Page 1 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter This guide describes how to use the Keysight 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A Microwave Frequency Counters. The information in this guide applies to instruments having the number prefix listed below, unless accompanied by a “Manual Updating Changes” package indicating otherwise.
Page 2 DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” sition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursu- AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING © Keysight Technologies 1999 - 2017 ant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN No part of this manual may be repro- Department of Defense FAR Supple- FUTURE EDITIONS.
Page 3: Safety Symbols
Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual for specific Warning or Caution Caution, risk of electric shock information) Earth (ground) terminal Frame or chassis (ground) terminal Alternating current (AC) Direct current (DC) Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 4: Detailed Warranty Information
For consumer transactions in Australia and New Zealand: the warranty terms contained in this statement, except to the extent lawfully permitted, do not exclude, restrict or modify and are in addition to the mandatory statutory rights applicable to the sale of this product to you. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 5: Safety Considerations
For continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) with fuses of the same current rating and type (for example, normal blow, time delay). Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 6: Safety Earth Ground
When the product is tested with 8kV AD, 4kV CD and 4kV ID according to IEC801-2, a system error may occur that may affect measurement data made during these disturbances. After these occurrences, the system self-recovers without user intervention. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 7: Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment (Weee) Directive
To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on the following Keysight websites: – www.keysight.com/find/53150A (product-specific information and support, software and documentation updates) – www.keysight.com/find/assist (worldwide contact information for repair and service) Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
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Page 9: Table Of Contents
........24 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 10 ........24 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Quick Reference Guide .
Page 11 ......... . .121 Using the Battery Option Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 12 ........... 133 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 13: List Of Figures
.....127 Figure C-3 Removing and Installing Batteries ....129 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
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Page 15: List Of Tables
......120 Table B-3 Error Messages ......121 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
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Page 17 Operating Guide In This Guide This book is the operating guide for the Keysight 53150A (20 GHz), 53151A (26.5 GHz), and 53152A (46 GHz) Frequency Counters. It consists of a table of contents, this preface, a quick reference guide, three chapters, three appendices, and an index.
Page 18: In This Guide
Messages lists and explains all of the messages that are displayed on the Counter’s front panel and/or sent over the RS-232 serial interface. Appendix C Using the Battery Option explains how to use the Counter with the Battery option. Index Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 19: Related Documents
– Fundamentals of Electronic Frequency Counters, Application Note 200—Keysight part number 02-5952-7506. – Understanding Frequency Counter Specifications, Application Note 200-4—Keysight part number 02-5952-7522. – Fundamentals of Time and Frequency Standards, Application Note 52-1—Keysight part number 02-5952-7870. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 20: Types Of Service Available If Instrument Fails
Calibration Service. When your Counter is repaired, it will be returned via overnight shipment. Repair Instrument Yourself If you choose to repair the instrument yourself or would like more details on self test and calibration, use the procedures in the Assembly-Level Service Guide. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 21: Repackaging For Shipment
If the original shipping container is not available, place your unit in a container with at least 4 inches of compressible packaging material around all sides of the unit. Use static free packaging materials to avoid additional damage to your unit. Keysight suggests that you always insure shipments. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 22: Description Of The Microwave Frequency Counter
10 Hz to 125 MHz on Channel 1 and from 50 MHz to 20 GHz (53150A), 26.5 GHz (53151A), and 46 GHz (53152A) on Channel 2. These frequency counters are also capable of measuring power on Channel 2 (in the same frequency ranges).
Page 23: Options
"Specifications". Options ordered with the Counter are installed at the factory and are ready for operation on delivery. Refer to the “Retrofitting Options” chapter in the Keysight 53150A/ 151A/152A Assembly-Level Service Guide for information on installing options in the field.
Page 24: Accessories Supplied And Available
– GPIB Cables (Keysight P/N 10833A/B/C/D) – RS-232 Cable (Keysight P/N 53150-60215) Manuals Supplied Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide (Keysight P/N 53150-90013) Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Programming Guide (Keysight P/N 53150-90014) Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Assembly-Level Service Guide (Keysight P/N 53150-90015) Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 25: Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Quick Reference Guide
The Quick Reference Guide is designed for experienced users of the Keysight 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A. It is intended to be used as a tool to trigger your memory. If you are using the Counter for the first time, Keysight recommends that you at least read Chapter 1, "Getting Started"...
