Advantest R5373 Microwave frequency counter

The Advantest R5373 is a dual-channel microwave frequency counter engineered for precision measurements to 27 GHz, with optional external mixer capability extending to 90 GHz. Built for R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance in RF and microwave environments, it delivers 1 Hz resolution in one second using the digital TRAHET technique. The instrument measures frequency, period, time interval, ratio, and pulse-modulated carrier frequency while supporting wide FM ranges and detailed signal characterization.

Technical Specifications

• Input A: 10 mHz to 550 MHz


• Input B: 500 MHz to 27 GHz


• Optional external mixers extend capability to 90 GHz Measurement Capabilities: Frequency, period, time interval, ratio, pulse-modulated carrier frequency (manual mode), totalizing Resolution: 1 Hz in 1 second for microwave frequencies; switchable decade steps from 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz; maximum 9-digit display (MSD 1–2) or 8-digit display (MSD 3–9) Accuracy: ±1 count ± time base accuracy; trigger error ±0.3% for sinewave input ≥40 dB S/N Sensitivity:


• Channel 1: 25 mV


• Channel 2: 2.24 V (−35 dBm to +20 dBm) Input Impedance:


• Channel 1: ~1 MΩ/60 pF or 50 Ω


• Channel 2: ~50 Ω Input Attenuation: ×1, ×20 (0 dB, 20 dB) Maximum Input Voltage: 5 Vrms (6 Vrms for Input A); damage level 10 Vrms (400 Hz to 1 MHz) Time Base Stability: ±5 × 10⁻⁸ at +25°C ± 25°C; aging rate ±5 × 10⁻⁹; external 10 MHz reference accepted FM Tolerance: ±125 MHz or greater (≥1.4 GHz manual); ±25 MHz (500 MHz to 1.4 GHz manual); 10 MHz peak-to-peak automatic Measurement Throughput: 0.05 s Pulse Measurements: Minimum pulse width 0.5 µs; PRF 10 Hz to 5 MHz

Key Features

• Two-channel architecture with independent input paths


• Trigger source selection: external or internal


• Calculation functions: digital comparator, max/min hold, deviation, standard deviation, averaging, PPM, offset/scaling displays


• AC (and DC for Input A) coupling


• GPIB 488-1 interface for remote control and data transfer

Typical Applications Microwave component characterization, frequency stability analysis, modulated signal measurement, time interval determination, and automated production testing requiring high-resolution frequency data.

Compatibility & Integration Standard GPIB 488-1 interface enables integration into automated test systems and benchtop measurement setups.