Page 1 Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/Timer User’s Guide...
Page 2: Declaration Of Conformity
Keysight prod- where in the EULA. Keysight shall be under no obligation to update, revise or ucts may be downloaded from the otherwise modify the Software. With Web.
Page 3: Software Updates/Licenses
Public License Version 2 (“GPLv2”). The text of the license and source code can be found at: www.keysight.com/find/GPLV2 This product utilizes Microsoft Windows CE. Keysight highly recommends that all Windows-based computers connected to Windows CE instruments utilize current anti-virus software. For more information, go to the product page at: www.keysight.com/find/53220A...
Page 4: Assistance
Certification Keysight Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment from the factory. Keysight Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute's calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.
Page 5: Lithium Battery Recycling
Lithium Battery Recycling The 53220A/53230A counters contain a 3 V “coin cell” lithium battery. Keysight recommends that this battery be replaced every year at the instrument’s 1-year calibration interval. Replacement procedures are provided in the 53220A/53230A Service Guide. Option 300 provides battery operation of the 53220A/53230A using a 12 lithium battery.
Page 6: Safety Information
Fuses The Keysight 53220A/53230A is provided with an internal line fuse appropriate for the line voltages listed on the instrument. This fuse is not user accessible. Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Page 7: Do Not Operate Near Flammable Liquids
Do not modify the instrument Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to a Keysight Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained. In case of damage...
Page 8: Protection Limits
Verify signal polarity before making any connections to the input terminals. Protection limits The Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/Timer provides protection circuitry to prevent damage to the instrument and to protect against the danger of electric shock, provided the Protection Limits are not exceeded and the instrument is properly grounded.
Page 9: Installing The Instrument
Instrument ventilation is through the sides and rear. Do not obstruct the ventilation holes in any of these locations. Battery operation When operating the 53220A or 53230A under battery power (Option 300), failure to observe the following warnings may result in damage to the instrument, electric shock, and serious personal injury:...
Page 10: Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment (Weee) Directive
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center, or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml for more information. Sales and Technical Support To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on the following Keysight websites: – www.keysight.com/find/53220A www.keysight.com/find/53230A...
Page 11: Table Of Contents
........26 Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 12 How the User’s Guide is Organized ......45 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Software Requirements .
Page 13 Positive and negative widths ......129 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Channel Characteristics .
Page 14 Automatic gate extension ....... . 202 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Math Functions .
Page 15 .......270 Instrument Status Keysight 53220A/53230A Status System ..... .279 Questionable Data Register Group .
Page 16 THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 17 53220A/53230A user’s guide organization..46 Figure 2-1 The 53230A web-enabled interface ‘Welcome Page’. Figure 2-2 The Web UI SCPI command interface... . .53 Figure 2-3 Starting Keysight Connection Expert.
Page 18 ..245 Figure 6-13 Reading memory and resetting/clearing graphics. . 246 Figure 7-1 Data flow within the 53220A/53230A counter..250 Figure 7-2 Folders and files within internal memory and USB storage.
Page 19 ........48 Table 2-2 Keysight IO Libraries Suite system requirements..55...
Page 20 THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 21 Welcome. This user’s guide contains configuration and operating information for the Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/Timer. The 53220A/53230A is a 2U, 1/2-module width LXI Class C instrument. The 2U, 1/2-module width references refer to the 53220A/53230A’s physical size relative to standard EIA rack cabinet dimensions.
Page 22: Figure 1-1 The 53220A/53230A Universal Frequency Counter/Timer
Opt 010 UOCXO Opt 106/115 Opt 300 Battery Opt 150 sw (53230A Only) Line 100-240V, 50-60 Hz 100-127V, 400 Hz Int Ref Out Trig In ISM 1-A 90VA Max Intertek Figure 1-1 The 53220A/53230A Universal Frequency Counter/Timer. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 23: Preparation For Use
Front and Rear Panel Overview Figure 1-1 shows the front and rear panels of the Keysight 53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/Timer. The 53220A and the 53230A are dimensionally identical and available with the same product options - with the exception of Pulse Measurement Firmware Option 150 available with the 53230A only.
Page 24: Rear Panel
The rear panel USB port is used for instrument (I/O) control. Data flow is covered in Chapter Rear panel The 53230A rear panel shown in Figure 1-1 includes product Option 201 (parallel rear panel inputs) and GPIB interface Option 400. The rear panel terminals are briefly described below.
Page 25: Display
Preparation for Use Display The layout of the 53220A/53230A display is shown in Figure 1-2. Status Indicators Input Settings RMT: remote (LAN, USB, GPIB) operation : measurement start edge ExtRef: external frequency reference 10% : trigger threshold : input coupling (ac or dc)
Page 26: About The Instrument
Preparation for Use About the Instrument This section lists the accessories shipped with the 53220A/53230A and contains information on its specified operating and storage environments and electrical requirements. Materials included The following accessories are shipped standard with the 53220A/53230A counter:...
Page 27: Operating And Storage Environments
Each of the product options listed in Table 1-1 is available after the original NOTE purchase of the instrument. Refer to the 53210A/53220A/53230A Service Guide (p/n 53220-90010) for installation instructions for each of these options. No manuals? There are three printed manuals available with the 53220A/53230A: –...
Page 28: Electrical Requirements
For additional information, refer to the Safety Information pages at the NOTE beginning of this guide. For a complete list of 53220A/53230A product specifications, refer to the data sheet included on the 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD (p/n 53220-13601), or on the Web at: www.keysight.com/find/53220A www.keysight.com/find/53230A...
Page 29: Applying Power
– channel 3 test (if present) – Option 300 battery test (300 if present) If the 53220A/53230A does not turn on when the on/standby button is pressed, NOTE verify AC power is available to the instrument and that the power cord is securely connected.
Page 30: Standby Power
Opt. 300 Battery (disabled) Standby power The power modes of the 53220A/53230A counter are ‘on’ ‘off’, and ‘standby’. In standby mode with the instrument connected to line voltage, standby power is supplied to maintain the temperature within the ultra high-stability oven controlled crystal oscillator (Option 010).
Page 31: Battery Operation
Under battery power, the instrument chassis may float to the potential of the measured signal supplied by the user. With Battery Option 300 installed and enabled, the 53220A/53230A counter can be operated using battery power for up to three hours.
Page 32 Remotely, the instrument can be queried as to whether it is currently using AC power or battery power with the command: SYSTem:BATTery:STATus? The command returns AC if the instrument is using line power, or BATT if using the internal battery. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 33 AC power must be applied to recover from a shut down caused by this condition. For a complete list of battery and all 53220A/53230A product specifications, NOTE refer to the data sheet included on the 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD (p/n 53220-13601), or on the Web at: www.keysight.com/find/53220A...
Page 34: Battery Care
18 months. Using built-in help Instrument help is available by pressing and holding any front panel key or softkey. Pressing the Help key enables you to select additional help topics including front panel measurement examples. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 35: Utility Functions
[Shift]ed numeric keys. See Chapter 5, "Resolution and gate time" more information when AutoDigits On is set. When Graph is selected, the data is displayed in a trend chart or histogram. Trend charts and histograms are covered in Chapter Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 36 The format also applies to numeric readings within trend charts, histograms, limit testing, etc. Radix The decimal separator (radix point) between the integer and fractional parts of the reading can be a decimal point (.) or comma (,). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 37 The display screen can be turned off to increase reading throughput and its screen saver mode can be used to conserve power. Screen brightness can be adjusted for optimal viewing in different environments. Note that pressing any key with the display turned off, turns the display back on. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 38 The file format is selectable as either bmp ( bitmap file format) or png (portable network graphics (bitmap) format). Files may be store in internal flash memory or to an external USB device. Chapter 7 for information on selecting paths and creating file names. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 39: User Interaction
Selecting the instrument ‘Help’ language Programming messages, context-sensitive help, and other help topics are viewable in six languages. The selected language remains “active” until changed using the key sequence shown. Note that menu soft key labels appear only in English. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 40: Reference Settings
Turning off the beeper disables the audio indication. Note that the beeper setting does not apply to the tone heard when front panel keys are pressed. Reference settings Reference settings are counter settings that apply to all counter measurements. Date and time Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 41 Chapter 3 for more information. Time base 53220A and 53230A measurements are based on a reference oscillator - also referred to as an internal/external clock or time base. A valid reference oscillator signal must be present for measurements to occur.
Page 42 The minimum frequency at which auto-leveling can occur is set as shown. Slow sets the minimum frequency for auto-leveling at 50 Hz. Fast sets the minimum frequency for auto-leveling at 10 kHz. Refer to Threshold level and sensitivity Chapter 4 for additional information on using auto-level. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 43 “53220A or 53230A mode” must be set. Documentation of the 53132A command set is not provided with the (53220A/ 53230A) instrument. Use of the older SCPI command set is discouraged for new use, but is available for customers who require it.
Page 44 Preparation for Use Securing the instrument The 53220A/53230A counter can be secured to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) standard as shown below. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 45: How The User's Guide Is Organized
GPIB) interface. As such, most topics include a front panel key sequence followed by the corresponding SCPI commands. For example: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The input impedance of the 53220A/53230A counter can be set to either 50 Ω or 1 MΩ using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance {<impedance>|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}...
Page 46: Figure 1-3 53220A/53230A User's Guide Organization
For general reference, the information in this manual is organized as shown in Figure 1-3. Signal Conditioning Triggering / Gating Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Measurements Math and Graphs Chapter 3 Chapter 6 Status Conditions Formats / Data Flow Chapter 8 Chapter 7 Figure 1-3 53220A/53230A user’s guide organization. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 47 Firmware and Driver Updates This chapter contains information on IO libraries, drivers, and interfaces used to program the 53220A/53230A from selected development environments. The chapter includes an introduction to using the counter’s web-enabled interface and provides information on updating the instrument firmware.
