Agilent

53181 A Frequency Counter

Agilent 53181 A Frequency Counter family

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53181 A Frequency Counter — Inventory photo — Fig. 0153181 A Frequency CounterInventory photo^[1]

Power

225 MHz^[2]

Optics

10 digits per second^[2]

What it is

The Agilent 53181A is a single-channel radio-frequency (RF) frequency counter.^[3]

The Agilent 53181A has a bandwidth of 225 MHz and provides 10-digit frequency resolution per second.^[3]

The instrument was originally designed and manufactured by Hewlett-Packard and later sold under the Agilent Technologies brand.^[4]^[2]

How it works

The Agilent 53181A uses real-time digital signal processing (DSP) technology to analyze data while simultaneously taking new measurements, which speeds measurement throughput.^[3]

The Agilent 53181A measures frequency, period, and peak voltage.^[3]

The Agilent 53181A includes built-in statistics functions (minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation), math functions (scale, offset), and automated limit testing.^[3]

The Agilent 53181A has a standard GPIB interface with full SCPI-compatible programmability and a standard RS-232 talk-only interface.^[3]

Where it fits in the process flow

Frequency counters are used in electronic test and measurement laboratories and production environments to verify signal integrity and performance of RF and digital circuits.^[5]

The Agilent 53181A is suitable for bench or field use and is commonly employed in testing and calibrating RF equipment.^[6]

Applications

The Agilent 53181A is used for accurate measurement of frequency, period, and time interval in electronic test and measurement applications.^[5]

The instrument is applied in testing and calibration of RF and digital equipment in laboratory and industrial settings.^[6]

What do the numbers mean?

Power & electrical2

Frequency measurement range (Channel 1): 225 MHz^[2]
Basic measurement functions: Frequency, Period, Peak Voltage, Frequency Ratio (with Channel 2)^[2]

Optics & imaging1

Frequency resolution: 10 digits per second^[2]

Control & software1

Interface: GPIB (SCPI), RS-232 (talk-only)^[2]

Configuration & options5

Type: Frequency Counter^[2]
GPIB measurement speed: Up to 200 measurements per second^[2]
Optional second channel frequency ranges: 1.5 GHz (Option 015), 3.0 GHz (Option 030), 5.0 GHz (Option 050), 12.4 GHz (Option 124)^[2]
Timebase options: Standard; Optional: Medium Stability (Option 001), High Stability (Option 010), Ultra High Stability (Option 012)^[2]
Number of channels: 1 (Channel 1) plus optional Channel 2^[2]

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What does it need to run?

Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.

Frequency measurement range (Channel 1)225 MHz^[2]
Basic measurement functionsFrequency, Period, Peak Voltage, Frequency Ratio (with Channel 2)^[2]

Where are the manuals?

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Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

What optional second-channel frequency ranges are available for the Agilent 53181A?

An optional second channel provides measurements up to 1.5, 3, 5, or 12.4 GHz.^[3]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the 53181 A Frequency Counter are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the 53181 A Frequency Counter are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the 53181 A Frequency Counter are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool
The control-system platform and OS era of the 53181 A Frequency Counter are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the 53181 A Frequency Counter are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the 53181 A Frequency Counter is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report

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Sources & citations

Sources (6)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources

[1]Inventory photo
[2]transcat.com — transcat.comtranscat.com
[3]AGILENT (Used) 53181A 225 MHz, RF Frequency Counter 10 digits/s Refurb — testequipmentdepot.comtestequipmentdepot.com
[4]Hp 53181A Manuals | ManualsLib — manualslib.commanualslib.com
[5]Hp-53131a-53132a-53181a SERVICE – Service manual (PDF) - ManualsPlus — manualsplus.commanualsplus.com
[6]Hp-53181a OPERATING – Operation manual (PDF) - ManualsPlus — manualsplus.commanualsplus.com