Assembly-Level
Service Guide
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Assembly-LevelService Guide
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Contents
Preface
How to Use This Guide
Description of the 225 MHz Counters
Options
HP 53131A/132A Complete Performance Tests
Test 1: Time Interval (HP 53131A/132A Only)
Test 2: Trigger Level (HP 53131A/132A Only)
Test 3: Channels 1 and 2 Frequency Sensitivity
(HP 53131A/132A Only)
Test 5: Option 030/050/124 Channel 3 Frequency
Sensitivity (HP 53131A/132A Only)
Test 6: Option 030/050/124 Channel 3 Frequency
Accuracy (HP 53131A/132A Only)
Test 7: Peak Volts, Channels 1 and 2 (HP 53131A/132A
HP 53181A Complete Performance Tests
Test 1: Trigger Level (HP 53181A Only)
Test 2: Channel 1 Frequency Sensitivity (HP 53181A
Test 3: Channel 1 Frequency Accuracy (HP 53181A
Test 4: Option 015/030/050/124 Channel 2 Frequency
Service
Returning the Instrument to Hewlett-Packardfor
Service
About the HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu
The HP 53131A/132A Calibration Procedures
About the HP 53181A Calibration Menu
The HP 53181A Calibration Procedures
Pre-TroubleshootingInformation
Troubleshooting the Counter
3 Replacing Assemblies
Tools Required
Do This First
To Remove the Cover
To Remove the Front Bezel
Retrofitting Options
To Retrofit A3 1.5/3.0/5.0/12.4 GHz Channel Assembly (Option 015/030/050/124)
To Retrofit A5 DC Power Input Assembly (Option
To Retrofit A6 High Stability Timebase Assembly
To Retrofit the Rear Terminals (Option 060)
Backdating
Manual Changes
Older Instruments
Backdating Hardware
Backdating Firmware
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Preface
Instruments Covered by this Guide
Assembly-LevelService Guide Organization
How to Order Guides
HP 53131A
HP 53132A
HP 53181A
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NOTE
Hardware
Support
Accessories Supplied
Accessories Available
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Introduction
Operational Verification
Complete Performance Tests
Optional HP-IBVerification
For HP 53131A/132A
Counters
For HP 53181A
Equipment Required
Table 1-1.Recommended Test Equipment
HP 53131A/132A/181A Operational Verification
Power-OnSelf Tests
1 Inspect the Counter for any damage
2 Make sure no cables are connected to the input channels (rear
and front panels) of the Counter
5Verify that the following happens:
•SELFTST: PASS is displayed
HP-IB
AT n
Freq
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Run Self Test
1Disconnect the input signals from the Counter
Power down (turn off the Counter), press and hold
Recall (Utility)
3Press Recall key until TEST: ALL ? is displayed
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External Arm Test (HP 53131A/132A Only)
1 Set the Pulse Generator to the following:
2 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure
Pulse Generator
Figure 1-3.External Arm Test Setup (HP 53131A/132A Only)
Set the HP 8663A to output a 200 MHz, 100 mV sine wave signal to
Channel
On the Counter, Press Run key
Send a single pulse by pressing the MAN key on the HP 8130A, and
observe that with each press the Gate annunciator flashes
1 MHz External Timebase Input (HP 53131A and HP 53181A Only)
1 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure
Figure 1-4.External Timebase Test Setup
2Cycle the POWER key to preset the Counter
Set Synthesizer #1 (i.e., the HP 3325B connected to the
5 MHz External Timebase Input (HP 53131A and HP 53181A Only)
Change the frequency of Synthesizer # 1, which is connected to the Counter’s
2On the Counter, press Run key
10 MHz External Timebase Input (HP 53131A and HP 53181A Only)