Page 48: 53220A/53230A Software Installation And Interface Configuration
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Software Requirements The environments available to program the 53220A/53230A are dependent upon the IO libraries and drivers installed. The IO software included with the 53220A/ 53230A is contained on the following CD: – Keysight Automation-Ready CD: Keysight IO Libraries Suite The IVI-C and IVI-COM drivers for the instrument can be found on the web at: www.keysight.com/find/53220A...
Page 49: Using The Counter Web-Enabled Interface
The Web interface provides access to the counter’s SCPI command set. This section describes the Web pages and windows primarily used to program NOTE the 53220A/53230A. Refer to “Help with this Page” associated with each Web page for additional information on functions or pages not covered in this manual.
Page 50 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Enter the IP address in the browser’s address window. With “Advanced information...” selected, the counter’s Web home page should appear as shown in Figure 2-1. Browser configuration In some network configurations a proxy server may prevent access to the instrument (i.e.
Page 51: Figure 2-1 The 53230A Web-Enabled Interface 'Welcome Page
Web-enabled instrument. Although no additional libraries or drivers are required to use the Web interface, NOTE the interface is also accessible from Keysight Connection Expert (KCE). See “Opening the Web interface from Keysight Connection Expert” for more information.
Page 52: Web Interface Overview
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Web interface overview The following information is an introduction to the counter’s Web interface. The counter welcome page (Figure 2-1) displays IO information, can be used to identify a connected instrument, and contains menu tabs for accessing additional counter functionality.
Page 53: Figure 2-2 The Web Ui Scpi Command Interface
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Figure 2-2 The Web UI SCPI command interface. Any command in the counter’s SCPI command set can be sent to the instrument. Query commands which include ‘?’ in the syntax return data and can be sent by selecting Send &...
Page 54: Installing The Keysight Io Libraries
(Table 2-1). The VISA and VISA-COM libraries allow you to send commands from the 53220A/53230A SCPI command set to the instrument. The IO libraries also include Keysight Connection Expert described and used later in this chapter. The Keysight IO Libraries (VISA and VISA-COM) must be installed prior to NOTE installing any other I/O drivers (e.g.
Page 55: Keysight Io Libraries Suite System Requirements
NOTE Architecture) is currently installed on your computer, continue installation of the Keysight IO Libraries by installing Keysight VISA in side-by-side mode. More information on side-by-side operation can be found in IO Libraries Suite Help (available after installation is complete) under “Using Keysight’s and Other Vendors’...
Page 56: Installing Instrument Drivers
IVI drivers (e.g. IVI-COM, IVI-C)can be installed. Adding instruments to the PC interface During installation of the Keysight IO Libraries, the IO interfaces (LAN, USB, GPIB) detected on the PC are configured. This section contains information for programmatically adding the 53220A/53230A to those interfaces using the Keysight IO Libraries ‘Connection Expert’...
Page 57: Configuring The Lan Interface
With the counter connected to the LAN interface, the IP address can be read from the front panel as follows. Once the IP address is known, start the Connection Expert utility by clicking the ‘Keysight IO Control’ icon and selecting “Keysight Connection Expert” from the pop up menu as shown in Figure 2-3.
Page 58: Figure 2-3 Starting Keysight Connection Expert
Figure 2-3 Starting Keysight Connection Expert. Locating the instruments Keysight Connection Expert opens with a welcome screen and window similar to that shown in Figure 2-4. The computer interfaces configured during installation are displayed in the left column (Explorer pane), the properties of the configured interface are displayed in the right column (Properties pane).
Page 59: Figure 2-4 Keysight Connection Expert Interface Window
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Figure 2-4 Keysight Connection Expert interface window. Using the sockets protocol For higher performance, instruments added to the LAN configuration can also use the Sockets protocol. To use this connection, select LAN instrument from the (Figure 2-4).
Page 60: Figure 2-5 Adding A Sockets Connection
About IP addresses and host names Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Automatic IP are enabled on the 53220A/53230A when shipped from Keysight. This allows the instrument to automatically obtain an address on the network. If there is a DHCP server on the network, the server will assign the address to the instrument.
Page 61 If there is not a DHCP server on the network, the 53220A/53230A will automatically determine the address to use. The address will be in the range 169.254.1.1 to 169.254.255.255. Host names The 53220A/53230A has a default host name. The format of the host name is: A-53220A-nnnnn (Keysight 53220A) A-53230A-nnnnn (Keysight 53230A) where ‘nnnnn’...
Page 62: Configuring The Usb Interface
Type B USB connector located on the instrument rear panel. The first time the 53220A/53230A is connected to the PC via the USB cable, a NOTE “hardware wizard” utility within the PC may start and prompt you for installation software for the product.
Page 63 53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration The USB address string When programming the 53220A/53230A over USB, the instrument’s USB address is included in the address string as follows: USB0::2391::1287::0123456789::0::INSTR To simplify addressing during programming, a VISA alias can be assigned and used in place of the complete address.
Page 64: Figure 2-6 Setting A Visa Alias For The Usb Address String
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Figure 2-6 Setting a VISA alias for the USB address string. Disabling the USB interface The USB interface can be disabled from the front panel by selecting I/O Config, followed by USB Settings, and then USB Off. When disabling or enabling the USB interface, you must cycle power for the change to take affect.
Page 65: Configuring The Gpib Interface
The following information assumes a GPIB card or USB/GPIB interface is present NOTE on your computer. Programming access to the 53220A/53230A is also available through the GPIB interface. GPIB cables can be connected to the PC in a “star” (all cables connect directly to the computer) or “linear” (instrument to instrument) configuration.
Page 66: Figure 2-7 Selecting The Gpib Address
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Figure 2-7 Selecting the GPIB address. The counter’s GPIB address can be read from the front panel as shown below. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 67: Using Interactive Io
53220A/53230A. Interactive IO is accessible from any of the PC’s IO interfaces, and allows you to send any command in the 53220A/53230A SCPI command set to the instrument. You can also choose from a menu of IEEE-488 Common commands (e.g. *IDN?, *RST, *TST?).
Page 68: Figure 2-8 Starting Interactive Io For A Selected Interface
If the Interactive IO window is used to send the self-test (*TST?) command to NOTE the 53220A/53230A, the “timeout” period may have to be increased to allow the results to be returned. This is done using the ‘Options’ tab on the Interactive IO window.
Page 69: Firmware And Driver Updates
(query form) To unsecure the instrument, you must provide the security code in addition to setting the state to OFF. The security code is set to KT53220A (Keysight 53220A) or KT53230A (Keysight 53230A) when the instrument is shipped from the factory.
Page 70: Scpi Language Emulation Mode
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration SCPI language emulation mode If the 53220A/53230A is sometimes used in 53132A SCPI language (emulation) mode, the instrument must be returned to its original (53220A/53230A) mode before the firmware can be updated. Downloading and installing the update utility 53220A/53230A firmware updates are installed in the instrument using the Keysight update utility.
Page 71: Downloading The Firmware Update
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Downloading the firmware update Return to the Web page and under ‘Documents & Downloads’ select: 532x0A Firmware Update Revision <revision number> When prompted, select ‘Run’ to download (save) the file to your PC. Note the d irectory location as you will need to specify the path to the firmware file when you run the update utility.
Page 72: Figure 2-9 Selecting The Update File Path
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Figure 2-9 Selecting the update file path. 3 Enter the counter’s IP address or host name (Figure 2-10). Select ‘Update’ to start the update process. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 73: Figure 2-10 Specifying The Address Or Host Name
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Figure 2-10 Specifying the address or host name. The firmware update takes a few moments to complete. The 53220A/53230A will reboot once the update is complete. Following a firmware update, Keysight Connection Expert (if running) may report NOTE that the 53220A/53230A configuration has changed.
Page 74: Downloading Ivi-Com Driver Updates
53220A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration Downloading IVI-COM driver updates IVI-COM and LabVIEW drivers for the 53220A/53230A (when available) are provided on the Web at either: www.keysight.com/find/53220A www.keysight.com/find/53230A Once this page is displayed, select the ‘Technical Support’ tab and then select ‘Drivers and Software’.
Page 75 SCPI Syntax Conventions The MEASure and CONFigure Commands Frequency and Period Measurements Time Interval Measurements Totalizing Measurements Burst Pulse Measurements This chapter contains general programming information and examples of the measurements that can be made with the 53220A and 53230A counters.
Page 76: 53220A/53230A Measurements
53220A/53230A Measurements Counter Measurement Summary The Keysight 53220A and 53230A counter measurements are summarized in Table 3-1. The table includes the front panel keys under which specific measurements are selected via soft-keys. Also provided are the equivalent SCPI commands and channel restrictions.
Page 77 53220A/53230A Measurements Table 3-1 Keysight 53220A/53230A Measurement Summary (continued) Measurement Command Instrument Channels CONFigure:FTIMe Fall time 53220A/53230A Time MEASure:FTIMe? Interval CONFigure:NDUTycycle Negative duty cycle 53220A/53230A Time MEASure:NDUTycycle? Interval CONFigure:PDUTycycle Positive duty cycle 53220A/53230A Time MEASure:PDUTycycle? Interval CONFigure:NWIDth Negative pulse width...
Page 78: Reference Oscillator Configuration
53220A/53230A Measurements Reference Oscillator Configuration 53220A and 53230A measurements are based on a reference oscillator - also referred to as an internal/external clock or time base. A valid reference oscillator signal must be present for measurements to occur. The following information applies to the counter’s standard temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) and Option 010 Ultra High-Stability oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) references.
