HP / Agilent 5343A Microwave Frequency Counter

The HP/Agilent 5343A Microwave Frequency Counter measures microwave frequencies from 10 Hz to 26.5 GHz with 11-digit resolution and 1 Hz minimum step. Engineered for telecommunications, radar, scientific research, and RF testing applications, this microprocessor-controlled instrument delivers high-accuracy frequency determination across a broad spectral range. Dual input channels support 10 Hz to 500 MHz and 500 MHz to 26.5 GHz measurements with automatic operation for CW signals above 500 MHz. Sensitivity reaches -30 dBm at 12.4 GHz, with high FM tolerance accommodating carrier deviations to 50 MHz peak-to-peak.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 10 Hz to 26.5 GHz (two input ranges: 10 Hz–500 MHz and 500 MHz–26.5 GHz)

Resolution: 11-digit display; selectable 1 Hz to 1 MHz resolution

Sensitivity: -30 dBm @ 12.4 GHz; -35 dBm minimum measurable signal; -33 dBm (500 MHz–12.4 GHz); -28 dBm (12.4–18 GHz); -23 dBm (18–26.5 GHz)

Input Impedance: 50 ohm nominal with selectable 50 ohm and 1 megohm attenuation

Input 2: 10 MHz to 520 MHz, 50 ohm; dynamic range -17 dBm to +20 dBm; damage level +24 dBm

Maximum Operating Level: +22 dBm (500 MHz–18 GHz); +34.8 dBm (3 W, 18–26.5 GHz)

VSWR: <2:1 typical (amplitude); <5:1 typical (frequency); <1.8:1 (500 MHz–10 GHz); <3:1 (10–26.5 GHz)

FM Tolerance: 50 MHz peak-to-peak carrier deviation

Measurement Time: 100 ms plus frequency measurement time

Time Base Aging: <1 × 10⁻⁷/month; Temperature stability ±1 × 10⁻⁶ (0–50°C); Short-term <1 × 10⁻⁹ (1 second averaging)

Display: 11-digit sectionalized readout; simultaneous frequency (to 1 MHz resolution) and level

Key Features

Automatic measurement capability for 500 MHz–26.5 GHz CW signals

Selectable display resolution from 1 Hz to 1 MHz

High stability time base option (Option 001) available

HP-IB compatibility with Option 011 for full-resolution frequency output

Portable design with microprocessor intelligence

Typical Applications

Telecommunications system characterization

Radar frequency verification

Scientific RF measurements

General microwave test and verification

Compatibility & Integration HP-IB interface support enables automated system integration. Optional high-stability time base (Option 001) provides aging rate <5 × 10⁻¹⁰/day with temperature stability <7 × 10⁻⁹ (0–50°C).