Page 26 > 1200 Freq Offset Offset GPIB BAUD > 19200 Rate Resol BAUD > 14400 RESOL 1 HZ RATE FAST AVERAGES 01 RESOL 10 KHZ RATE AVERAGES RESOL 100 KHZ RATE SLOW RESOL 1 MHZ RATE HOLD Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 27: Getting Started
Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter Operating Guide Getting Started The Front Panel at a Glance The Front Panel Indicators at a Glance The Front Panel Menus at a Glance The Display Annunciators at a Glance The Display Special Characters at a Glance...
Page 28: The Front Panel At A Glance
17 Rate / Frequency Offset key (Channel 2) 18 Clear / Backlight On/Off key 8 Channel Selection key 19 Reset/Local / Menu key 9 Offset On/Off / Relative Frequency key 20 Shift key 10 Gate indicator Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 29: The Front Panel Indicators At A Glance
It is normal for the fan in the Counter to run when the Counter is in Standby NOTE mode. Power is supplied to the timebase whenever the Main ~ Power switch is on to maintain long term measurement reliability, and the fan helps maintain timebase temperature stability. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 30: The Front Panel Menus At A Glance
> 19200 BAUD > 14400 Shift GPIB Rate Resol Resol RESOL 1 HZ RATE FAST AVERAGES 01 GPIB ADDR RESOL 10 KHZ GPIB ADDR RATE AVERAGES RESOL 100 KHZ RATE SLOW RESOL 1 MHZ RATE HOLD Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 31: The Display Annunciators At A Glance
Indicates the Counter is in Hold (single-measurement) mode. Shows the current state of the GPIB interface Rmt, SRQ (Rmt = Remote operation via GPIB; SRQ = Service ReQuest). Error Indicates that a front-panel key command is unacceptable in the current context. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 32 Getting Started Annunciator Description Indicates that all front-panel keys are redefined to the function printed above the Shift key. Shows the amount of charge in the batteries (if the Battery option is installed). Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 33: The Display Special Characters At A Glance
) is flashing, it indicates the current setting for the selected Menu option. When the left pointer ( ) is flashing, it indicates that you can use the selection (arrow) keys to change the setting for the current Menu option. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 34: The Rear Panel At A Glance
9 EXT DC power-input connector 3 Fuse Holder (behind door) (functional only when Battery option is 4 Auxiliary connector (reserved) installed) 10 Main ~ Power switch [a] The Auxiliary connector is not installed on standard production units. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 35: Operating The Counter
– Offsetting a Frequency Measurement – Measuring Power – Measuring Relative Power – Offsetting a Power Measurement – Using Power Correction – Setting the Measurement Rate – Setting the Number of Averages – Setting the Resolution Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 36 The following legend defines the meanings of the icons used throughout this chapter. Legend 1 Press key one time 3 Result 7 Indicator off and release 4 Auto operation 8 Indicator on 2 Multiple key presses 5 Connect signal 9 Indicator flashing 6 Disconnect signal Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 37: Turning The Counter On
34), and then press and release the POWER button on the front panel. POWER Ch 12 Rel Freq Offset Ext Rel Hold Avg On Rate Rmt SRQ Watts Rel Pwr Standby Error Offset Shift Ch 2 Freq Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 38: Turning The Display Backlight Off Or On
You can toggle the backlight off and on by pressing the Shift key and then the On/Off (Clear) key, as shown below. Ch 2 Freq Shift Shift On/Off Ch 2 Freq Clear Ch 2 Freq Shift Shift On/Off Ch 2 Freq Clear Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 39: Using The Menu
NOTE Counter can operate from the batteries by turning off the display backlight. Using the Menu The Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Counter has one menu that you use to control a number of the Counter’s features and functions. Displaying the Menu To display the Menu, press the Shift key and then the Menu (Reset/Local) key, as shown below.