Page 79 (On) when the counter is shipped from the factory or following the SYSTem:SECure:IMMediate command. Settings are stored in non-volatile memory and are not changed after a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 80 If a valid frequency is not present or was not specified, the message “No valid external timebase” is displayed. The error is also logged in the error queue. The presence of a valid external reference can be determined programmatically with the command: [SENSe:]ROSCillator:EXTernal:CHECk ONCE Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 81 Questionable Data register. The register can be queried with the command: STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt? A value of +1024 (bit 10) indicates an invalid frequency (time base) error. Reading the register clears all bits in the register. See Chapter 8 for information on the counter’s status system. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 82: Standby Power To The Reference Oscillator (Option 010)
Standby power is disabled (Off) when the counter is shipped from the factory or following the SYSTem:SECure:IMMediate command. The current setting is stored in non-volatile memory and is not changed after a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 83: Setting The Measurement Mode
(readings) per trigger are taken within a single (hardware) gate open/ gate close sequence and computed back-to-back. There is no lag (dead time) between readings that otherwise occurs with the per-sample gate open/gate close sequence of the AUTO and RECiprocal modes. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 84: Figure 3-1 53230A Continuous, Gap-Free Measurement Sequence
BNC but readings are continuous (gap free) OUTput:POLarity NORMal Figure 3-1 53230A continuous, gap-free measurement sequence. Gate time/edge count The specified (or default) gate time and the input signal frequency determine the number of edges required to produce the first reading in the sample count.
Page 85 CONTinuous mode is available on channels 1 and 2 and optional channel 3 of the 53230A only, and only for frequency and average-period measurements. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PREset or Preset key), the measurement mode is set to AUTO. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the mode.
Page 86: Setting The Measurement Time Out
When shipped from the factory the measurement time out is set to 1 second. Specifying a time of 9.9E+37 or sending the SYSTem:SECurity:IMMediate command disables the time out. When the time out is d isabled, the instrument will wait indefinitely for the measurement to complete. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 87: Scpi Syntax Conventions
(root nodes) must be separated by a semicolon (;) and a colon (:). For example, the string: INP:COUP AC;:TRIG:SOUR EXT requires a semicolon and a colon because the subsystems/root nodes (INPut and TRIGger) are not the same. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 88 In a command string containing both IEEE 488.2 common commands (e.g. *RST, *WAI, *OPC?) and SCPI instrument commands, the common commands are separated from the SCPI commands by a semicolon (;). An example is shown in the following string: CALC:STAT ON;AVER:STAT ON;:INIT;*WAI;:CALC:AVER:AVER? Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 89: The Measure And Configure Commands
Trigger count 1 trigger TRIGger:COUNt Sample count 1 sample SAMPle:COUNt SENSe:FREQuency:GATE:SOURce Based on measurement function specified by the GATE Source SENSe:TINTerval:GATE:SOURce CONFigure or MEASure command. SENSe:TOTalize:GATE:SOURce GATE Start Source IMMed iate SENSe:GATE:STARt:SOURce GATE Start Slope NEGative SENSe:GATE:STARt:SLOPe Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 90 Measurement Timeout Unchanged SYSTem:TIMeout SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce Unchanged from previous settings. Reference oscillator SENSe:ROSCillator:SOURce:AUTO SENSe:ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency Reading Format Unchanged from previous settings. FORMat Subsystem Data Storage Unchanged from previous settings. DATA Subsystem Instrument Status Unchanged from previous settings. STATus Subsystem Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 91: Using Measure
The MEASure:FREQuency? command cannot be used since it immediately triggers a measurement after setting the trigger source to ‘internal’, the trigger count to ‘1’, and the sample count to ‘1’. The gate time is set to 0.1 seconds. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 92 (including quotes): "FREQ +1.00000000000000E+006,+1.00000000000000E-004,(@2)" which includes the function, expected value, (calculated) resolution, and channel. If a channel number is not specified in the CONFigure or MEASure command, no channel is included in the return string. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 93: Frequency And Period Measurements
53220A/53230A Measurements Frequency and Period Measurements The 53220A/53230A measurements covered in this section include frequency, frequency ratio, and period. The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to NOTE how frequency measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use.
Page 94 *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:FREQ 20E6, 0.1, (@1) SAMP:COUN 10 // take 10 readings READ? Notes 1 See Chapter 5 for information on triggering and number of readings per trigger (sample count). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 95: Frequency Ratio
(Ch1/Ch3, Ch2/Ch3 - Option 115): 6.6E-12 to 1.2 expected (Ch3/Ch1, Ch3/Ch2 - Option 106): 0.28 to 6.0E10 expected (Ch3/Ch1, Ch3/Ch2 - Option 115): 0.85 to 15.0E10 resolution (all channels): 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5* expected (default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 96 See Frequency measurements Chapter 5 information on the relationship between gate time and reading resolution. 2 See Chapter 4 for additional information on counter threshold levels and on configuring the input signal path. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 97: Period
(channels 1 and 2): 2.8 nsec to 10 sec (default = 100 nsec) expected (channel 3 Option 106): 160 psec to 10 nsec (default = 2 nsec) expected (channel 3 Option 115): 66 psec to 3.33 nsec (default = 2 psec) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 98 READ? Notes 1 See Chapter 5 for information on triggering and number of readings per trigger (sample count). 2 See Chapter 4 for additional information on counter threshold levels and on configuring the input signal path. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 99: Time Stamp
An example of time stamp measurements between the edges of an input waveform is shown in Figure 3-5. (Time stamp measurements are available with the 53230A only.) scale factor = 10 scale factor = 1 event time stamp...
Page 100 // 1 MHz time stamp rate INIT // initiate and take readings *WAI // wait for readings to complete // transfer readings from reading memory to a file in the // root folder on the USB storage device MMEM:STOR:DATA RDG_STORE, "USB:\ts_data.csv" Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 101 (e.g. 1.10077637E-06 / 11 = 1.00070579E-7). 3 See Chapter 4 for additional information on counter threshold levels and on configuring the input signal path. 4 See Chapter 7 for information on data flow, reading memory, and on creating data files. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 102: Time Interval Measurements
53220A/53230A Measurements Time Interval Measurements The 53220A/53230A time interval measurements covered in this section include one and two channel time interval, rise/fall time, pulse width, duty cycle, phase, and single period. The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to NOTE how time interval measurements are made.
Page 103: Figure 3-6 2-Channel Time Interval Measurement
The input channel(s) are (default) configured for auto-leveling at 50% with a positive slope. When configuring time interval measurements consider the start or stop input thresholds, input slope, or gate stop hold off settings: INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2} or INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:RELative INPut{1|2}:SLOPe{1|2} SENSe:GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:SOURce Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 104 2 A gate stop hold off is specified to select the desired rising edge on channel 2 and, therefore, the interval to be measured. 3 See Chapter 4 for information on input threshold levels and slope, and Chapter 5 for advanced gating information. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 105: Figure 3-7 Single Channel Time Interval Measurement
1 Input coupling and impedance are set to assure the intended start and stop trigger thresholds as the thresholds are specified as absolute values. The measurement starts on the positive (rising) edge on channel 1, and stops on the negative (falling) edge. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 106: Rise Time And Fall Time
53220A/53230A Measurements Rise time and fall time An example of rise and fall times on an input signal are shown in Figure 3-8. + width - width frequency Figure 3-8 Rise time and fall time measurements. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 107 // using CONFigure - measure rise time on the wave segment // from -1.75V to +750 mV *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:RTIM -1.75 V, 750 MV, (@1) INP:COUP DC // set AC coupling INP:IMP 50 // set input impedance to 50 ohm Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 108 2 Absolute references are relative to the amplitude of the signal and must take into consideration the counter’s input coupling and impedance settings. 3 See Chapter 4 for information on configuring the input signal path which includes coupling and impedance. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 109: Pulse Width
53220A/53230A Measurements Pulse width An example of positive and negative pulse widths are shown in Figure 3-9. + width - width frequency Figure 3-9 Positive and negative pulse width measurements. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 110 // reference *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:PWID? 50, (@1) // using CONFigure - measure positive width at a 1.0V // reference *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:PWID 1.0V, (@1) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 111 2 Absolute references are relative to the amplitude of the signal and must take into consideration the counter’s input coupling and impedance settings. 3 See Chapter 4 for information on configuring the input signal path which includes coupling and impedance. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 112: Duty Cycle
Positive and negative duty cycle measurements are the ratio of the positive or negative widths to the period of the signal (Figure 3-10). period + duty cycle - duty cycle Figure 3-10 Positive and negative duty cycle measurements. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 113 // using MEASure? - measure the positive duty cycle at a // 50% (0V) reference *RST // reset to start from known state MEAS:PDUT? 50, (@1) // using CONFigure - measure the positive duty cycle at a // -1.0V reference Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 114 5% duty cycle reading might appear in the counter output buffer as: +5.105095730909666E-002 The same reading would appear in the display as: 5.1 Pct. 4 See Chapter 4 for information on configuring the input signal path and Chapter 5 for information on Triggering. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 115: Phase
53220A/53230A Measurements Phase Phase measurements indicate the phase difference or shift between signals on counter channels 1 and 2 (Figure 3-11). phase Figure 3-11 Phase measurement between two channels. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 116 // using CONFigure - measure the phase difference between // channels 1 and 2, display result as a value between 0 and // 360 degrees *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:PHAS (@1), (@2) FORM:PHAS POS // display result as a positive value READ? Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 117: Single-Period
“single-shot” or one cycle events; and allow analysis of signal characteristics (e.g. jitter) that would otherwise be averaged out with standard (averaging) period measurements. The commands used to make single-period measurements are: MEASure:SPERiod? [<channel>] CONFigure:SPERiod [<channel>] Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 118 MEASure:PERiod? or CONFigure:PERiod commands. 2 Setting an absolute threshold level disables the counter’s auto-level function. CONFigure and MEASure enable auto-leveling at 50% (0V). 3 See Chapter 4 for information on input signal conditioning, including threshold level and sensitivity. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 119: Totalizing Measurements
53220A/53230A Measurements Totalizing Measurements The 53220A/53230A measurements covered in this section include gated and continuous totalizing measurements. The SCPI commands listed in these examples are provided as an introduction to NOTE how totalizing measurements are made. Commands may be included even though they specify default values - but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use.
