Agilent/Keysight 5348A

The Agilent/Keysight 5348A is a portable microwave counter and power meter that combines frequency measurement and power analysis into a single instrument. It covers frequencies from 50 MHz to 26.5 GHz on the primary microwave input, with a secondary input extending down to 10 Hz. The unit delivers measurement resolution selectable from 1 Hz to 1 MHz, tracking speeds up to 1 GHz/sec, and acquisition times under 125 ms.

Power measurement capability spans –70 dBm to +20 dBm with 50 dB dynamic range in 10 dB steps and 0.01 dB resolution in logarithmic mode. Input impedance is 50 ohm on the microwave channel with a maximum safe input of +7 dBm and damage levels reaching +39 dBm at 500 MHz–6 GHz. The ruggedized form factor, five-function key interface, and optional internal battery support field installation, maintenance of microwave links, component testing, and RF measurement tasks.

Sensitivity varies by frequency band: –32 dBm typical at 500 MHz–12.4 GHz, –27 dBm at 12.4–20.0 GHz, and –20 dBm at 20.0–26.5 GHz. Automatic amplitude discrimination isolates the dominant signal when it exceeds nearby signals by 6 dB or more within 500 MHz, or by 20 dB above competing signals in the 500 MHz–26.5 GHz band.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Counter

Input 1: 50 MHz to 26.5 GHz (CW)

Frequency Counter

Input 2: 10 Hz to 525 MHz

• Resolution: 1 Hz to 1 MHz (selectable), or 1 Hz / 10 kHz


• Tracking Speed: 1 MHz/sec (1 Hz resolution); 1 GHz/sec (10 kHz resolution)


• Acquisition Time: <125 ms at 1 Hz; <60 ms at 10 kHz


• Power Range: –70 dBm to +20 dBm (100 pW to 100 mW); –70 dBm to +44 dBm with specified sensors


• Power Dynamic Range: 50 dB in 10 dB steps


• Power Resolution: 0.01 dB (logarithmic) or 0.1% of full scale (linear)


• Power Accuracy: ±0.02 dB or ±5%


• Input 1 Impedance: 50 ohm


• Input 2 Impedance: 1 Mohm nominal with <70 pF shunt (10 Hz–80 MHz); 50 ohm nominal (10 MHz–525 MHz)


• Maximum Input Level: +7 dBm


• Damage Level (Input 1): +39 dBm at 500 MHz–6 GHz; +36 dBm at 6–18 GHz; +34.8 dBm at 18–26.5 GHz

Key Features

• Dual input configuration for microwave and low-frequency measurements


• Sensitivity ranges from –35 dBm typical (500 MHz–12.4 GHz) to –27 dBm typical (20.0–26.5 GHz)


• Maximum deviation limits: 20 MHz p-p automatic mode; 60 MHz p-p manual mode (HP-IB)


• Maximum FM rate: 10 MHz


• Automatic filter selection for dynamic range optimization


• Digital zero set: ±5% of full scale on most sensitive range

Typical Applications

• Microwave link installation and field maintenance


• RF component characterization and testing


• General-purpose RF and microwave measurements

Compatibility & Integration

• HP-IB interface support for remote control and manual mode configuration