HP / Agilent 5386A 3 GHz Frequency Counter

The HP/Agilent 5386A is a 3 GHz frequency counter engineered for precise frequency and time interval measurements across service, calibration, and electronic testing applications. Built on gallium arsenide prescaler and attenuator technology, the instrument combines reciprocal counting and interpolation techniques to deliver high performance in a half-rack form factor. The 12-character LCD display offers direct sunlight readability with large character presentation, while dual-channel architecture supports measurements from 10 Hz to 3 GHz. Channel A handles low-frequency signals via adjustable trigger and selectable 100 kHz low-pass filtering. Channel B extends measurement range to 3 GHz (3.5 GHz typical) with 50 ohm input impedance and dynamic range of 30.5 dB. Sensitivity reaches 15 mVrms (−23.5 dBm) at 100 MHz to 3 GHz, improving to 5 mVrms (−33.0 dBm) at typical 3.5 GHz operation. The standard time base oscillator includes 10 MHz reference output and external reference input capability. Optional ovenized oscillator (Option 004) provides enhanced frequency stability for demanding metrology work. HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface enables remote operation, control, and automated data transfer with configurable instrument addressing. Portable design facilitates deployment to remote measurement locations without compromising measurement integrity or ease of operation.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: Channel A: 10 Hz to 100 MHz | Channel B: 100 MHz to 3 GHz (3.5 GHz typical)

Sensitivity: Channel B (100 MHz–3 GHz): 15 mVrms (−23.5 dBm) | Channel B (3.5 GHz typical): 5 mVrms (−33.0 dBm) | Channel A: 15 mVrms sine wave or 45 mV pk-pk (5 ns minimum pulse width)

Dynamic Range: Channel B: 30.5 dB | Channel A: 45 mV to 4 V pk-pk

Maximum Input: Channel B: 0.5 Vrms (+7 dBm)

Damage Level: AC >4 V (+25 dBm) | DC ±5 V

Input Impedance: Channel B: 50 ohm nominal, VSWR <2.5:1 typical | Channel A (X1): 1 Mohm nominal || <25 pF | Channel A (X20): 500 kohm

Input Coupling: AC

Time Base: Standard oscillator with optional ovenized oscillator (Option 004)

Reference Oscillator Output: 10 MHz

External Reference Input: 10 MHz

Key Features

12-character LCD display with sunlight readability and large character font

Adjustable trigger level on Channel A

100 kHz low-pass filter on Channel A (switchable)

BNC input (Channel A) and N-type connector (Channel B)

Half-rack width form factor for portable field deployment

Compatibility & Integration

HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface supports remote operation and automated control

Rear-panel switch for instrument address selection

Maximum 15 instruments per IEEE-488 bus

Compatible with HP-IB controllers and test automation systems