Change the frequency of Synthesizer #1, which is connected to the Counter’s
10 MHz External Timebase Input for the HP 53132A
1Connect the equipment as shown in Figure
Set Synthesizer #1 (i.e., the HP 3325B that is connected to the
Mark Pass or Fail in the HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record on
5Disconnect the test setup
HP 53131A/132A Complete Performance Tests
The specifications of the HP 53131A/132A Universal Counter can be
Record the results of the performance tests in the appropriate
place on HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record, which starts
on page
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Connect the pulse generator signal to Channel 1 of the Counter as shown in
HP53131A/132Pulse Generator
Figure 1-5.Time Interval (Channel 1 TO 2) Test Setup
2 Set the Pulse Generator to the following:
3On the Counter, Press Single/Stop key
Test 2: Trigger Level (HP 53131A/132A Only)
2Set CHANNEL 1 input conditions to:
Trigger/Sensitivity, LEVEL: 0.000V 50Ω/1MΩ, 50Ω
3Set CHANNEL 2 input conditions to:
Connect the output of the HP 3325B to Channel 1 of the Counter as shown in
HP 53131A/132A Synthesizer
Figure 1-6.Trigger Level Test Setup
2Set the HP 3325B to output a 1 MHz, 80 mVp-psquare wave signal
3Set the HP 3325B DC OFFSET to −60 mV
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100 kHz to 100 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A
Figure 1-7.Channels 1 and 2 Frequency Sensitivity Test Setup
2Set the HP 8663A Signal Generator to output a 100 MHz
−35.0 dBm sine wave signal (−20.0 dBm for Option 060 Rear
Terminals) to the Counter’s Channel 1 input
3On the Counter, press Run key
In 0.1 dB steps, increase the power level until the Counter displays a
100 MHz to 200 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A
Increase the power level by 0.1 dB steps until the Counter displays a
4Sweep the signal generator frequency from 200 MHz to 100 MHz
5Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 3)
6Connect the signal generator to Channel
8Repeat steps 1 through 4 for Channel
9Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 4)
200 MHz to 225 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A
4Sweep the signal generator frequency from 225 MHz to 200 MHz
5Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 3, Line 5)
Test 4: Channels 1 and 2 Frequency Accuracy (HP 53131A/132A Only)
2Using the Gate & ExtArm key, set the gate time to TIME 1.000 s
Figure 1-8.Channels 1 and 2 Frequency Accuracy Test Setup
2Set the Signal Generator to output 1 MHz at −7 dBm
Change the signal generator frequency to 100 MHz
Change the signal generator frequency to 200 MHz
Change the signal generator frequency to 225 MHz
11Connect the signal generator to Channel
12On the Counter, press Freq & Ratio key until Frequency 1 is displayed
Test 5: Option 030/050/124 Channel 3 Frequency Sensitivity (HP
53131A/132A Only)
2Set the Counter as follows: Freq & Ratio, FREQUENCY
100 MHz to 2.5 GHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A Option 030 only
2.7 to 3.0 GHz Sensitivity for Option 030 only
200 MHz to 5.0 GHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A
(Option 050 only)
200 MHz to 12.4 GHz Sensitivity for HP 53131A/132A
(Option 124 only)
Test 6: Option 030/050/124 Channel 3 Frequency Accuracy
Freq & Ratio, FREQUENCY
Gate & ExtArm, TIME: TIME 1.000 s
1Connect equipment as shown in Figure
(NOTE: For Options 050 and 124, skip steps 2 through 5. Proceed to step 6.)
Set the HP 8340B to output 3.0 GHz at
Set the HP 8340B to output 5.0 GHz at
10Set the HP 8340B to output 12.4 GHz at −17 dBm. (This step is for
Option 124 only.)
