HP / Agilent 54540C 4 Channel 500 MSa Color Digitizing Oscilloscope

The HP/Agilent 54540C is a 4-channel color digitizing oscilloscope delivering 500 MHz bandwidth and adaptive sampling architecture - reaching 500 MSa/s with all channels active, 1 GSa/s with two channels, and 2 GSa/s in single-channel mode. This instrument captures complex signals with 8-bit resolution (10-bit via HP-IB with averaging), peak-detect technology that isolates glitches as narrow as 1 ns, and sequential single-shot acquisition up to 400 Kbytes without dead time. Real-time record length extends to 32,768 points; repetitive mode captures 501 points. A color flat-panel TFT LCD display presents waveforms with four nonvolatile memory slots plus segmentable storage for measurement failures and sequential events. Vertical sensitivity ranges from 1 mV/Div to 5 V/Div across 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance. Integrated FFT analysis and advanced triggering with DC, AC, and Low Frequency Reject coupling enable detailed signal characterization. A DOS-compatible 3.5-inch floppy drive stores setups, waveforms, and screen images in TIFF, PCX, or EPS formats, plus system software updates. HP-IB remote programming interface supports automated test integration.

Technical Specifications

Channels: 4 simultaneous acquisition

Bandwidth: 500 MHz

Sample Rate: 500 MSa/s (4 ch), 1 GSa/s (2 ch), 2 GSa/s (1 ch)

Record Length: 32,768 points real-time; 501 points repetitive

Resolution: 8 bits (10 bits via HP-IB with averaging)

Peak Detect: 1 ns minimum glitch width at ≤250 MSa/s

Sequential Single Shot: 400 Kbytes storage, zero dead time between captures

Vertical Sensitivity: 1 mV/Div to 5 V/Div

Input Impedance: 50 Ω or 1 MΩ

Trigger Coupling: DC, AC, Low Frequency Reject

Key Features

Color TFT flat-panel display

Four nonvolatile waveform memories plus pixel and segmentable storage

Fast Fourier Transform analysis standard

Auto Setup function for rapid configuration

Telecom Mask Measurements option (Option 001) with 21 standard masks and ANSI/CCITT/ISDN compliance

DOS-compatible floppy drive for waveform and setup archival

Typical Applications Electronic design verification, manufacturing test, field service, and telecom signal validation.

Compatibility & Integration Member of the HP 54520/54540 series. HP-IB interface enables remote programming and data transfer. Product nomenclature transitions from HP to Agilent Technologies branding.