Agilent / Keysight E1420B High-Performance Universal Counter

The Agilent/Keysight E1420B is a universal counter module engineered for automated test equipment environments. Housed in a C-size, 1-slot VXI form factor, it delivers comprehensive measurement capability spanning frequency, period, time interval, totalize, and ratio functions, complemented by automatic rise/fall time, pulse width, phase, and voltage measurements.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency: 200 MHz standard; 90 MHz to 2.5 GHz with Option 030 UHF channel (Input 3)


• Period: Supported


• Time Interval: 2 ns resolution (200 ps with averaging); maximum 99.999 seconds (1 second with Option 100)


• Totalize: 0 to 1 × 10¹² events


• Ratio: Supported


• Rise/Fall Time: Automatic measurement down to 15 ns


• Pulse Width: Automatic measurement supported


• Phase: Automatic measurement supported


• AC Voltage: 200 mVp-p to 5 Vp-p range, 1 kHz to 20 MHz, 30 mV resolution


• DC Voltage: 30 mV to ±10 V range, 30 mV resolution Sensitivity & Resolution:


• 35 mV rms up to 200 MHz; 100 mV rms with hysteresis control


• Frequency resolution: 9 digits per second of measurement time plus trigger error and system jitter


• Option 030 sensitivity: -25 dBm (90 MHz–1 GHz), -20 dBm (1 GHz–1.8 GHz), -12 dBm (1.8 GHz–2.5 GHz) Measurement Speed:


• 60 measurements/sec (single function)


• 40 measurements/sec (sequenced functions)


• 160 measurements/sec with Shared Memory Option 040

Key Features

• VXIbus and external triggering for event synchronization


• Programmable measurement time-outs for absent signal conditions


• Single Measurement Auto-Trigger capability


• SCPI interface for code leverage and existing test software integration

Typical Applications

• High-speed production testing


• RF burst characterization


• Automated frequency and timing measurements


• Multi-function sequential measurement sequences

Compatibility & Integration SCPI programming support enables integration with established test frameworks. Option 100 (reduced TI delay, mandatory, no-cost) ships with all E1420B units.