Page 40 Menu (unless you’ve used the Menu to change another setting since you turned the Counter on), you don’t have to use (up-arrow) key or the (down-arrow) key to get to it. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 41 Both keys nullify any changes you made to the current menu option, but they do not affect any changes to other menu options. The Clear key terminates the current menu session, but the Reset/Local key does not. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 42 Getting Started Setting the Serial Port Baud Rate (Menu Example) Ch 2 Freq Shift Shift Menu Reset/ Local Ch 2 Freq Enter Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 43: Selecting The Input Channel
Getting Started Selecting the Input Channel You can toggle between Channels 1 and 2 by pressing the Chan Select key. Ch 1 Freq Chan Select Ch 2 Freq Chan Select Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 44: Measuring Frequency
The Channel 2 input path circuits contain sensitive GaAs semiconductors. To NOTE prevent damage to these components, always adhere to standard ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) prevention procedures, and ensure that the maximum power specification for this channel (+27 dBm) is not exceeded. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 45 2 Avoid dropping or striking either portion of the connector. If the connector becomes contaminated, it can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or other suitable cleaning implement. ® [a] Planar Crown is a registered trademark of Weinschel Corp. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 46: Measuring Relative Frequency
NOTE to take measurements. You can vary the speed at which measurements are taken by varying the settings for Rate and Resolution (see “Setting the Measurement Rate” and “Setting the Resolution” on pages 59 and 61). Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 47: Offsetting A Frequency Measurement
When you are entering a value for Frequency Offset (or Power Offset), NOTE you can use the Reset key to restore all of the displayed digits to zero. These are the only two functions in which the Reset key has this effect. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 48 Getting Started Ch 2 Freq Ch 2 Freq Offset Offset On/Off Ch 2 Freq Shift Offset Shift Freq Offset Freq Rate Offset Freq Offset Freq Offset Ch 2 Freq Enter Offset Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 49: Measuring Power (Channel 2 Only)
Getting Started Measuring Power (Channel 2 Only) The Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Counter can measure signal power (in the same frequency ranges as for frequency measurements) on Channel 2. The example procedure for measuring power in the following diagram assumes that the Counter has previously been set up to measure a 25 GHz input on Channel 2.
Page 50: Selecting The Unit Of Measurement For Power
The Channel 2 input path circuits contain sensitive GaAs semiconductors. To CAUTION prevent damage to these components, always adhere to standard ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) prevention procedures, and ensure that the maximum power specification for this channel (+27.00 dBm) is not exceeded. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 51: Measuring Relative Power
The Power Offset and Relative Power functions can be used simultaneously. NOTE To display an offset power measurement, you need to set the value and sign (+/–) of the offset and to turn the Power Offset function on. In the following diagram, Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 52 However, the order doesn’t matter, so you can also enter the offset value first, and then turn the offset function on. Ch 2 Freq Rel Pwr Ch 2 Freq Offset On/Off Offset Ch 2 Freq Shift Offset Shift Offset Offset Offset Offset Ch 2 Freq Enter Offset Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 53: Using Power Correction
Therefore, a graph of a power-correction profile would show a “curve” that consists of two to nine straight-line segments, rather than a true curve, as shown below. F r e q u e n c y Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 54 (from the Menu) for the range of frequencies being measured. This means that you must select a different profile whenever the measured frequency moves outside the range of frequencies defined by the data points in the currently selected profile. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 55 1 GHz, and 0.0 dB loss at the highest frequency the Counter can measure (20 GHz for the 53150A, 26.5 GHz for the 53151A, or 46 GHz for the 53152A). The remaining eight data points contain values of 0.0 dB loss at 0.0 GHz.
Page 56 Ch 2 Freq Ch 2 Freq Shift Shift Menu Reset/ Local Ch 2 Freq Enter Shift When Power Correction is enabled, a lower-case letter “c” is displayed in the NOTE hundredths position of the power display. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 57 Getting Started Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 58 Since Power Correction is intended primarily to correct for loss, loss values are entered as positive numbers. To enter values for gain, use the Sign key (+/–) to change the sign of the value you enter. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 59: Setting The Measurement Rate
The measurement rate determines how frequently the Counter takes measurements. You can set the measurement rate to FAST, MED (medium), SLOW, or HOLD (single measurement taken each time you press the Reset/Local key). Ch 2 Freq Rate Ch 2 Freq Enter Hold Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 60: Setting The Number Of Averages
99. Note that the tens position (10 through 90) and the units position (0 through 9) are adjusted separately, and that you cannot set the number of averages to zero. Ch 1 Freq Ch 1 Freq Enter Avg On Ch 1 Freq Enter Avg On Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 61: Setting The Resolution
As shown in the procedure in the diagram on the next page, the available resolution settings are 1 Hz (the default setting), 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, 100 KHz, and 1 MHz. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 62 Getting Started Ch 2 Freq Resol Ch 2 Freq Enter Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 63 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter Operating Guide Operating Your Frequency Counter Introduction How this Counter Works for You Summary of the Measurement Sequence Using the Selection Keys Using the Clear and Reset/Local Keys Other Function Selection Keys Measuring Frequency Setting the Resolution and Measurement Rate...
