Agilent/Keysight 53149A

The Keysight 53149A is a portable 46 GHz CW microwave frequency counter, power meter, and DC digital voltmeter integrated into a single instrument. It consolidates three essential test functions for field technicians and bench engineers working with microwave systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and RF circuit validation. The dual-channel architecture supports both low-frequency baseband measurements and high-frequency microwave analysis, eliminating the need to carry separate meters for frequency, power, and voltage monitoring.

Technical Specifications

• Two-channel architecture: Channel 1 covers 10 Hz to 125 MHz; Channel 2 extends to 46 GHz CW


• Selectable resolution from 1 Hz to 1 MHz


• Typical measurement time: 1/Resolution + 30 ms (Channel 1); 1/Resolution + Acquisition Time + 30 ms (Channel 2)


• Acquisition time (1 MHz FM rate, power meter off): 150 ms (FM Auto) or 125 ms (FM Off)


• FM tolerance to 20 MHz p-p at 10 MHz rate (up to 26.5 GHz); 12 MHz p-p above 26.5 GHz


• Amplitude discrimination (Channel 2, >300 MHz): Automatically selects largest signal when >10 dB above adjacent signals within 75 MHz spacing, or >20 dB above signals separated by >75 MHz Power Meter


• Measurement range: -70 dBm to +44 dBm (sensor dependent)


• Resolution: 0.01 dB (log) or 0.1% full scale (linear)


• Basic accuracy: ±0.02 dB


• Power reference: 1.00 mW (±0.7% factory set, NIST traceable)


• Reference accuracy: ±1.2% worst case over one year


• Display modes: Absolute (dBm, Watts) and Relative (dB, %) DC Digital Voltmeter


• Range: ±50 Vdc with 2 mV resolution


• Accuracy: ±0.25% of reading ±10 mV


• Input impedance: 0.5 MΩ nominal


• Damage level: ±60 Vdc General


• 50 Ω input impedance (microwave)


• GPIB and RS-232 interfaces


• LCD display with switchable backlight


• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz


• Stores up to 9 complete setups


• Portable design with optional battery and DC input (Option 002)

Key Features

• Integrated frequency, power, and voltage measurement eliminates multi-instrument setups


• True power meter with Keysight 8480 series sensor compatibility


• Enhanced stability available via oven timebase option


• Field-ready with optional carrying case and battery pack

Typical Applications

• Point-to-point microwave link installation and maintenance


• Telecommunications infrastructure testing


• RF and microwave circuit characterization


• Automated test equipment (ATE) integration

Compatibility & Integration Supports Keysight 8480 series power sensors. Rack-mount configuration available via Option 1CM.