Test 7: Peak Volts, Channels 1 and 2 (HP 53131A/132A Only)
2Press Other Meas key until VOLT PEAKS 1 is displayed
3Set CHANNEL 1 input to:
50Ω/1MΩ, 50Ω
4Set CHANNEL 2 input to:
HP 53131A/132ASynthesizer
Figure 1-10.Peak Volts Test Setup
2Set the HP 3325B to output a 2 MHz, 2 Vp-psine wave
Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 7, Line 1a)
Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 7, Line 1b)
Remove the signal from Channel 1 of the Counter and connect it
to Channel
Press Other Meas key until VOLT PEAK 2 is displayed
(Test 7, Line 2a)
(Test 7, Line 2b)
HP 53131A/132A HP-IBVerification Program (Optional)
Load “VER31”
RUN
2Follow the instructions displayed in the computer’s screen
After running this program, record the result (Pass or Fail) on the last page
HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record (Page 1 of 6)
HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record (Page 2 of 6)
HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record (Page 3 of 6)
HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record (Page 4 of 6)
HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record (Page 5 of 6)
HP 53131A/132A Performance Test Record (Page 6 of 6)
HP 53181A Complete Performance Tests
HP 53181A Frequency Counter
place on HP 53181A Performance Test Record, which starts on
page
Table 1-3.The HP 53181A Performance Tests
Test 1: Trigger Level (HP 53181A Only)
2Set CHANNEL 1 input condition to:
HP 53181ASynthesizer
Figure 1-11.Trigger Level Test Setup
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Test 2: Channel 1 Frequency Sensitivity (HP 53181A Only)
100 kHz to 100 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53181A
Figure 1-12.Channels 1 Frequency Sensitivity Test Setup
Set the HP 8663A Signal Generator to output a 100 kHz
Channel 1 input
Sweep the frequency from 100 kHz to 100 MHz
For Option 060, sweep frequencies from 100 kHz to 225 MHz
5Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 2, Line 1)
100 MHz to 200 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53181A
1Change the signal generator settings to 110 MHz at −30 dBm
3Sweep the signal generator frequency from 100 MHz to 200 MHz
4Record the actual reading in the Performance Test Record (Test 2, Line 2)
200 MHz to 225 MHz Sensitivity for HP 53181A
Test 3: Channel 1 Frequency Accuracy (HP 53181A Only)
2Using the Gate & ExtArm key, set gate time to TIME 1.000 s
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Test 4: Option 015/030/050/124 Channel 2 Frequency Sensitivity
100 MHz to 1.5 GHz Sensitivity for Option 015 Only
Increase the power level in 1 dB steps until the Counter reads
500 MHz
Sweep the frequencies from 100 MHz to 1.5 GHz
(Test 4, Line 1)
100 MHz to 2.7 GHz Sensitivity for Option 030 Only
2.8to 3.0 GHz Sensitivity for Option 030 Only
200 MHz to 5.0 GHz Sensitivity for Option 050 only
200 MHz to 12.4 GHz Sensitivity for Option 124 only
Test 5: Option 015/030/050/124 Channel 2 Frequency Accuracy (HP
53181A Only)
100 MHz to 1.5 GHz Accuracy Test for Option
MEASURE/Freq & Ratio, FREQUENCY
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Test 5: Option 015/030/050/124 Channel 2 Frequency Accuracy (HP 53181A Only)
Change the synthesized signal generator’s frequency to 1.5 GHz
Record the actual reading in the Performance Test (Test 5, Line 2)
Minimum to Maximum Accuracy Test for Options
030/050/124
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Figure 1-16.Peak Volts Test Setup
Record the actual readings in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line a)
Record the actual readings in the Performance Test Record (Test 6, Line b)
3Disconnect the test setup
HP 53181A HP-IBVerification Program (Optional)
Load “VER81”
HP 53181A Performance Test Record (Page 1 of 4)
HP 53181A Performance Test Record (Page 2 of 4)
HP 53181A Performance Test Record (Page 3 of 4)
HP 53181A Performance Test Record (Page 4 of 4)
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Returning the Instrument to
About the HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu
The HP 53131A/132A Calibration Procedures
About the HP 53181A Calibration Menu
The HP 53181A Calibration Procedures
Returning the Instrument to Hewlett-Packardfor Service
To Provide Repair Information
1Write the following information on a tag:
2Attach the tag to the instrument
