HP / Agilent 5350B 20 GHz CW Microwave Counter

The HP/Agilent 5350B is a 20 GHz continuous wave microwave frequency counter engineered for precision RF and microwave signal measurement. It delivers direct frequency measurement to 20 GHz without external mixers, addressing the core measurement needs of engineers and laboratories in demanding test environments. Built on hybrid GaAs circuitry, the 5350B combines sensitivity down to –40 dBm typical with resolution selectable from 1 Hz to 1 MHz, including millihertz-level capability in high-resolution mode. Its time base achieves short-term stability of <1 × 10⁻⁹ (1 s averaging) and aging <1 × 10⁻⁷ per month, ensuring repeatable measurements across temperature (0–50°C) and line variations.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Measurement: Input 1 spans 10 Hz to 20 GHz; Input 2 covers 10 Hz to 525 MHz with selectable resolution from 1 Hz to 1 MHz

Sensitivity: –32 dBm specified (500 MHz to 12.4 GHz); –27 dBm specified (12.4 GHz to 20 GHz); typical performance reaches –40 dBm and –35 dBm respectively at 25°C

Accuracy: ±1 LSD ± (time-base error × frequency)

Time Base Stability: <1 × 10⁻⁹ (1 s), <1 × 10⁻⁶ across 0–50°C, 6 dB above interference

Programmable HP-IB interface with English-like command structure for test automation

AM and FM signal handling with configurable tolerance parameters

Sleep mode reduces noise in sensitive measurement scenarios

Typical Applications Microwave system characterization, RF component testing, oscillator frequency verification, and automated production test environments requiring stable, traceable frequency references.

Compatibility & Integration HP-IB programmability enables seamless integration into automated test racks and data acquisition systems. External frequency references accepted for enhanced time-base stability beyond the internal oscillator.