Page 120: Figure 3-12 Gated And Continuous Totalizing
The range for gate_time is: 53220A: 100 μs to 1000s (10 μs resolution) or +9.9E+37 (INFinity) 53230A: 1μ to 1000s (1 μs resolution) or +9.9E+37 (INFinity) The default gate_time for both instruments is 0.100s. – channel is counter channel 1 or 2, specified as (@1) or (@2).
Page 121 Setting a hold off of 1 second in effect, sets a 1 second gate time. If the gate stop was not held off, the gate would close after 1 event. 2 See Chapter 5 for additional information on triggering and gating. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 122: Continuous
– channel is counter channel 1 or 2, specified as (@1) or (@2). (There is no equivalent MEASure? command for continuous totalizing measurements.) The command: [SENSe:]TOTalize:DATA? can be used during continuous totalizing or with long gate times to read the current count. Sending the command: ABORt aborts the measurement. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 123 2 Continuous totalizing must be aborted (stopped) before the count can be retrieved from the output buffer using the FETCh?, DATA:LAST?, DATA:REMove?, or R? command (Chapter 3 The ABORt command sent from the remote interface or changing the counter function from the front panel stops continuous totalizing. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 124: Burst Pulse Measurements
- but which should be considered when modifying the examples for actual use. Refer to the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ on the Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD for additional information. For further information on microwave measurements, see Application Note 200-1 “Fundamentals of Microwave Frequency Counters”...
Page 125: Carrier Frequency
- width burst (off) - 6 dB amplitude burst carrier frequency Figure 3-13 53230A microwave pulse measurements. Carrier frequency The commands used to measure the carrier frequency of a burst pulse are: MEASure:FREQuency:BURSt? [<channel>] CONFigure:FREQuency:BURSt [<channel>] Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 126 Burst measurement detector threshold Chapter 4 for information on setting the threshold for pulse measurements. 2 See Burst carrier frequency measurements Chapter 5 for information on narrow pulse mode and on automatic and manual gate control for carrier measurements. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 127: Pulse Pri And Prf
The parameter ranges are: expected: 1 Hz - 10 MHz (default = 1 kHz) resolution: 1.0E-15 * expected to 1.0E-5 * expected (default resolution corresponds to a 0.1s gate time) – channel is counter channel 3 specified as (@3). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 128 1 See Measurement Gate Chapter 5 for information on digits of resolution based on expected value and resolution parameter settings. 2 See Burst measurement detector threshold Chapter 4 for information on setting the threshold for pulse measurements. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 129: Positive And Negative Widths
// measure the positive (on) width using CONFigure, set // a -12 dB detector threshold *RST // reset to start from known state CONF:PWID:BURS (@3) INP3:BURS:LEV -12 // set a detector threshold of -12 dB READ? -------------------------------------------------------- Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 130 CONF:NWID:BURS (@3) INP3:BURS:LEV -12 // set a detector threshold of -12 dB READ? Notes 1 See Burst measurement detector threshold Chapter 4 for information on threshold settings and its relationship to positive and negative width measurements. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 131: 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/ Timer User’s Guide 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Channel Characteristics Signal Conditioning Path Measuring Input Signal Levels and Signal Strength This chapter contains information on configuring the input channels relative to the characteristics of the input signal expected. Configuration includes the channel’s impedance, range/probe factor, coupling, filtering, and threshold level/sensitivity settings.
Page 132: Channel Characteristics
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Channel Characteristics There are two, plus an optional third input channel on the 53220A/53230A counter. Product Option 201 adds parallel (additional) rear panel access to channels 1 and 2. Product Options 106 and 115 add a 6 GHz or 15 GHz third channel.
Page 133: Signal Conditioning Path
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Signal Conditioning Path Figure 4-1 represents the counter’s signal conditioning path. DC Coupling Auto Input Protection Buffer AC Coupling 1M W Input Selectable INPut{1|2}:COU Pling 100 kHz IN Put{1|2}:IM Pedance Low-Pass Filter Range IN Put{1|2}:PROTection? IN Put{1|2}:PROTection:C LEar...
Page 134: Input Impedance
-6 dB Noise Rejection Disabled Slope Positive Input impedance The input impedance of the 53220A/53230A counter can be set to either 50 Ω or 1 MΩ using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance {<impedance>|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:IMPedance? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) The 50 Ω 1 MΩ impedances allow for impedance matching (termination) and bridging applications respectively.
Page 135 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the impedance is set to 1 MΩ. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the input impedance setting. Impedance example //period measurement of expected 10 MHz signal, //maximum resolution, use channel 1 CONF:FREQ 0.1E6,MAX,(@1)
Page 136: Input Range
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Input range The signal operating ranges (input ranges) of the 53220A/53230A counter are ±5.0 V, ±50 V,and ±500 V and are dependent on the probe factor. The range is set using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:RANGe? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}](query form) When a 1:1 probe factor is selected (see “Setting the probe...
Page 137: Input Coupling
For better access to test points on the device under test (DUT), Keysight recommends its N2870A, N2873A, and N2874A Passive Probes for use with the 53220A/53230A counter. The 35 MHz (BW) N2870A 1:1 probe and the 500 MHz N2873A and 1.5 GHz N2874A 10:1 probes are popular accessories commonly used with Keysight oscilloscopes.
Page 138: Figure 4-2 Using Ac Coupling To Reach Trigger Points
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning AC coupling removes the signal’s DC content and centers the signal at 0 V. The measurable frequency range (channels 1 and 2) with AC coupling is: – AC = 10 Hz - 350 MHz – DC = 1 mHz - 350 MHz DC coupling extends the frequency range across the full bandwidth of the instrument (1 mHz - 350 MHz).
Page 139: Bandwidth Limiting (Low-Pass) Filter
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Coupling example //period measurement of expected 10 MHz signal, //maximum resolution, use channel 1 CONF:PER 0.1E-6,MAX,(@1) INP:COUP AC //set AC coupling Bandwidth limiting (low-pass) filter For measurement applications of 100 kHz or less, a 100 kHz low-pass filter can be enabled within the signal path to eliminate noise introduced by higher-frequency components of the input signal.
Page 140: Threshold Level And Sensitivity
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning From the figure: – DC coupling = 1 mHz - 100 kHz – AC coupling = 10 Hz - 100 kHz CONFigure and MEASure do not change the filter setting. Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the low-pass filter is disabled (off).
Page 141: Figure 4-4 Input Signal Threshold Level And Sensitivity
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2} SYSTem:ALEVel:FREQuency INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:AUTO INPut{1|2}:LEVel{1|2}:RELative INPut3:BURSt:LEVel INPut{1|2}:NREJect trigger point threshold level Hysteresis band (p-p sensitivity) reset point positive slope INPut{1|2}:LEVel:MAXimum? INPut{1|2}:SLOPe{1|2} negative slope front panel dynamic range indicator INPut{1|2}:LEVel:PTPeak? INPut{1|2}:LEVel:MINimum? Figure 4-4 Input signal threshold level and sensitivity.
Page 142 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Absolute threshold levels for the input ranges are: – 5 V range: ± 5.125 V (2.5 mV resolution) – 50 V range: ± 51.25 V (25 mV resolution – 500 V range (w/10:1 probe): ± 512.5 V (250 mV resolution) LEVel/LEVel1 sets the absolute threshold for all measurements except rise/fall time and single-channel time interval.
Page 143 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning When auto-level is enabled, the threshold level is specified as a percentage (%) of the peak-to-peak input voltage (see “Setting relative threshold levels”). The CONFigure and MEASure commands enable auto-leveling and set a 50% threshold level. A reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset) also enables auto-leveling at a 50% threshold level.
Page 144 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Measuring low frequency signals For all counter functions, auto-level should not be used for frequencies <50 Hz. Threshold levels should be set using absolute values (see “Specifying an absolute threshold level”). The MEASure command should not be used with frequencies less than 50 Hz as the command configures the counter (including enabling auto-level) and makes an immediate measurement.
Page 145: Figure 4-5 Input Coupling And Relative Threshold Levels
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning 100% (Vmax:) 100% (Vmax:) (Vmin:) (Vmin:) DC coupling AC coupling Figure 4-5 Input coupling and relative threshold levels. For example, a 3 Vpp input signal with a 2 VDC offset and DC coupling would have a Vmax: value of 3.5V and a Vmin value of 0.5V (Vmax, Vmin, and Vpp are viewable on the front panel).
Page 146 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning System auto-level range Auto-leveling is available for two input frequency ranges: 50 Hz to < 10 kHz and frequencies > 10 kHz. The auto-level period is shorter for frequencies >10 kHz when an (auto-level) frequency range is set from the front panel or specified by the command: SYSTem:ALEVel:FREQuency {<frequency>|MINimum|MAXimum| DEFault}...
Page 147: Burst Measurement Detector Threshold
INP:LEV:REL 65 // set 65% relative threshold Burst measurement detector threshold All 53230A burst measurements are relative to the pulse width. The ‘on’ portion of the pulse width is established by a -6 dB and -12 dB detector threshold. Figure 4-6 is an example of the thresholds relative to the peak amplitude of the burst signal.
Page 148: Figure 4-6 -6 Db And /-12 Db Detector Thresholds
(*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the threshold is set to -6 dB. This command and burst measurement capability are only available on the 53230A counter with channel 3 Option 106 or 115 (6 GHz or 15 GHz microwave input) and Pulse Microwave Measurement Option 150.
