all the edges used in the measurement. RSS of all edge’s TE is an

acceptable alternative. Vx is the cross talk from the other standard input chan-

nel. Typically this is -60 dB. Vx = 0 on 53210A, and when no signal is applied

to other standard input channel on 53220A/53230A. (Note: the best way to

eliminate cross talk is to remove the signal from the other channel).

Threshold level timing error (TLTE)

This time interval error results from trigger level setting errors and input hyster-

esis effects on the actual start and stop trigger points and results in a com-

bined time interval error. These errors are dependant on the input signal slew

rate at each trigger point.

VH = 20 mV hysteresis or 40 mV when Noise Reject is turned ON. Double VH values for frequencies > 100 MHz.

[]

53210A 53220A 53230A

RE1 use RE equation use RE equation

TSS 100 ps 100 ps 20 ps

Skew 100 ps 50 ps

Taccuracy 200 ps 100 ps

Denition of Measurement Error Sources and Terms used in Calculations

Condence Level (k)

For 99% Condence use k= 2.5 in accuracy calculations.

For 95% Condence use k= 2.0 in accuracy calculations.

±(0.2%-of setting + 0.1%-of range)

V/s (at threshold point)

Denition of Measurement Error Sources and Terms used in Calculations

(continued)

Phase Noise and Allan Deviation

The input signal’s jitter spectrum (Phase noise) and low-frequency wander char-

acteristics (Allan variation) will limit the achievable measurement resolution and

accuracy. The full accuracy and resolution of the counter can only be achieved

when using a high-quality input signal source or by externally ltering the input

signal to reduce these errors.

Threshold level setting error (TLSE)

Threshold level setting error (TLSE) is the uncertainty in the actual signal thresh-

old point due to the inaccuracies of the threshold circuitry.

Slew rate (SR)

Slew rate (SR) describes the input signal’s instantaneous voltage rate of change

(V/s) at the chosen threshold point at customer BNC.

For sine wave signals, the maximum slew rate SR= 2πF*V0 to PK.

For Square waves and pulses, the max slew rate = 0.8 Vpp/ tRISE 10-90

Using the 100 kHz low pass lter will effect Slew Rate.

Signal noise (EN)

The input signal RMS noise voltage (EN) measured in a DC - 350 MHz band-

width. The input signal noise voltage is RSS combined with the instruments

equivalent input noise voltage when used in the Threshold Error (TE)

calculation.

Ordering Information

Model numbers

53210A 350 MHz, 10-digits/s RF Frequency Counter

53220A 350 MHz, 12 digits/s, 100 ps Universal Frequency Counter/Timer

53230A 350 MHz, 12-digits/s, 20 ps Universal Frequency Counter/Timer

All models include:

– Certicate of Calibration and 3-year standard warranty

– IEC Power Cord, USB cable

– CD including: Programming Examples, Programmer's Reference Help File, User's Guide, Quick Start Tutorial, Service

Guide

– Keysight IO Library CD

Available options

Option 010 Ultra-high-stability OCXO timebase

Option 106 6 GHz microwave input

Option 115 15 GHz microwave input

Option 150 Pulse microwave measurements (53230A only)

Option 201 Add rear panel parallel inputs for baseband channels1

Option 202 Optional microwave input - front Type N (default if 106 or 115 ordered)

Option 203 Optional microwave input - rear panel SMA(f) connector

Option 300 Add internal lithium ion smart battery and charger for unstable AC power or timebase stability

Recommended accessories2

1250-1476 BNC(f) to type-N adapter

N2870A Passive probe, 1:1, 35 MHz, 1.3 m

N2873A Passive probe, 10:1, 500 MHz, 1.3 m

N2874A Passive probe, 10:1, 1.5 GHz, 1.3 m

34190A Rack mount kit; Use for mounting one 2U instrument by itself, without another instrument laterally next to

it. Includes one rack ange and one combination rack ange-ller panel.

34191A 2U dual ange kit; Use for mounting two 2U instruments side-by-side. Includes two standard rack

anges. Note: Mounting two instruments side-by-side will require the 34194A Dual-lock link kit and a

shelf for the instruments to sit on. 34194A Dual-lock link kit; for side-by-side combinations of instruments,

and includes links for instruments of different depths.

34131A Transit case

Support options

5-year Extended warranty

3-year Annual calibration service

5-year Annual calibration service

1. When ordered with optional rear terminals, the standard/baseband channel inputs are active on both the front and rear of the universal

counter though the specications provided only apply to the rear terminals. Performance for the front terminals with rear terminal options

is not specied.

2. All probes must be compatible with a 20 pf input capacitance.

Parameter assumptions:

– 53220A

– 95% condence

– 100 MHz signal, 1 sec gate

– AUTO frequency mode

– Level: 5 V input signal amplitude

– TCXO standard timebase for unit plugged in for 30 days

– Assume operating temperature is within TCAL ± 5 °C

– Instrument has been re-calibrated so Factory Calibration Uncertainty term is not required.