Page 64: Operating Your Frequency Counter
Operating Your Frequency Counter Introduction This chapter contains information and usage procedures for the front-panel keys, operating functions, and menus of the Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter. Chapter Summary – How this Counter Works for You pg. 65 – Summary of the Measurement Sequence pg.
Page 65: How This Counter Works For You
– Automatically displays measurement(s) when you have selected a measurement function. – Accepts your entry for a menu item when you press the Enter key. You must press the Enter key to complete each setting and/or selection. – Saves user configuration settings. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 66: Summary Of The Measurement Sequence
9 If you intend to operate the counter remotely using the GPIB, use the GPIB (Shift + Resol) key to configure the GPIB. 10 If you intend to operate the counter remotely using the serial interface, use the Menu (Shift + Reset/Local) key to adjust the serial port Baud rate. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 67: Using The Selection Keys
– Press the up- or down-arrow key to move through the list of available settings for a function. Pressing either of these keys repeatedly cycles through the list of settings. – Press the Sign (+/–) key to change the sign of numeric values. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 68: Numeric Entry
– Press the Sign (+/–) key to change the sign of the numeric value. – Press the Enter key to complete a numeric entry. (If you change the value of a numeric entry, but you forget to press the Enter key, the value of the entry is not changed.) Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 69: Changing States
– Measurement Rate (Rate key) – Fast (FAST) – Medium (MED) – Slow (SLOW) – Hold (HOLD) – Resolution (Resol key) – 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, 100 KHz, 1 MHz Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 70 Enter key, the setting of the function is not changed.) The Sign key has no function and is ignored in menu selections and front-panel NOTE functions that have state-change selections only. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 71: Using The Clear And Reset/Local Keys
Counter into Local Mode and enables all of the front-panel controls. Acknowledging Messages When a message is displayed, press the Reset/Local key, the Clear key, or the Enter key (after reading the message) to acknowledge it and erase it from the display. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 72: Other Function Selection Keys
On/Off / Clear key. – Channel selection (Chan Select). Press Chan Select to switch between the two input channels. – Display power measurement (Display Power). Press Display Power to turn the power-measurement function on and off. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 73 – Relative power measurement (Rel Pwr). Press Shift, and then press the Rel Pwr (Offset On/Off) key to measure the difference in power between the current measurement and the measurement taken at the time you pressed the Rel Pwr key. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 74: Measuring Frequency
Channel 2 input. Note that the Ch 2 and Freq annunciators are activated. 3 Connect an input signal to Channel 2. CHANNEL 2 50 MHz to 20 GHz DAMAGE +27 dBm Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 75 If a signal is presently applied to the Channel 1 input, the measured frequency is then displayed. If no signal is applied, CH1 NO SIGNAL is displayed until an input signal is connected to the Channel 1 input connector. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 76: Setting The Resolution And Measurement Rate
As a result, the flash rate of the Gate indicator changes when you change the resolution. The numerals shown for the value of the measurement are displayed in four groups of three digits, as shown below (the leading zero is suppressed): Ch 2 Freq Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 77 Counter requires to complete a measurement. Measurements made at the Counter’s maximum resolution setting (1 Hz) are noticeably slower than at lower resolutions. This is especially noticeable when the Counter is set to average a number of measurements. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 78: Setting The Measurement Rate
Gate indicator. There is no annunciator on the display for the rate setting, unless you set the rate to HOLD. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 79 4 If you set the rate to HOLD, press the Reset/Local key to initiate a measurement. Hold The Counter displays the MEASURING message while it computes the measurement, and then displays the result. Press the Reset/Local key again each time you want to take an additional measurement. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 80: Setting The Number Of Averages
2 Press the up-arrow or down-arrow key to decrease or increase the value for the units position of the number of averages. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 81 This continues until you change the setting for the number of averages or disable averaging (by setting the number of averages to 0). Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 82 SLOW, MED, or HIGH. When the measurement rate is set to HOLD, the Counter performs a block-average computation instead of a running-average computation. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 83: Measuring Relative Frequency