Page 149: Noise Rejection (Hysteresis)
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Detector threshold example //configure a positive (on) width measurement on channel 3 CONFigure:PWIDth:BURSt (@3) INP3:BURS:LEV -12 // set -12 dB detector threshold Noise rejection (hysteresis) Threshold sensitivity (Figure 4-4) to the input signal is a function of the amount of noise rejection or hysteresis.
Page 150: Threshold Slope
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Time interval errors Using noise rejection with time interval measurements results in time interval errors due to errors in setting the threshold level and the effects of hysteresis on the trigger and reset points (Figure 4-4). These errors are dependent on the input signal slew rate at each trigger point.
Page 151 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning For single-channel time interval measurements, SLOPe/SLOPe1 sets the edge for the start event and SLOPe2 sets the edge for the stop event. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the slope setting. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (Preset), the positive (rising) slope is selected.
Page 152: Measuring Input Signal Levels And Signal Strength
53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning Measuring Input Signal Levels and Signal Strength Minimum, maximum, and peak-to-peak levels of the input signal are indicated on the bottom of the counter’s main measurement display area and an example is included in Figure 4-4. These characteristics of the peak-to-peak signal can also...
Page 153 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning The colors and the relative strengths returned by the command indicate the following: Color Strength Description Signal strength too low. May not be able to make measurement. For None continuous wave (CW) measurements signal power must be >-27 dBm.
Page 154 53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 155 Settings Summary Trigger and Gate Cycle Measurement Gate 53220A/53230A counter measurements are made by triggering the instrument and gating the input signal to select the portion or duration during which the input signal is measured. This chapter covers the counter’s trigger and gate cycles as they relate to counter...
Page 156: Triggering And Gating
Frequency burst gate narrow Frequency burst gate time 1 us Time Interval Time interval gate source Immed iate Time interval gate polarity Negative Totalize Totalize gate source Time Totalize gate time 0.1s Totalize gate polarity Negative Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 157: Trigger And Gate Time Line
The SCPI commands and parameters listed throughout this chapter are provided NOTE as a guide to how the counter is operated programmatically. The commands are described in detail in the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ section of the Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 158: Figure 5-2 Trigger And Gate Cycle - Triggering
INITiate:IMMediate READ? Wait-for-trigger state MEASure? triggers received TRIGger:COUNt? trigger received Triggered state # readings SAMPle:COUNt? (to gate cycle) (repeated for each reading in sample count) (from gate cycle) Figure 5-2 Trigger and gate cycle - triggering. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 159: Figure 5-2 Trigger And Gate Cycle - Gating (Cont'd)
Gate stop source does not apply to rise/fall time, duty cycle, pulse width, phase, and (frequency and period measurements) single-period measurements Figure 5-2 Trigger and gate cycle - gating (cont’d) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 160: System Trigger
*RST - resets the counter to its factory default values. The counter also returns to the idle state after the total number of measurements determined by the TRIGger:COUNt and SAMPle:COUNt settings are complete (i.e. # of measurements = TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 161: Figure 5-3 System Trigger Sequence
T rigger C o unt TR IG ge r:C O U N t S am ple C ount S A M P le :C O U N t Figure 5-3 System trigger sequence. System trigger source Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 162 CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2) TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external System trigger slope When the system trigger source is set to EXTernal, the triggering slope (edge) of the signal is set with the command: TRIGger:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative} TRIGger:SLOPe? (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 163 0.0 s. Trigger delay example //configure for frequency, set system trigger parameters CONF:FREQ 5E6,0.1,(@2) TRIG:SOUR EXT // trigger source external TRIG:SLOP POS // external trigger slope - positive TRIG:DEL 1 // 1s delay after trigger received Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 164 The trigger count multiplied by the sample count (TRIG:COUN x SAMP:COUN) determines the number of readings taken before the counter returns to the idle state. The sample count is set with the command: SAMPle:COUNt {<count>| MINimum|MAXImum|DEFault} SAMPle:COUNt? [{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 165: Wait-For-Trigger And Triggered States
The trigger count is also ignored when making continuous, gap-free frequency or period measurements. Only one trigger is accepted when using these functions. See the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ section of the Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD for more information. Wait-for-trigger and triggered states In order for the counter to accept triggers which start the trigger and gate cycle, the counter must be initiated.
Page 166: Figure 5-4 The Counter 'Wait-For-Trigger' State
– places the counter in the wait-for-trigger state. In this state, trigger signals are recognized and accepted. Readings taken after the counter is initiated by INITiate[:IMMediate] are displayed and stored in the counter’s reading memory (see Chapter 7, "Formats and Data Flow" for more information). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 167 The counter then returns to the wait-for-trigger state until the next system trigger is received. The counter returns to the idle state once the product of the trigger count x sample count is reached. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 168: Measurement Gate
5-5), programmatically it should occur after all other gate parameters have been set. This prevents potential “settings conflict” errors between the SENSe subsystem commands, and is illustrated in the examples and program segments that use these commands. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 169: Figure 5-5 Gate Source Sequence
For applications requiring synchronization with external events or requiring more precise gate control, an external gate or advanced gating is used. External gate signals are applied to the counter’s rear panel ‘Gate In/Out’ BNC or to the channel 1 or channel 2 input. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 170: Frequency Measurements
Resolution enhancement (R ), which is defined in the 53220A/53230A data sheet, extends the resolution beyond what is achieved with the basic reciprocal measurement technique. Resolution enhancement applies to the counter’s AUTO or CONTinuous mode with gate times >10 msec.
Page 171 Triggering and Gating Table 5-2 shows the digits of resolution achieved with the 53230A and 53220A for a given gate time. The table also includes formulas for estimating digits as a function of gate time or expected values, and gate times as a function of digits.
Page 172 (expected value) - Log configured as: MEAS:FREQ? 5e6, 5E-4, (@1) // expected freq, resolution A typical measurement using this configuration might return: +4.99998458333282E+006 With the counter display registering: 4.999 984 583 3MHz (11 digits - resolution enhanced) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 173 (100 ms) From Table 5-2 and assuming a 53230A counter and measurement mode Auto, this corresponds to 11 digits of resolution. To achieve a desired resolution (digits) in terms of gate time, locate the number of digits in Table 5-2...
Page 174 External gate signal polarity When using any external gate source the polarity of the gate signal and therefore, the duration of the gate, is set or changed with the command: [SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:POLarity {POSitive|NEGative} [SENSe:]FREQuency:GATE:POLarity? (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 175 For external sources INPut[1] and INPut2 (Chan 1 and Chan 2 softkeys), a fixed input threshold voltage must be specified in addition to the gate signal polarity. This is done using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{<volts>|MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 176: Totalizing
Gate source ADVanced enables extended control of the gate signal through the counter’s SENSe:GATE commands (see Advanced gate control - gate start Advanced gate control - gate stop hold off and gate stop later in this chapter). Totalizing Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 177 Chan 1 and Chan 2) are the counter’s channel 1 and channel 2 inputs. OUTput:STATe OFF must be set when using gate source EXTernal. See NOTE “Enabling gate signals on the ‘gate in/out’ BNC” for more information and for information on using gate signals to synchronize other instruments. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 178 (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the negative edge is selected. To set the polarity of the external gate signal: // select the gate polarity and source CONF:TOT:TIM SENS:TOT:GATE:POL POS // set polarity SENS:TOT:GATE:SOUR EXT // set source Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 179 To set the polarity and level when using an input channel as the gate source: // select the gate polarity, source, and threshold level CONF:TOT:TIM SENS:TOT:GATE:POL POS // set polarity SENS:TOT:GATE:SOUR INP1 // set source - channel 1 INP1:LEV 4 // set threshold - 4V Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 180 TIME and the gate time to INFinity. The command also sets the input threshold to 0.0 V and the edge (events that are totalized) to positive. Refer to Chapter 4, "53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning" information on the commands in the INPut subsystem used to change these parameters.
Page 181: Time Interval Measurements
(edge/level) are defined by the INPut subsystem. OUTput:STATe OFF must be set when using gate source EXTernal. See NOTE “Enabling gate signals on the ‘gate in/out’ BNC” for more information and for information on using gate signals to synchronize other instruments. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 182 CONF:TINT (@1),(@2) // time int between ch1/ch2 INP1:LEV1 2 // set start level (event) INP1:SLOP1 POS // set start event polarity INP2:LEV1 2 // set stop level (event) INP2:SLOP1 NEG // set stop event polarity Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 183: Enabling Gate Signals On The 'Gate In/Out' Bnc
OUTPut:STATe OFF must be set when the gate source is EXTernal. NORMal - the polarity of the gate signal output from the "Gate Out" BNC is a rising (positive) edge. INVerted - the gate signal polarity is a falling (negative) edge. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 184: Burst Carrier Frequency Measurements
Triggering and Gating Burst carrier frequency measurements The 53230A counter with channel 3 Option 106 or 115 (6 GHz or 15 GHz microwave input) and Pulse Microwave Measurement Option 150 enables measurement of the burst carrier frequency. A representation of the carrier...
