Keysight (Agilent) 16517A Logic Analyzer High-Speed State and Timing Module, 16-Channel, 4 GHz

The Keysight (Agilent) 16517A is a high-speed logic analyzer module engineered for timing and state analysis of complex digital designs. Operating at up to 4 GSa/s in timing mode and 1 GSa/s in state mode, this 16-channel instrument delivers 250 ps resolution across up to 40 channels and 500 ps resolution across up to 80 channels. It integrates with Agilent 16500 mainframes and 16501A Expansion Frames, providing a scalable platform for digital verification.

Technical Specifications

• Channels: 16 data channels; expandable to 80 channels with four 16518A expansion cards


• Timing Mode: Up to 4 GSa/s (half-channel); up to 2 GHz (full-channel)


• State Mode: Up to 1 GSa/s (synchronous); external clock support to 1 GHz; maximum state speed 1 GHz or 2 GHz with oversampling


• Memory Depth: 64K (full-channel mode); 128 Kbits or 128 Kbytes (half-channel mode)


• Resolution: 250 ps (up to 40 channels); 500 ps (up to 80 channels)


• Channel-to-Channel Skew: ±250 ps


• Setup/Hold Time: 750/750 ps (across pods, without adjustment); 350/350 ps (with adjustment)


• Trigger Sequencer Speed: Maximum 500 MHz


• Data Validity for Triggering: 2.25 ns minimum for data faster than 500 MHz

Key Features

• Supports both timing and state acquisition modes in full-channel and half-channel configurations


• Half-channel mode doubles memory depth while reducing channel width


• Sample point offset available in full-channel state mode


• Flexible data storage start point: beginning, center, end, or user-defined location within memory


• ±250 ps channel-to-channel skew specification ensures timing accuracy across wide channel counts

Typical Applications

• High-speed digital circuit debugging and verification


• Multi-clock system analysis with synchronous state monitoring


• Timing characterization of 2 GHz to 4 GHz digital designs


• Complex protocol decoding and trigger sequencing up to 500 MHz

Compatibility & Integration Designed for Agilent 16500 mainframes and 16501A Expansion Frames. The 16500 mainframe provides GPIB, RS-232-C, and Ethernet LAN connectivity for data processing and host control. All probe accessories connect to 0.1-inch centers; shielded cables measure 5 to 6 feet and contain eighteen 50-Ω transmission lines plus 6 standard wires. Requires non-terminated preprocessor compatibility.