The value displayed when the Counter acquires the second signal is the frequency difference between the two signals. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 84: Offsetting A Frequency Measurement
2 Press the Shift key, and then press the Freq Offset (Rate) key. The Shift annunciator activates when you press the Shift key. When you press the Freq Offset key, the Shift annunciator disappears, and the Freq Offset annunciator at the left side of the display activates. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 85 When you are entering a value for Frequency Offset (or Power Offset), NOTE you can use the Reset key to restore all of the displayed digits to zero. These are the only two functions in which the Reset key has this effect. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 86 Counter displays the difference between the LO’s frequency and the target frequency. You can then adjust the LO until the Counter displays a value of zero. The maximum value that can be entered for Frequency Offset is NOTE ± 49,999,999,999 Hz. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 87: Measuring Power
Operating Your Frequency Counter Measuring Power The Keysight 53150A/151A/152A can also measure signal power (in the same frequency ranges as for frequency measurements) on Channel 2. The power measurement, which is shown in a dedicated area of the display, includes a digital readout and an analog representation that is useful when peaking signals.
Page 88 W, mW, or μW, as shown below: Ch 12 Freq Watts When the power of a signal applied to the Channel 2 input exceeds the NOTE maximum rated power for the instrument, the Counter displays HI. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 89: Measuring Relative Power
The value displayed when the Counter acquires the second signal is the power difference between the two signals. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 90: Offsetting A Power Measurement
Pwr Offset key, the Shift annunciator and the frequency display disappear, the Pwr Offset annunciator at the left side of the display activates, and the power offset value is set to 00.00, as shown below: Ch 12 Rel Freq Watts Offset Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 91 When you are entering a value for Power Offset (or Frequency Offset), NOTE you can use the Reset key to restore all of the displayed digits to zero. These are the only two functions in which the Reset key has this effect. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 92: Using Power Correction
1 GHz, and 0.0 dB loss at the highest frequency the Counter can measure (20 GHz for the 53150A, 26.5 GHz for the 53151A, or 46 GHz for the 53152A). The remaining eight data points contain values of 0.0 dB loss at 0.0 GHz. When entering data, you can change the values in an existing data point or enter new values in a data point that currently has zero values.
Page 93: Power Correction Theory Of Operation
Counter never computes or applies a correction that would be indicative of gain. Conversely, if there are two or more data points that contain gain values (negative loss values), the Counter never applies a correction that would be indicative of loss. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 94: Increasing Profile Accuracy
Correction examples on the following pages. The first example, on page 95, shows how to select a power-correction profile and enable Power Correction and also shows how to disable Power Correction. The second example, on page 97, shows how to enter data in the power-correction profiles. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 95 1 GHz and 0.0 dB loss at the highest frequency the Counter can measure (20 GHz for the 53150A, 26.5 GHz for the 53151A, or 46 GHz for the 53152A). The remaining eight data points in each of the profiles initially contain values of 0.0 dB loss at 0.0 GHz.
Page 96 You should select the power-correction profile with the left-arrow key if you are done working with the power-correction settings, but you want to change settings for other functions in the Menu. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 97 In the example shown above, only the first annunciator is activated, which indicates that the values displayed are for data point 1, the lowest data point. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 98 00.0 dB loss at 1.0 GHz and 00.0 dB loss at the highest frequency the Counter can measure (20 GHz for the 53150A, 26.5 GHz for the 53151A, or 46 GHz for the 53152A). The remaining data points contain values of 00.0 dB loss at 00.0 GHz.
Page 99 8 Use the left- and right-arrow keys to navigate to the remaining digits in the loss setting, and adjust their values (if necessary) with the up- and down-arrow keys. 9 Press the Sign (+/–) key to change the sign of the loss value (if necessary). Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 100 If the Counter ever requires repair, and the main circuit-board assembly is replaced, these stored values will be lost. Therefore, to protect these values and ensure they are available for future use, you should keep an external record of them. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 101: Using The Menu
Operating Your Frequency Counter Using the Menu The Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Counter’s Menu makes it easy to control a number of the Counter’s features and functions. You use the Selection (arrow) keys to navigate to the setting you want to change and then to actually make the changes.