Page 185 OFF - disables narrow pulse mode. For ‘on durations’ greater than 20 μs, narrow pulse mode must be disabled. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), narrow pulse mode is disabled. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 186 Figure 5-7. (from Triggered State) SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:NARRow Narrow Pulse Mode 53230A Opt. 150 Gate Control SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:AUTO Automatic Gate Control Manual Gate Control Burst Gate Time SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:TIME Burst Gate Delay SENSe:FREQuency:BURSt:GATE:DELay Figure 5-7 Carrier frequency measurement gate control. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 187 (-6 dB, -12 dB) set by the INPut3:BURSt:LEVel command. The delay range is 0 s to 10 s, with 10 ns resolution. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), the delay is set to 0.0 s. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 188 // measure the burst carrier frequency CONF:FREQ:BURS (@3) INP3:BURS:LEV -6 // set detector threshold level SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:NARR OFF // turn narrow mode off SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:AUTO OFF // manually set delay/time SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:DEL 5E-6 // set gate delay SENS:FREQ:BURS:GATE:TIME 10E-6 // set gate time READ? Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 189: Advanced Gate Control - Gate Start
Setting the gate source to ADVanced during configuration of frequency, totalizing, and time interval measurements enables add itional (start/stop) control of the measurement gate. Figure 5-8 repeats the gate start source section of the full trigger/gate cycle shown in Figure 5-2. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 190: Figure 5-8 Gate Start Sequence
EXTernal SENSe:GATE:EXTernal:SOURce External Gate Source INPut[1] | INPut2 * Gate Slope SENSe:GATE:STARt:SLOPe Gate Delay SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce IM M ediate (delay disabled) SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:EVENts (input channel) SENSe:GATE:STARt:DELay:TIM E Gate Start (open) Figure 5-8 Gate start sequence. Gate start source Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 191 External gate start signal polarity When using the external gate sources listed, the polarity of the start gate signal is set (changed) with the command: [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:SLOPe {POSitive|NEGative} [SENSe:]:GATE:START:SLOPe? (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 192 This is done using the command: INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]{<volts>|MINimum| MAXimum|DEFault} INPut[{1|2}]:LEVel[{1|2}][:ABSolute]?[{MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault}] (query form) The specified edge (slope) of the gate signal crossing the threshold starts the gate. (More information on the INPut subsystem can be found in Chapter 4, "53220A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning") Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 193 When using either an internal (immediate) or external signal to start (open) the gate, a delay from when the signal is received to when the gate is started (opened) can be specified. The delay source and its parameters are set with the commands: [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce {IMMediate|EVENts|TIME} [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:SOURce? (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 194 ‘denominator’ channel. The number of events is specified with the command: [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:EVENts {<count>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:EVENts? (query form) – delay source TIME delays the gate start (open) for a period set by the command: [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:TIME {<time>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [SENSe:]GATE:STARt:DELay:TIME? (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 195: Advanced Gate Control - Gate Stop Hold Off And Gate Stop
INPut[1]* | INPut2 * Gate Slope SENSe:GATE:STOP:SLOPe Gate Stop (closed) Gate stop source does not apply to rise/fall time, duty cycle, pulse width, phase, and single-period measurements Figure 5-9 Gate stop hold off and gate stop sequence. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 196 For two-channel time interval measurements, hold off events are counted on the ‘stop’ channel. For frequency ratio measurements, hold off events are counted on the ‘denominator’ channel. The number of events is specified with the command: [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:EVENts {<count>|MINimum|MAXimum|DEFault} [SENSe:]GATE:STOP:HOLDoff:EVENts? (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 197 Setting a gate stop source does not apply to rise/fall time, duty cycle, pulse NOTE wid th, phase, and single period measurements. These measurements complete automatically on the next appropriate edge on the input channel. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 198 CONFigure and MEASure do not change the gate stop source setting. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), gate stop source EXTernal is selected. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 199 1/channel 2 input. NEGative stops the measurement on a negative edge on the Gate In/Out BNC or channel 1/channel 2 input. CONFigure and MEASure do not change the slope setting. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet or Preset key), a positive slope is selected. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 200 When using external sources INPut[1] and INPut2, the channel selected as the gate source cannot be the same channel on which the measured signal is applied. That is, the gate start source channel cannot be involved in the measurement. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 201 SENS:GATE:STOP:SOUR EXT // external stop gate source SENS:GATE:EXT:SOUR EXT // select rear panel Gate In BNC SENS:GATE:STOP:SLOP POS // select pos. stop gate source SENS:TINT:GATE SOUR ADV // low-level gate control READ? // initiate counter and take reading Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 202: Automatic Gate Extension
Triggering and Gating Automatic gate extension Inherent to 53220A/53230A frequency and period measurements is automatic gate extension in which the measurement ends one edge (event) of the input signal after the gate is closed (stopped). Thus, the sample count (SAMPle:COUNt) does not increment and cause a potential state change in the...
Page 203: 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, And Data Logging
Data Logging Graphics Functions and Reading Memory The Keysight 53220A/53230A counter features math operations that allow you to scale readings, test limits, and statistically analyze data. Its graphics functions compute and display histograms and trend charts of real time measurement data.
Page 204: Math Functions
The SCPI commands and parameters listed throughout this chapter are provided NOTE as a guide to how the counter is operated programmatically. The commands are described in detail in the ‘Programmer’s Reference’ section of the Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 205: Enabling The Calculate1 Subsystem
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging CALCulate1:AVERage:STATe ON CALCulate1:AVERage (statistics) CALCulate1:SCALe: STATe ON CALCulate1:LIMit:STATe ON CALCulate1:SMOothing:STATe ON INITiate:IMMediate CALCulate1:SMOothing CALCulate1:SCALe CALCulate1:LIMit reading memory (moving average) (scaling and offset) (limit checking) CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:STATe ON measurement data CALCulate1:STATe ON CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram (histograms) READ? output buffer readings initiated by INITiate:IMMediate are sent to reading memory.
Page 206: Smoothing Data
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Smoothing data Measurements can be “smoothed” and scaled prior to performing math operations on the incoming data. To red uce random noise, a moving average (boxcar) filter can be inserted into the data path (Figure 6-1).
Page 207: Scaling Functions
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging The filter is reset if the measurement function or channel is changed, if another set of readings is initiated, or if a measurement is outside the range corresponding to the number of readings specified (SLOW, MEDium, FAST).
Page 208: Figure 6-2 53220A/53230A Display With Scaling Functions Enabled
CALCulate1:SCALe:STATe ON CALCulate1:SCALe:FUNCtion Figure 6-2 53220A/53230A display with scaling functions enabled. Enabling the scale functions All 53220A/53230A scaling functions are enabled with the command: CALCulate[1]:SCALe[:STATe] {OFF|ON} CALCulate[1]:SCALe[:STATe]? (query form) ON enables scaling. OFF disables scaling. Following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet), scaling is disabled.
Page 209 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Using the scale functions The counter scaling functions include null, percent change (PCT), part per million change (PPM), part per billion change (PPB), and scale (Mx-B). The function is selected with the command: CALCulate[1]:SCALe:FUNCtion {NULL|PCT|PPM|PPB|SCALe}...
Page 210 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Scale reference value The NULL, PCT, PPM, and PPB scaling functions require a reference value. For PCT, PPM, and PPB the value cannot be ‘0’.The reference can be obtained automatically or specified directly with the commands:...
Page 211 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Reference example //determine the percentage difference of 100 frequency //measurements to a reference value of 50000.000 CONF:FREQ 50E3,(@1) SAMP:COUN 100 // take 100 readings CALC:STAT ON // enable CALCulate1 subsystem CALC:SCAL:STAT ON // enable scaling...
Page 212 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Inverting the reading (1/x) Each reading as it is taken can be inverted prior to its use in the Mx-B equation which thus becomes M/x-B. Inversion is enabled with the command: CALCulate[1]:SCALe:INVert {OFF|ON} CALCulate[1]:SCALe:INVert? (query form) ON - inverts the reading.
Page 213 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging For ease in identifying readings from the front panel, a user-defined “units string” can be assigned to any scale function. The user string replaces the instrument-assigned measurement units (Hz, pct, ppm, ...). The unit prefix (μ, m, k, M) remains.
Page 214: Statistics
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging CALC:SCAL:UNIT "sec" // assign units to readings INIT // initiate readings For an input frequency of 1 MHz, the counter should display readings of approximately +100.00... usec. Statistics Statistical calculations are performed continually on readings as they are taken, or until the total reading count (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt) is reached.
Page 215 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Enabling statistics Before statistical calculations are performed they must be enabled using the command: CALCulate[1]:AVERage:STATe {OFF|ON} CALCulate[1]:AVERage[:STATe]? (query form) ON - enables statistical calculations on the readings as they occur. Statistical data includes: mean, standard deviation, Allan deviation, maximum value, minimum value, and average peak-to-peak value.
Page 216 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Example: Enabling and computing statistics The following example returns the mean, standard deviation, minimum value, and maximum value for a set of 500 readings. The trigger count setting, although it defaults to ‘1’, is shown for completeness. A ‘wait’ statement is included to delay the analysis until all readings are complete.
Page 217 Allan deviation is used for frequency and period measurements only, and requires continuous (gap-free) measurements (SENSe:FREQuency:MODE CONTinuous) for highest accuracy. Continuous mode is available with the 53230A only. Allan deviation is also available with the 53220A; however, the 53220A does not support continuous (gap free) measurements.
Page 218 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Example: Setting up an Allan deviation measurement (53230A) CONF:FREQ (@1) // frequency measurement on ch 1 TRIG:COUN 1 // set trigger count SAMP:COUN 300 // take 300 readings SENS:FREQ:MODE CONT // set continuous gap-free mode...
Page 219: Limit Checking
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Limit checking Limit checking enables counter measurements to be compared on a reading-by-reading basis to a lower limit and upper limit. Limits that are exceeded are reported in the counter’s Questionable Data register (bits 11 and 12). Register definitions and are contained in...
Page 220 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Enabling limit checking Limit checking is enabled with the command: CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe] {OFF|ON} CALCulate[1]:LIMit[:STATe]? (query form) ON - enables limit checking. OFF disables (bypasses) limit checking. Enabling limit checking enables both lower and upper limit boundaries.