Process:

Basic accuracy = ± [(k * Random Uncertainty) + Systematic Uncertainty + Timebase Uncertainty]

1. Use k=2 for 95% condence and k=2.5 for 99% condence calculations)………………..k = 2

2. Random uncertainty for frequency measurement = = =

TSS = 100 ps

TE (for 5 V)

EN = Assume input signal RMS noise voltage is 0.

Vx = N/A (remove signal from other channel)

SR-TRIG POINT = maximum slew rate (sine)SR= 2πF*V0 to PK = 2π(100 MHz)*5 V = 3.14*109 Volts/Hz

Since TSS >> T E, we use the RE equation. Value is much greater than 6. so we limit RE to 6 due to gate time. RE = 6

Gate time = 1 sec

3. Systematic uncertainty for frequency measurement = If RE >= 2: 10 ps/gate max, 2 ps/gate (typ) = 2 E-12 parts error

4. Timebase uncertainty = aging = 0.2 ppm =

Aging: 0.2 ppm

Basic accuracy = ± [(k * random uncertainty) + systematic uncertainty + timebase uncertainty] =

± [(2 * (23.3 E-12)) + 2 E-12 + 0.2 E-6] = ± 0.2 E-6 parts error

Note: Using a higher accuracy timebase or locking to an external timebase standard will have the biggest impact on

improvement to accuracy calculations.

Appendix A - Worked Example

Basic Accuracy Calculation for Frequency Measurement

1.4* (TSS

2 + TE

2)1/2

RE * Gate Time

1.4* (100ps2 + .159ps2)1/2

6 * 1 s

23.3 E-12

parts error

(500 μV2 + EN

2+Vx2)1/2

SR-TRIG POINT

(500 μV2)1/2

3.14 * 109.159 ps

== =

0.2 E-6

parts error

Specication (spec)

The warranted performance of a calibrated instrument that has been stored for a minimum of 2½ hours within the operating

temperature range of 0 °C - 55 °C and after a 45-minute warm up period. Automated calibration (*CAL?) performed within

±5 °C before measurement. All specications were created in compliance with ISO-17025 methods.

Data published in this document are specications unless otherwise noted.

Typical (typ)

The characteristic performance, which 80% or more of manufactured instruments will meet. This data is not warranted,

does not include measurement uncertainty, and is valid only at room temperature (approximately 23 °C). Automated

calibration (*CAL?) performed within ±5 °C before measurement.

Nominal (nom)

The mean or average characteristic performance, or the value of an attribute that is determined by design such as a

connector type, physical dimension, or operating speed. This data is not warranted and is measured at room temperature

(approximately 23 °C). Automated calibration (*CAL?) performed within ±5 °C before measurement.

Measured (meas)

An attribute measured during development for purposes of communicating the expected performance.

This data is not warranted and is measured at room temperature (approximately 23 °C).Automated calibration (*CAL?)

performed within ±5 °C before measurement.

Stability

Represents the 24-hour, ±1 °C short-term, relative measurement accuracy.

Includes measurement error and 24-hour ± 1°C timebase aging error.

Accuracy

Represents the traceable measurement accuracy of a measurement for TCAL ± 5 °C. Includes measurement error, timebase

error, and calibration source uncertainty.

Random measurement errors are combined using the root-sum-square method and are multiplied by K for the desired

condence level. Systematic errors are added linearly and include time skew errors, trigger timing errors, and timebase

errors as appropriate for each measurement type.

TCAL

Represents the ambient temperature of the instrument during the last adjustment to calibration reference standards.

TCAL must be between 10 °C to 45 °C for a valid instrument calibration.

TACAL

Represents the temperature of the instrument during the last automated calibration (*CAL?) operation.

1. All information in this document are subject to change without notice.

The following denitions apply to the specications and characteristics described throughout.

Denitions

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AdvancedTCA® Extensions for Instrumentation and Test (AXIe) is an

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consortium.

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PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) modular instrumentation delivers a

rugged, PC-based high-performance measurement and automation system.

Three-Year Warranty

www.keysight.com/find/ThreeYearWarranty

Keysight’s commitment to superior product quality and lower total cost

of ownership. The only test and measurement company with three-year

warranty standard on all instruments, worldwide.

Keysight Assurance Plans

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Up to five years of protection and no budgetary surprises to ensure your

instruments are operating to specification so you can rely on accurate

measurements.

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DEKRA Certified ISO 9001:2008

Quality Management System

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breadth, combined with channel partner convenience.

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For other unlisted countries:

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(BP-09-23-14)

24 | Keysight | 53200A Series RF/Universal Frequency Counter/Timers - Data Sheet

This information is subject to change without notice.

Published in USA, January 12, 2015

5990-6283EN