Hewlett-Packard 54118A High Bandwidth Trigger

The Hewlett-Packard 54118A High Bandwidth Trigger is a specialized trigger module that extends the measurement capabilities of compatible HP and Agilent oscilloscopes by enabling precise triggering on high-frequency and fast-transition signals. This module enhances oscilloscope performance across demanding applications including lightwave communications, pulsed RF, and gigabit logic environments where conventional triggering falls short.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 500 MHz to 18 GHz


• Jitter: Less than 1.7 ps RMS at 18 GHz


• Trigger Input Impedance: Nominal 50 Ω


• Trigger Input Voltage (Maximum Safe): ±2 Vdc


• Power Input: SMB cable from four-channel test set rear panel

Key Features

• True event triggering for high-frequency and fast-transition signals


• Bandwidth Limit (BW Limit) function applies low-pass filtering to approximately 100 MHz, stabilizing trigger performance in noisy environments


• Hysteresis control with two selectable modes: Normal mode meets standard trigger sensitivity specifications; High Sensitivity mode disables hysteresis for maximum response to high-frequency signals but risks mistriggers on noisy lower-frequency content


• Front panel controls: Arming Level, Trigger Level, and Holdoff


• Supports pseudo-random bit stream eye patterns and microwave signal analysis

Typical Applications The 54118A excels in lightwave communications testing, pulsed RF measurement, gigabit logic characterization, and microwave signal analysis where trigger jitter and signal fidelity are critical to measurement accuracy.

Compatibility & Integration The module integrates with HP 54750 Series, HP 54120 Series, HP 54121A, and HP 83480A Series oscilloscopes. Power is delivered via SMB connector from the compatible four-channel test set rear panel, requiring no external power supply.