Page 221 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging is used to read the Questionable Data register. A value of +2048 (bit 11) indicates a reading below the lower limit. A value of +4096 (bit 12) indicates a reading above the upper limit. Reading the register also clears all bits in the register (see “Clearing limit...
Page 222: Histograms
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Histograms The distribution for a given set of counter measurements (except continuous totalize and time stamp measurements) can be represented graphically using the 53220A/53230A histogram feature. The following example (Figure 6-5) represents the basic format of a counter histogram.
Page 223: Viewing Histograms
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Viewing histograms At power-on or when the front panel Preset key is pressed, numeric data is displayed. Remotely, histograms can be displayed by changing the display mode using the command: DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE {NUMeric|HISTogram|TCHart} DISPlay[:WINDow]:MODE? (query form) The Graph key followed by the Histogram softkey enables and automatically starts histograms from the front panel.
Page 224: Figure 6-6 Histogram Display Format
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Function X Max: maximum reading across all bins Channel X Min: minimum reading across all bins Histogram reading count Bin Size: (X Max – X Min)/number of bins Corresponds to bin with largest number of entries and expressed as:...
Page 225: Histogram Configuration
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Histogram configuration Histograms are configured using the softkeys and commands shown in Figure 6-7. CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:STATe ON CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:COUNt? CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:CLEar CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:POINts CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:AUTO:COUNt CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:LOWer CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:RANGe:UPPer Figure 6-7 15-bin (point) histogram. Histogram computation is enabled with the command:...
Page 226 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging The number of readings represented by a histogram (Figure 6-7) can be queried with the command: CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:COUNt? Setting up the histogram The counter builds a histogram based on number of bins (points), a lower range, and an upper range.
Page 227 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Displaying the outer bins Two additional bins independent of the number specified are al ways included with the histogram. The bins contain readings less than the lower range value and readings greater than the upper range value...
Page 228 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging value - directly specifies the histogram lower and upper range values. The value ranges are: -1.0E+15 to -1.0E-15, 0.0, 1.0E-15 to 1.0E+15 The default lower and upper ranges and the ranges set following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (SYSTem:PRESet) are 0.0.
Page 229 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Automatic range setting Alternately, lower and upper range values can be set automatically based on a minimum value and maximum value obtained from the first ‘n’ number of readings taken. Automatic range selection is enabled with the commands:...
Page 230 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Example: Setting up a histogram The following example creates a 15-bin histogram of 3,000 counter measurements. The lower and upper ranges are automatically determined from the first 300 readings taken. CONF:FREQ 50E3, (@1) // configure frequency measurement SYST:TIM .1...
Page 231 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging – an instrument reset or present - *RST, SYSTem:PRESet These actions also clear all readings in reading memory and in the output buffer. To clear histogram data without clearing the readings in reading memory, the...
Page 232 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Zoom & markers view For marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 100's, 10's, 1's) NOTE highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement (coarse or fine) for each tick of the rotary knob.
Page 233 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Histogram data in numeric form Data describing the histogram is available in numeric form through either of two query commands. CALCulate2:TRANsform:HISTogram:ALL? Returns the following comma-separated sequence describing the current histogram: lower range value upper range value...
Page 234: Trend Charts
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Trend Charts Reading trends for a given number of counter measurements (except continuous totalize) or timestamps can be represented within a 53220A/53230A trend chart, also known as a run chart. Figure 6-8 shows the components of a typical counter trend chart.
Page 235: Viewing Trend Charts
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Viewing trend charts At power-on or following a reset (*RST) or instrument preset (Preset), numeric data is displayed. The display can be changed to a trend chart by changing the display mode using the command:...
Page 236: Figure 6-9 Trend Chart Configuration And Control
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Trend chart configuration Figure 6-9 shows the softkey menus associated with trend chart configuration and control of the trend window. Figure 6-9 Trend chart configuration and control. Trend chart boundaries The trend chart boundaries (Y Max and Y Min) can be set automatically (AutoScale...
Page 237 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Clearing the trend chart Clearing the trend chart clears reading memory and restarts the reading count on the next trigger received. Saving readings The readings represented by the trend chart can be saved to internal flash memory or to an external USB memory device as comma-separated values (CSV) in one measurement per line ASCII format.
Page 238 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Zoom & markers window For marker, zoom, and pan adjustment the decimal position (i.e. 1000's, 100's, NOTE 10's, 1's) highlighted by the arrow keys sets the amount of movement (coarse or fine) for each tick of the rotary knob.
Page 239 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Reading decimation The trend window displays a maximum of 100 readings. When greater than 100 readings are displayed, the readings are decimated - grouped together and represented by decimation points. The number of readings in a decimation group is the reading count/100.
Page 240 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging When a marker is moved to a decimation point, the number of the first reading in the corresponding group is displayed. This number should be noted if it is necessary to view individual readings within a group.
Page 241: Data Logging
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Data Logging The data logging feature of the 53220A/53230A counter allows you to log and analyze up to 1,000,000 readings. Data logging is enabled and configured from the front panel only, and is available with all counter measurements except continuous totalizing.
Page 242 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Configuring the data logger All logged readings are saved in the counter’s internal flash memory or to an external USB storage device after logging is complete. The readings are viewable in trend (run) chart format while logging is in progress and when complete.
Page 243 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Setting the duration In terms of Time, the data logging duration is specified in hh.mm.ss format. The value is set using the rotary knob and arrow keys, or using the [Shift]ed numeric keys. By highlighting specific digits in the time window, greater resolution (i.e.
Page 244 53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Starting the data logger Pressing the Run softkey enables data logging. Data logging begins following any specified start delay when a valid path/file exists. A default path and file name of: Internal\DataLog is used when the data logger application is started. Select Yes to overwrite the file and begin.
Page 245: Figure 6-12 Trend Chart Display During Data Logging
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Figure 6-12 is an example of a trend chart as readings are logged. (Figure 6-8 Figure 6-10 contain more information on the trend chart window.) Function Channel Current Reading Count (memory) Trend Window (100 points)
Page 246: Graphics Functions And Reading Memory
53220A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging Graphics Functions and Reading Memory Figure 6-13 summarizes the effects on reading memory when statistics and histograms are reset, and when trend charts are cleared. reading memory (record) (record) Reset Histogram: Reset Stats: - clears current histogram (record)
Page 247: Formats And Data Flow
Reading Formats and Data Flow Counter File System The Keysight 53220A/53230A counters allow you to specify the measurement (reading) format and storage location - both of which affect throughput speed. This chapter explains how data formats are set and the movement and storage of...
Page 248: Reading Formats And Data Flow
<block length> indicates the number of 8-bit data bytes which follow. Format ASCII is set following an instrument reset (*RST) or front panel preset (PRESet). A line feed (LF) and End-Or-Identify (EOI) follow the last reading in both formats. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 249: Specifying A Format
Following a reset (*RST) or front panel preset (Preset), the byte order is set to NORMal. Reading transfer size Each reading read from the output buffer in ASCII format is 23 bytes. Each readings in REAL format is eight bytes. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 250: Data Flow
MMEMory:DOWNoad:DATA MMEMory:UPLoad? Figure 7-1 Data flow within the 53220A/53230A counter. Reading locations include the front panel, read ing memory (volatile), output buffer, internal flash memory (non-volatile), and external USB memory. The commands which determine data flow are listed in...
Page 251: Commands Affecting Data Flow
Reading memory has the following attributes: 1 reading memory is cleared after a function change, during execution of the READ?, INITiate:IMMediate, or MEASure? command, after cycling power, or following an instrument reset (*RST) or preset (SYSTem:PRESet). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 252 READ? example // frequency meas of 500 kHz signal with uHz resolution CONF:FREQ 500E3, 1E-6, (@1) // configure counter TRIG:COUN 1 // set trigger count SAMP:COUN 10 // take 10 readings READ? // read readings when complete Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 253 “R?” is sent, err -230, “Data corrupt or stale” is generated. Readings are transferred in Definite-Length Block format (Table 7-1), whether in ASCII or REAL (binary) format (FORMat subsystem). The ‘oldest’ reading is transferred first (first in - first out). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 254 // configure counter TRIG:COUN 2 // set trigger count SAMP:COUN 2500 // set readings/trigger INIT:IMM // initiate counter to start readings DATA:REM? 2500,WAIT // wait for-read first 2500 readings DATA:REM? 2500,WAIT // wait for-read last 2500 readings Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 255 The reading count can be read before the total reading count is reached (TRIGger:COUNt x SAMPle:COUNt). Setting a reading threshold in memory The following command allows you to set a reading threshold in the counter’s volatile memory: DATA:POINts:EVENt:THReshold <count> DATA:POINts:EVENt:THReshold? (query form) Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 256 Memory threshold example (Note, this example is also contained on the Keysight 53210A/53220A/53230A Product Reference CD ROM.) This program sets up the counter to take 1,250,000 readings. Because volatile reading memory capacity is 1,000,000 readings, readings will be over-written (memory overflow) if data is not retrieved before memory fills.