Page 102 – CH1 LPF — Turns the Channel 1 Low-Pass Filter (approx. 50 KHz) ON or OFF. – RECALL — Reads and implements a stored set of user settings from one of nine (0 – 9) that are stored in non-volatile memory. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 103 You navigate to and adjust the remaining settings available in the Menu in the same manner. Each time you modify a setting and press the Enter key, the Menu closes, so you have to reinvoke it each time to change additional settings. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 104 The available settings are EXT (external) and INT (internal), and the default setting is INT. When REF OSC is set to internal (INT), the Counter outputs a 10 MHz, 1 V p-p NOTE signal on the Reference connector on the back panel. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 105 Standby hours. This information is useful for scheduling routine maintenance and calibration. For additional information on maintenance and calibration, see the Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Assembly-Level Service Guide. Model Number, Firmware Version, Serial Number, and Option Codes This menu item displays a series of numbers and codes that are used to identify the Counter, its software version number, and the options that are installed.
Page 106 The option-code display lists the code number for each of the installed options. For example, in a Counter that has the Battery and Oven Timebase options installed, the display would show: <OPTNS 1-2- - ->. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 107 Channel 2 (Chan Select key) Power Measurement Units dBm (dBm, dB) (dBm/W key) W (W, mW, mW) Frequency Offset Off, On (FREQ Offset On/Off key) (freq. limits depend on model) Relative Frequency Off, On (Rel Freq key) Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 108 The Counter has a built-in 50 KHz low-pass filter that can be enabled from the Menu to eliminate measurement distortions that result from noise in low-frequency signals. When the low-pass filter is enabled, signals above 50 KHz cannot be measured on Channel 1. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 109 The Save and Recall functions enable faster and easier operation, reduce operator errors, and reduce training requirements. Power Correction (PWR CORR) Used to compensate for losses in the test configuration. See page 92. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 110 Operating Your Frequency Counter THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 111: Specifications
Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter Operating Guide Specifications For the specifications and characteristics of the 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter, refer to the datasheet at http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/ litweb/pdf/5966-3118E.pdf...
Page 112: 3 Specifications
Specifications THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 113: Rack Mounting The Counter
Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter Operating Guide Rack Mounting the Counter Rack Mounting the Counter...
Page 114: Rack Mounting The Counter
Unlike the hardware used elsewhere in this instrument, all hardware used to NOTE attach the rack mounts and the handle pivots is metric. 1 Rotate the handle to its vertical position, pull the ends outward, and set it aside. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 115 3 To rack-mount the Counter by itself, perform the steps shown in the following illustration. (Refer to the instructions that are provided with the Rack Adapter Kit for details.) 1 Rack Flange 3 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Counter 2 Handle Pivot 4 Panel Filler (Adapter) Assembly Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 116 5061-9694 Lock Link Kit. (Refer to the instructions that are provided with the Lock Link Kit for details.) 1 Lock Links 4 Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Counter 2 Rack Flange 5 Second Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Counter or other half-rack-size instrument 3 Handle Pivot Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 117: Messages
Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter Operating Guide Messages Overview Status Messages Self-Test Messages Error Messages...
Page 118: Overview
Messages Overview The Keysight 53150A/151A/152A provides two types of messages that are displayed on the Counter’s front panel and/or sent over the RS-232 serial interface. The first type is status messages, which are displayed during normal operation. The second type is error messages, which are sent via RS-232 and/or displayed when the Counter detects an error during the Self-Test procedure or during normal operation.
