HP / Agilent 54658A RS-232 measurement/storage module for HP 546xx

The HP/Agilent 54658A RS-232 measurement/storage module extends the capabilities of HP/Agilent 54600 series oscilloscopes by providing remote programmability, advanced measurement functions, and high-capacity waveform storage. Connected to the rear panel of compatible instruments, this module delivers an RS-232-C interface for bidirectional communication with computers and peripherals, enabling full remote control and test automation. The 54658A adds five new automatic measurements: amplitude, preshoot, and overshoot (voltage domain); delay and phase angle (time domain). User-defined measurement thresholds support 10%/90%, 20%/80%, or custom voltage levels. Two additional cursor measurement sources - math function 1 and math function 2 - extend analysis flexibility with voltage-percent and time-degree readouts. Waveform math processing includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, differentiation, integration, and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Three uncompressed nonvolatile trace memories store waveforms; an additional 64K of compressed nonvolatile memory accommodates up to 97 additional traces. All stored data and hardcopy output carry time and date tags for traceability. Unattended operation is enabled through mask template functionality with automatic mask generation and editing. Software-protected test sequences and mask configurations prevent accidental modification during monitoring tasks. The RS-232 interface operates as a 25-pin DTE port using XON/XOFF or hardwire protocols, with 8 data bits, no stop bits, and no parity. Hardcopy output supports Epson FX-80 compatible printers, HP ThinkJet, HP QuietJet, HP PaintJet, HP LaserJet printers, and HP-GL-compatible plotters.

Technical Specifications

Interface: RS-232-C, 25-pin DTE port

Protocols: XON/XOFF, hardwire

Data bits: 8; Stop bits: None; Parity: None

Nonvolatile trace memory: 3 uncompressed + 64K compressed (up to 97 additional traces)

Voltage measurements: Amplitude, preshoot, overshoot

Time measurements: Delay, phase angle

Measurement thresholds: 10%/90%, 20%/80%, or user-selected voltage levels

Cursor measurements: Voltage (percent), time (degrees)

Math functions: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, differentiation, integration, FFT

Key Features

Full remote programmability via RS-232 for test automation

Mask template monitoring with automatic generation and editing

Time and date tagging of stored traces and hardcopy output

Software-protected test sequences and mask configurations

Extended cursor measurement sources (math functions 1 and 2)

Typical Applications

Unattended waveform monitoring with pass/fail mask testing

Automated data acquisition and remote oscilloscope control

Advanced signal analysis via FFT and waveform mathematics

Hardcopy documentation with automatic timestamping

Compatibility & Integration Compatible with HP/Agilent 54600A, 54601A, 54602A (OS v2.2+); 54600B, 54601B, 54602B, 54603B (OS v1.2 or A.XX.XX format). Not compatible with 54610A or 54659B.