Page 257: Counter File System
(creates data (.csv, .dat) files) f i l f i l (creates folders) folder sub-folder MMEMory:STORe:STATe <file> MMEMory:CDIRectory <folder> (creates state (.sta) files) (specifies current folder for MMEMory Subsystem) Figure 7-2 Folders and files within internal memory and USB storage. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 258: Creating Folders And Files In Flash Memory And On The Usb Drive
Formats and Data Flow Creating folders and files in flash memory and on the USB drive Folders and files are created in instrument memory and on a USB drive as described in the following sections. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 259 * ? “ < > | cannot be contained within the folder name. To create a folder: //create folder ‘dut_1’ with sub-folder ‘data1’ in the root //directory of internal flash memory MMEM:MDIR “INT:\dut_1” MMEM:MDIR “INT:\dut_1\data1” Note that a folder and sub-folder cannot be created within the same command. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 260 (see MMEMory:DIRectory for drive:path details). For example, an alternate way to create folders dut_1 and data1 is: //create folder ‘dut_1’ and select it as the current folder //create sub-folder ‘data1’ MMEM:MDIR “INT:\dut_1” MMEM:CDIR “INT:\dut_1” MMEM:MDIR “data1” Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 261 The following sequence of commands creates a folder on a USB memory device, takes a set of frequency measurements, and then creates a file and copies the measurements to the folder from (volatile) reading memory. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 262 // specify a current folder CONF:FREQ 100E3,(@1) // configure measurement SAMP:COUN 50 // set 50 measurements INIT // initiate measurements *WAI // wait for readings to complete MMEM:STOR:DATA RDG_STORE, “data1.csv” // create file, copy Creating state files Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 263 MMEM:CDIR “INT:\SETUP_1” // specify as current folder configure instrument programmatically or from front panel MMEM:STOR:STAT “test1.sta” // store the configuration recall the configuration (state) at later date (even if power is cycled)... MMEM:LOAD:STAT ”INT:\SETUP_1\test1.sta” // load state Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 264 “[drive:path]<file_name>”. drive is either INT (internal flash memory) or USB (external memory device). path is an absolute path and folder name. If a folder is specified, it must have been previously created (see MMEMory:MDIRectory). Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 265 ‘0’ and will overwrite any state saved there. All parameters of the counter’s state are saved with the exception of “user-preference” parameters such as those which configure the front panel display. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 266 If ‘0’ is returned the location is empty. If ‘1’ is returned a valid state exists. For example: //verify a valid state is stored in location 3; 0 = no state //saved, 1 = valid state in location 3 MEM:STAT:VAL? 3 Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 267: User-Defined Power-On States
Formats and Data Flow User-defined power-on states The 53220A/53230A counter can be set to power-up from one of five saved state locations or from a state file (Figure 7-2). For this to occur: 1 the state must currently be saved...
Page 268 // recall file at power-on //when power is cycled, state test_A.sta is recalled When shipped from the factory, automatic state recall is d isabled NOTE (MEM:STAT:REC:AUTO OFF). With state recall disabled, factory defaults (*RST) are set at power-on. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 269 Selecting Last using the ‘Power On’ soft key will recall the instrument state at the time the counter was last turned off (state location 0). With Factory selected, the counter will power-up in its factory-set state. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 270: Managing Folders And Files
‘\’ and starting at the root folder. The file name must include the file extension. For example: \\ delete data file data1.csv in USB folder dut_1 MMEM:DEL “USB:\dut_1\data1.csv” Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 271 ‘Delete’. (The action should be selected first.) 2 Press the ‘Browse’ softkey and use the front panel knob to highlight the drive, folder, or file, and then press ‘Select’. Press ‘Browse’ again to view (and select) the contents within a folder. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 272 (.sta extension) on the root drive and within directories are listed. Use the front panel knob to highlight the desired file. 3 Press ‘Select’ to delete the file. Note, pressing ‘Select’ deletes the state file immed iately. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 273 USB (external memory device). If the file copied or moved is not in the specified current folder (MMEMory:CDIRectory), path in the source and destination drives must be an absolute folder path beginning with ‘\’. File names must include the extension. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 274 ‘Select’. Press ‘Perform Copy’ to copy the folder or file. Folder catalogs A catalog of all sub-folders and files, or separate catalogs of data (.csv and .dat) and state (.sta) files per folder can be obtained using the following commands. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 275 CATalog commands might return for a folder on an external USB memory device containing a sub-folder plus a .csv data file, a .dat data file, and a state file are given as follows: MMEMory:CATalog[:ALL]? 253657088,519798784,"data1.csv,ASC,12500","state1.sta,STAT,860","data2. dat,BIN,1600","dut_a,FOLD,0" MMEMory:CATalog:DATA? 253657088,519798784,"data1.csv,ASC,12500","data2.dat,BIN,1600" MMEMory:CATalog:STATe? 253657088,519798784,"state1.sta,STAT,860" Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 276 Formats and Data Flow THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 277: Instrument Status
Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/ Timer User’s Guide Instrument Status Keysight 53220A/53230A Status System This chapter covers the status registers used to monitor conditions within the 53220A/53230A counter.
Page 278: Figure 8-1 The 53220A/53230A Status System
Instrument Status Figure 8-1 The 53220A/53230A status system. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 279: Keysight 53220A/53230A Status System
Instrument Status Keysight 53220A/53230A Status System This chapter provides an overview of the 53220A/53230A Status System. Refer to the STATus subsystem and the IEEE-488 commands within the Programmer’s Reference for bit definitions and additional information. The reference is located on the 53210A/ 53220A/53230A Product Reference CD (p/n 53220-13601).
Page 280: Standard Operation Register Group
The Condition Register is read with the command: STATus:OPERation:CONDition? Reading the register does not clear the bit(s) in the register. The bit is cleared when the condition is removed. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 281: Standard Event Register
– command execution errors – power-on state Reading the Standard Event Register The Standard Event Register is read with the command: *ESR? Reading the register does not clear the bits. The bits are cleared by sending *CLS. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 282: Status Byte Register
The serial poll (SPOLL) does clear bit 6. All bits in the Status Byte register (except bit 4) are cleared with the command: *CLS Bit 4 is cleared when data is read from the output buffer. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 283 – enable: decimal value corresponding to the binary-weighted sum of the bits in the register. For example, to enable the bit representing the Questionable Data Register Group: *SRE 8. Chapter 7 and Product Reference CD (p/n 53220-13601) contain examples using the STATus subsystem. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 284 Instrument Status THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 285 Keysight 53220A/53230A 350 MHz Universal Frequency Counter/ Timer User’s Guide 53220A/53230A Error Messages Appendix A contains a description of the error messages associated with the 53220A/53230A counter.
Page 286: 53220A/53230A Error Message Descriptions
53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. Code Message Description Command errors Generic syntax error - a Command Error as has occurred. -100 Command Error An invalid character is present in the command’s header or in a -101 Invalid character parameter.
Page 287 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. (continued) Code Message Description A number was specified in the command header or in a parameter -128 Numeric data not allowed where numeric data is not allowed. An error was detected in the suffix (units) of a numeric parameter, but...
Page 288 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. (continued) Code Message Description An expression was encountered at an instance where it is not allowed by -178 Expression data not allowed the instrument. Execution errors A password-protected command or query could not be executed...
Page 289 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. (continued) Code Message Description The file or folder name contains an invalid character File name error; -257 (\ / : * ? “ < > |). invalid character in name The combination of the directory path and file name is greater than 239 File name error;...
Page 290 If this type of error occurs cycle power again. If System Error; -310 the error remains, contact Keysight with a complete description of the I2C Comms Failure error message. The instrument was unable to reference calibration data in non-volatile Calibration memory lost;...
Page 291 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. (continued) Code Message Description See the appended message for more information. -330 Self-test failed An error has occurred; however, the instrument error queue is full and -350 Error queue overflow the error was not recorded.
Page 292 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. (continued) Code Message Description The input signal present on the channel is greater than or equal to Cannot reset input +10 Vp when a reset of the relay was attempted (key or using +302 protection;...
Page 293 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. (continued) Code Message Description The FM tolerance of the input signal frequency exceeded ±50% during Input signal frequency shift +320 the current measurement gate. caused counter overflow The time allotted for an individual measurement to complete was exceeded.
Page 294 53220A/53230A Error Messages Table A-1 53220A/53230A error message descriptions. (continued) Code Message Description The user preferences (.prf) file is invalid and could not be stored in Non-volatile memory write +800 internal flash memory or on the USB memory device. failure...
Page 295 (instrument settings, connections) and recalibrate +707 computed correction factor the counter. Contact Keysight if there is a self-test failure or the unit out of range fails to calibrate. The message to be stored in calibration memory is greater than 40 Calibration error;...
Page 296 GPIB, and Channel 3 options. Verify and if necessary, Self-Test failed: +909 install the latest firmware update and re-run the self-test. If the failure GPIB test failed occurs with the latest firmware revision installed, contact Keysight. Self-Test failed: +910 channel 3 test failed Self-Test failed:...
Page 297 CONFigure ASCII format data smoothing changing the GPIB address reading length example auto level date and time channel 3 signal strength auto-level setting channel characteristics frequency range dc coupling channel options Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 298 Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 299 IP address and host name coupling information obtaining impedance GPIB IP addresses and host names low-pass filter adding instruments IVI drivers measuring signal levels address string installation measuring signal changing the address IVI-COM Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 300 Mx-B M/x-B pulse repetition interval managing folders and files measurements copying files pulse threshold example deleting files pulse width measurements NISPOM moving files noise rejection manuals noise rejection example materials included with noise rejection from bandwidth Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 301: Resolution And Gate Time
NISPON storage and operating standby power sensitivity environments using an external setting the gate source synchronization with other reference setting the gate time instruments reference settings totalizing syntax conventions auto level setting up histogram data SCPI Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 302 Keysight 53220A/53230A User’s Guide...
Page 303 This information is subject to change without notice. Always refer to the Keysight website for the latest revision. © Keysight Technologies 2011–2017 Edition 3, September 1, 2017 Printed in Malaysia *53220-90001* 53220-90001 www.keysight.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

53220a

Keysight 53230A User Manual

1 Preparation for Use

53220 A/53230A Software Installation and Interface Configuration

53220 A/53230A Measurements

53220 A/53230A Input Signal Conditioning

5 Triggering and Gating

53220 A/53230A Math, Graphing, and Data Logging

7 Formats and Data Flow

8 Instrument Status

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Summary of Contents for Keysight 53230A