HP / Agilent 5363B Time Interval Probes

The HP/Agilent 5363B Time Interval Probes are precision measurement instruments designed for use with compatible time interval counters to capture accurate, repeatable time-domain measurements. Each probe assembly contains two channels capable of independent or paired operation as start and stop signal sources, enabling rise time measurements, propagation delay characterization, slew rate analysis, and phase jitter quantification with calibrated accuracy better than 1 ns.

Technical Specifications Measurement Performance

Calibrated accuracy: <1 ns for rise time and propagation delay

Effective bandwidth: 350 MHz (corresponding to approximately 1 ns rise time)

Operating voltage range: ±10 V

Trigger level adjustment: 10 mV steps from -9.99 V to +9.99 V

Trigger edge selection: positive or negative slope

Minimum pulse width: 5 ns at ±100 mV

Input signal hysteresis requirement: 100 mV below and above trigger point for minimum 3 ns duration

Maximum input voltage (damage level): 30 V Probe Input Characteristics

Input impedance: 1 MΩ shunted by <15 pF

Input capacitance: <15 pF Power Requirements

Supply voltage: 100 V, 120 V, 220 V, or 240 V ±5% to -10%, 48–440 Hz

Maximum power consumption: 30 VA

Key Features

Four measurement channels (two per probe) supporting independent or shared start/stop configurations

Programmable trigger levels, slope, and polarity via HP-IB interface

Rear-panel 50 Ω output connectors for start and stop signals

Interchangeable probe tips for compatibility with Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix RF hardware

Full remote programming capability with Option 011

International safety compliance design

Typical Applications

Rise time and fall time characterization of digital and analog signals

Propagation delay measurement across circuit elements

Slew rate quantification in precision analog circuits

Phase jitter and timing stability analysis in oscillator and clock circuits

Time interval measurements between arbitrary signal events

Compatibility & Integration The probes interface with compatible precision time interval counters through rear-panel connections. HP-IB programming enables remote configuration of all measurement parameters except delay adjustment, supporting integration into automated test systems and data acquisition workflows.