Advantest R5372K Microwave frequency counter

The Advantest R5372K is a dual-channel microwave frequency counter engineered for precise measurement of signals from 10 mHz to 18 GHz. It employs the digital TRAHET technique - combining transfer and heterodyne methods - to deliver 1 Hz resolution within a 1-second gate time, alongside reciprocal counting for flexible measurement modes across microwave and millimeter-wave bands.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 10 mHz to 18 GHz overall (Channel 1: 10 Hz to 550 MHz; Channel 2: 500 MHz to 18 GHz)


• Resolution: 1 Hz at 1-second gate time; 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz in decade steps (reciprocal counting)


• Accuracy: ±1 count ± time base error


• Time base stability: 0.0000001 /yr Input Specifications


• Two measurement channels with independent front ends


• Channel 1: 10 Hz to 550 MHz, 25 mV sensitivity, 50 Ω impedance, x1/x20 attenuation, AC coupling


• Channel 2: 500 MHz to 18 GHz, 2.24 V sensitivity, 50 Ω impedance, x1/x20 attenuation, AC coupling


• Maximum input: 5 V on both channels

Key Features Digital TRAHET Technique combines transfer and heterodyne methods for high-resolution microwave measurements with minimal gate time. Pulse Characterization measures pulse width (minimum 0.5 µs), pulse repetition frequency (10 Hz to 5 MHz), carrier frequency of pulse-modulated signals, and pulse module parameters. FM Deviation Measurement provides automatic measurement with 10 MHz peak-to-peak tolerance, plus manual modes supporting ±125 MHz or greater for signals ≥1.4 GHz and ±25 MHz for 500 MHz to 1.4 GHz. Digital Comparator enables threshold-based limit setting and signal comparison. Calculation Functions include standard deviation, PPM conversion, and max/min hold.

Typical Applications

• Telecommunications and satellite system characterization


• Radar signal verification and parameter extraction


• Research and development of microwave components


• Pulse-modulated signal analysis


• Frequency stability and deviation measurement