3Pack the instrument
To Pack in the Original Packaging Materials
3Make sure one of the polystyrene block is in its proper position in the box
4Place the instrument, front panel end first, on the polystyrene block
7Seal the shipping container securely
To Pack in the Commercially Available Materials
Wrap the instrument in heavy paper or plastic
Place the instrument in a strong shipping container
Protect the control panel with cardboard
Add a layer of shock-absorbingmaterial
About the HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu
Overview of the HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu
Scale & Offset
CAL SECURE
CAL UNSECURE)
CAL: OFFS 1 / 2
GAIN 1 / 2
CAL: TI QUIK
The HP 53131A/132A Calibration Menu Tree
key to access this menu. This menu does not exist in early versions
(firmware revisions 3317, 3335, and 3402) of the HP 53131A/132A
In the early versions of the Counter, the CAL: menu item resides
in the Utility menu, and there is no calibration security
CAL UNSECURE
1Press and hold Scale & Offset key, then cycle POWER key
2Press Scale & Offset key until CODE: is displayed
Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code “
CAL UNSECURE is displayed
Press any one of the arrow keys until your calibration choice (that is
CAL: OFFS2
CAL: GAIN 1
CAL: GAIN 2
CAL: TI QUIK
Notes Pertaining to CAL: TI QUIK
Advantage:
Disadvantage:
Input signal:
Timebase:
Equipment and Counter Setup: See Figure
Figure 2-1.Calibration Setup for CAL: TI FINE
Out of HP 8130A, into HP 59992A J06 Calibrator Signal:
Press and hold Scale & Offset key, then cycle POWER key
Press Scale & Offset key until CODE: is displayed
Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code, then
press Enter key
To Change to a New Security Code
2Press Scale & Offset key until CAL COUNT? is displayed
Press any one of the entry keys (arrow
2Press Scale & Offset key until HELP: CAL? is displayed
3Press any one of the arrow keys until your help choice (that is
HELP: CAL?, HELP: SECURE?, HELP: CODE?) is displayed
The HP 53131A/132A Calibration Procedures
Press and hold Recall (Utility) key, then cycle POWER key
REV: n
then
perform the calibration procedures in Chapter 6, “Backdating.”
3 Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code
Press g key four times
Press d key five times
Press g key once, and then press d key three times
Press g key once, and then press d key once
display OFFS 1 PASS
To calibrate Channel 2, press any one of the arrow keys until
CAL: OFFS 2 ? is displayed
is displayed
display OFFS 2 PASS
To Calibrate the Gain for Channels 1 and
1Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: GAIN 1 ? is displayed
2Press Enter key
3Connect a BNC tee connector to Channel 1 of the Counter
Connect the Counter, dc power supply, and digital multimeter as shown in
To calibrate the gain for Channel 2, connect the input or the
BNC Tee to Channel 2 of the Counter
Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: GAIN 2 ? is displayed
Press Enter key again
display GAIN 2 PASS
CAL: TI QUIK? Calibration
1Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: TI QUIK? is displayed
HP53131A/132A Pulse Generator
Figure 2-3.Calibration Setup for CAL: TI QUIK
4Set the HP 8130A as follows: PERIOD: 100 ns
TI CAL PASS
6Disconnect the calibration setup
CAL: TI FINE? Calibration
Figure 2-4.Calibration Setup for CAL: TI FINE
2 Set the HP 8130A as follows:
3 Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: TI FINE? is displayed
Note the Counter display message prompts you to press buttons
on the HP 59992A J06 Calibrator for each part of a four-part
calibration
House Standard
10 MHz Reference
Figure 2-5.Standard Timebase Calibration Setup
With an insulated tuning tool, turn the
OSC Adjust
To Calibrate the High Stability Timebase Option
(Medium, High, or Ultra-High)
Allow the Counter to warm up for approximately 24 hours before
performing this calibration
1 Connect the output of a 10 MHz house standard to Channel 1 of
About the HP 53181A Calibration Menu
Overview of the HP 53181A Calibration Menu
CAL: OFFS 1?, GAIN 1
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The HP 53181A Calibration Menu Tree
BAD CODE
Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code, then press
To Change to New the Security Code
The HP 53181A Calibration Procedures
To Calibrate the Offset for Channel
