5 Making Measurements

Counter

The 6000 Series oscilloscopes have an integrated hardware frequency counter which counts the number of cycles that occur within a period of time (known as the gate time) to measure the frequency of a signal.

The gate time for the Counter measurement is automatically adjusted to be 100 ms or twice the current time window, whichever is longer, up to 1 second.

The Counter can measure frequencies up to the bandwidth of the oscilloscope. The minimum frequency supported is 1/(2 X gate time).

The measured frequency is normally displayed in 5 digits, but can be displayed in 8 digits when an external 10 MHz frequency reference is provided at the 10 MHz REF rear panel BNC and the gate time is 1 second (50 ms/div sweep speed or greater). See (“To supply a sample clock to the oscilloscope” on

page 336.)

The hardware counter uses the trigger comparator output. Therefore, the counted channel’s trigger level (or threshold for digital channels) must be set correctly. The Y cursor shows the threshold level used in the measurement.

Any channel except Math can be selected as the source.

Only one Counter measurement can be displayed at a time.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle of a repetitive pulse train is the ratio of the positive pulse width to the period, expressed as a percentage. The X cursors show the time period being measured. The Y cursor shows the middle threshold point.

+ Width

Duty cycle = ------------------- X 100

Period

Frequency

Frequency is defined as 1/Period. Period is defined as the time between the middle threshold crossings of two consecutive, like-polarity edges. A middle threshold crossing must also travel

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Agilent Technologies 6000 Series manual Counter, Duty Cycle, Frequency
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6000 Series specifications

Agilent Technologies has long been recognized as a leader in the field of electronic measurement and test equipment, and the Agilent 6000 Series oscilloscopes exemplify this commitment to innovation and quality. Designed for both professional engineers and researchers, the 6000 Series offers a comprehensive suite of features that enhance usability, accuracy, and efficiency in various applications.

At the heart of the Agilent 6000 Series is its advanced architecture, which integrates a high-performance analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a sophisticated digital signal processing engine. This combination enables users to capture fast, high-resolution signals with remarkable accuracy, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive to telecommunications.

One of the standout features of the 6000 Series is its bandwidth options, which typically range from 100 MHz to 500 MHz. This flexibility allows users to select an oscilloscope that best fits their specific needs. Coupled with a sampling rate of up to 4 GSa/s, the 6000 Series offers exceptional timing resolution, ensuring that even the most fleeting signals are accurately represented.

The user interface of the 6000 Series is designed for maximum efficiency. The oscilloscopes are equipped with a large, high-resolution display, enabling users to view complex waveforms in detail. Furthermore, the touch screen interface provides a level of interactivity that simplifies navigation through various functions, making it accessible for both seasoned professionals and novices alike.

Additionally, the 6000 Series incorporates advanced triggering capabilities, allowing users to isolate specific events in their signals easily. The wide array of available triggering options includes edge, pulse width, and serial triggering formats, which are vital for analyzing complex digital communications.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Agilent 6000 Series is its built-in measurement and analysis tools. The oscilloscopes come equipped with automated measurements, enabling users to quickly gather important data about their signals without manual calculations. This reduces the time spent on testing and increases overall productivity.

In terms of connectivity, the 6000 Series includes USB and LAN interfaces, providing easy data transfer and integration with other devices. The inclusion of advanced software options further enhances data analysis capabilities, enabling users to perform extensive post-acquisition analysis.

In summary, Agilent Technologies' 6000 Series oscilloscopes represent a blend of cutting-edge features, user-friendly design, and high-performance technologies, making them an invaluable tool for engineers and scientists engaged in electronic measurements and analysis. Their versatility and power make them well-suited to meet the demands of modern engineering challenges.
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