Keysight / Agilent / HP 16531A 2-Channel 400 MSa/s Digitizing Oscilloscope Acquisition Module

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.