HP / Agilent 5340A Microwave Frequency Counter

The HP/Agilent 5340A is a direct-reading microwave frequency counter spanning 10 Hz to 18 GHz, with optional extension to 23 GHz. It delivers high-accuracy carrier frequency measurement across AM, FM, and noisy signal conditions using phase-lock loop technology and microwave samplers. The instrument handles low-level signals routed through directional couplers and lossy devices, making it essential for RF and microwave calibration, testing, and signal analysis.

Technical Specifications Frequency Measurement

Frequency range: 10 Hz to 18 GHz (standard); optional 23 GHz extension

Direct count: 10 Hz to 250 MHz

Frequencies above 250 MHz: Automatic transfer oscillator technique

Resolution: Selectable from 1 MHz, 100 kHz, 10 kHz, 1 kHz, 100 Hz, 10 Hz, or 1 Hz Sensitivity & Dynamic Range

10 Hz–500 MHz: -30 dBm sensitivity, 37 dB dynamic range

500 MHz–10 GHz: -35 dBm sensitivity, 42 dB dynamic range

10 GHz–18 GHz: -25 dBm sensitivity, 32 dB dynamic range Input Stage (Primary)

Impedance: 50 Ω

Connector: Type N female

VSWR: < 2:1 (10 Hz to 12.4 GHz); < 3:1 (12.4 GHz to 18 GHz)

Damage level: +30 dBm or 7 Vdc (1 W max total)

Accepts sine or square wave (40% duty factor worst case) Input Stage (Secondary, DC to 250 MHz)

Impedance: 1 MΩ shunted by < 25 pF (standard); < 100 pF with Option 002

Connector: Type BNC female

AC coupled, 200 V rms maximum (10 Hz to 100 Hz) Time Base

Crystal frequency: 10 MHz

Standard stability: Aging < 3 × 10⁻⁷/month; short-term < 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ rms @ 1 s; temperature < ±2 × 10⁻⁷ (0–50°C)

Optional premium time base (Option 001): Aging < 5 × 10⁻¹⁰/day; short-term 1 × 10⁻¹¹/s; temperature < ±1 × 10⁻⁸ (0–40°C)

10 MHz output: 2.4 V square wave (TTL compatible) from rear panel BNC Measurement Performance

Acquisition time: < 150 ms typical; < 40 ms with HP-IB and octave range programming (Option 011)

Typical Applications

Microwave signal calibration and frequency verification

Low-level RF testing through lossy transmission paths

Broadband AM/FM carrier measurement

Direct frequency counting to 250 MHz; heterodyne counting to 23 GHz

Compatibility & Integration HP-IB interface option (Option 011) enables remote control and accelerated measurement cycles via octave range programming.