HP / Agilent 5316A HP-IB Universal Counter

The HP/Agilent 5316A is a universal counter that performs frequency, time interval, period, ratio, and totalize measurements across multiple channels with selectable coupling and triggering. Its HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface enables remote control and automated data acquisition in ATE and laboratory environments. The instrument delivers 7-digit resolution through reciprocal counting and supports time interval measurements down to 10 ps averaging resolution.

Technical Specifications Frequency Measurements

Channels A and B: DC to 100 MHz

AC coupled: 30 Hz to 100 MHz

Channel C (Option 003): 50 MHz to 1 GHz, prescaled by 10

Low-frequency resolution: 7 digits per second of gate time (reciprocal counting) Time Interval & Period

Single-shot time interval: 100 ns to 10⁵ seconds

Time interval averaging resolution: 10 ps minimum

Time interval delay (holdoff): 500 µs to 20 ms nominally

Minimum dead time (stop to start): 200 ns

Period range: 10 ns to 10⁵ seconds Input Characteristics (Channels A & B)

Coupling: AC or DC, switchable

Sensitivity: 10 mV rms sine to 10 MHz; 25 mV rms to 100 MHz; 75 mV peak-to-peak pulse (5 ns minimum pulse width)

Adjustable sensitivity: up to 500 mV rms nominal

Dynamic range: 30 mV to 5 V peak-to-peak (0–10 MHz); 75 mV to 5 V peak-to-peak (10–100 MHz)

Trigger level: +2.5 V dc to −2.5 V dc variable

Slope selection: + or − independent

Input impedance: 1 MΩ nominal, <40 pF shunt

Attenuator: X1 or X20 nominal

Low-pass filter: Switchable on Channel A, 100 kHz nominal at −3 dB Time Base Options

Standard: Internal crystal oscillator

Option 001 (TCXO): 10 MHz, <1 × 10⁻⁷/month aging, ±1 × 10⁻⁸ stability (0–40°C)

Option 004 (Oven): 10 MHz, <3 × 10⁻⁸/month aging, ±2 × 10⁻⁸ stability (0–50°C)

Oscillator output: 10 MHz, 50 mV peak-to-peak into 500 Ω

Key Features

Six independent measurement functions: Frequency A, Frequency A Armed by B, Frequency C, Ratio A/B, Totalize, A Gated by B

Independent slope and trigger-level control per channel

Switchable input coupling and attenuation for signal conditioning

Optional high-stability time base for precision metrology

Typical Applications

Automated frequency and timing calibration

Laboratory characterization of oscillators and signal sources

Time interval and jitter measurement

Ratio and gated totalize counting in production test

Compatibility & Integration HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface for remote instrument control and data logging in networked test systems.