Page 119: Status Messages
Identifies the currently selected channel after you press the Chan Select key to CHANNEL 1 switch channels. CHANNEL 1 or CHANNEL 2 is displayed until the Counter can CHANNEL 2 display a measurement or determine that no signal is present. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 120: Self-Test Messages
EEPROM FAIL - SAVED SETTINGS; Invalid EEPROM The checksum of one set of user settings (1 – 9) SAV n Data. stored in EEPROM is bad. GPIB FAIL; Conf. Test The GP-IB hardware failed its confidence test. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 121: Error Messages
THRS THRU B2 HETERODYNE PATH A failure was detected in the Channel 2 THRESHOLD FAIL heterodyne-path threshold circuit. THRS HET EEPROM FAIL - WRITE A failure was detected while writing to EEPROM. EEP WRT FAIL Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 122 SERVICE FAIL become corrupted. THRU PATH FAIL A failure was detected in the through-path circuit of Channel 2. THRU FAIL VCO/COUNT CHAIN FAIL A failure was detected in the VCO or the Count Chain. VCO/CNT FAIL Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 123: Using The Battery Option
Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Microwave Frequency Counter Operating Guide Using the Battery Option Overview Operating the Counter from the Batteries Operating the Counter from a DC Power Source Replacing the Batteries Charging the Batteries Precautions...
Page 124: Overview
Counter, it must be in Standby mode.) You can also charge the batteries outside the Counter using an AC or suitable DC power source and the optional External Charger (Keysight P/N 53150-60217). Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 125: Operating The Counter From The Batteries
A battery that reads approximately 13.6 VDC when measured with a voltmeter (or the Battery Voltage reading in the menu display) is fully charged. A battery that reads 11 VDC or less is at or near the minimum effective charge level. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 126 Counter can operate from the batteries. When operating from battery power, the Counter automatically turns the backlight off after five minutes if no front-panel keys are pushed, no GPIB commands are received, and/or no signal is applied to either input during that period. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 127: Operating The Counter From A Dc Power Source
100 – 130 VAC, 50/60/400 Hz 75 VA 1.0 A T 220 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz 75 VA 250 V EXT DC RS-232 Main AC Power Indicator External DC Input Connector Figure C-2 External DC Power Socket Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 128: Replacing The Batteries
Avoid placing the battery sled and/or the batteries where the battery CAUTION terminals could contact any conductive surfaces. 4 Lift the terminal end of either or both batteries up out of the battery sled, and then pull the battery(ies) out of the sled. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 129: Installing Batteries
/6 0 /4 0 e l. /6 0 1 .0 1 Thumbscrews Battery chamber 2 Batteries Battery sled 3 Battery terminals Figure C-3 Removing and Installing Batteries Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 130 To prevent the battery sled or the terminals from binding or jamming, either turn both thumbscrews simultaneously, or alternately turn the thumbscrews one-half turn each, until the battery sled is fully inserted. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 131: Charging The Batteries
In general, it takes approximately eight hours to charge two batteries inside the instrument. The Keysight part numbers for the batteries are provided in the section titled “Accessories Supplied and Available” on page Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 132: Precautions
– Handle the batteries carefully to avoid internal damage and/or damage to the casings. Do not drop or throw the batteries or otherwise expose them to strong physical shock. – Do not incinerate the batteries or subject them to extremely high temperatures. Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 133: Index
Clear key average operating the Counter from a Connector Averages (Avg key) DC power source External Reference Averages Setting Example operating the Counter from the Contents and Organization averages-setting mode batteries cooling fan AVERAGING rechargeable batteries Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 134 Rel Freq key Error Messages Firmware Version Rel Pwr key –12V FAIL firmware version number Reset/Local key 12V FAIL Resol key –5V FAIL flash rate Selection keys ADC FAIL flashing annunciator Sign key EEP WRT FAIL Standby indicator Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 135 10 MHz reference On/Off key Do Self Test oscillator Operating Hours (OP firmware version number internal Reference Oscillator HOURS) model number internal reference oscillator operating modes navigating internal timebase Operating the Counter from a DC Operation Hours Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 136 External Reference power difference using Power Correction connector power loss using the Clear and Reset/Lo- Fuse Holder Power measurement cal keys Main Power switch power measurement using the Menu RJ12 connector Power Measurement using the selection keys Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 137 Removing the Batteries Keys Service repackaging Using the Menu Repackaging for Replacing the Batteries Using the Selection Keys Shipment Reset/Local key Setting the Measurement Rate Resol Setting the Number of Resol key version number Averages Resolution Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 138 W, mW, uW Keysight 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide...
Page 139 This information is subject to change without notice. Always refer to the Keysight website for the latest revision. © Keysight Technologies 1999 - 2017 Edition 3, August 1, 2017 Printed in Malaysia *53150-90013* 53150-90013 www.keysight.com...

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