3Press the appropriate arrow keys to enter the security code
a.Press key four times
b.Press key five times
key once, and then press
key three times
key once
key eight times
4Press Scale & Offset key until CAL: OFFS 1 ? is displayed
To Calibrate the Gain for Channel
2Press Enter key
key
3Connect a BNC tee connector to Channel 1 of the HP 53181A
4Connect the Counter, dc power supply, and digital multimeter shown in Figure
8Disconnect the calibration setup
Figure 2-7.Standard Timebase Calibration Setup
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Pre-TroubleshootingInformation
Safety Considerations
Recommended Test Equipment
Repair Considerations
Electrostatic Discharge
ENSURE that
DO NOT wear clothing subject to
4DO NOT handle components or assemblies in carpeted areas
After Service Considerations
Product Safety Checks
RESISTANCE CHECKS DESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT
REQUIRE THAT THE POWER CORD BE CONNECTED TO THE
INSTRUMENT AND THAT AC POWER BE DISCONNECTED
Assembly Identification and Location
Table 2-1.HP 53131A Assembly Identification
Table 2-2.HP 53132A Assembly Identification
Table 2-3.HP 53181A Assembly Identification
Figure 2-8A.Instrument Top Internal View
Figure 2-8B.Instrument Top Internal View (Option 002)
Troubleshooting the Counter
Power Supply Check
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES ARE ON THE POWER SUPPLY
ASSEMBLY. ONLY SERVICE TRAINED AND QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL SHOULD PERFORM THE FOLLOWING
OPTIONS
Table 2-4.A4 AC Power Supply Voltages
Overview of the Self-TestRoutines
TEST LOOP: ON
OFF
TST PRINT: ON
ALL
DISP
TEST LOOP:
CPU
INTERP
KEYPAD
PRINT
Diagnosing the Faulty Assembly by Using the
Self Tests
To Run the Individual Self Tests
Press Recall (Utility) key until TEST LOOP: is displayed
Ensure that TEST LOOP:OFF is displayed
TEST LOOP: is ON
TEST LOOP to OFF
8Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each of the self tests
Figure 2-11A.HP 53131A/132A Self Test Troubleshooting Setup
Figure 2-11B.HP 53181A Self Test Troubleshooting Setup
FAIL
Table 2-5.Troubleshooting
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Tools Required
1Turn Counter off
2Remove ac line power cord from the rear ac line socket
To Remove the Cover
WHEN THE COVER IS REMOVED FROM THE INSTRUMENT
LINE VOLTAGES ARE EXPOSED WHICH ARE DANGEROUS AND
MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF TOUCHED. DISCONNECT
POWER
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6Remove A2 Display Assembly from the front bezel
Now, remove the POWER key cap by gripping and pulling it
As shown in Figure 3-7, the rubber keypads (MP6) are now free
Just pull them out of the bezel
Remove the window (MP5), shown in Figure 3-7,by pressing down
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To Remove the Rear Terminals (Option 060)
2 Unsolder the lead-endof the cables from their appropriate ground
and input pads on the A1 Motherboard Assembly (J16, J17) as
shown in Figure
INPUTS
Figure 3-13.Rear Terminals (Option 060) Removal
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To Retrofit A3 1.5/3.0/5.0/12.4 GHz Channel Assembly (Option
To Retrofit A5 DC Power Input Assembly (Option 002)
Option 002 DC Power Input Assembly Parts
Item
Qty
Preliminary Procedure
Retrofitting Procedure
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Figure 4-1D.DC Power Input Assembly Retrofitting
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To Retrofit A6 High Stability Timebase Assembly (Options 001, 010, and
Option 001 Medium Stability Timebase Assembly Parts
*Option 010 High Stability Timebase Assembly Parts
*Option 012 Ultra-HighStability Timebase Assembly Parts
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Option 060 Rear Terminals Parts
rear terminals only
front terminals only
Figure 4-3A.Plug Removal for Rear Terminals Retrofitting
2 for HP 53181A) as shown in Figure 4-3B
Figure 4-3B.Rear Terminals Retrofitting
Insert the connector-endof the W1, with the washers (H6) in place
on the connector, through the appropriate rear INPUTS opening
Insert and tighten the BNC nuts (H3) to secure the coaxial cables
to the rear of the chassis
Solder the lead-endof the cables to their appropriate ground and
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Table 5-1.Exchange Assemblies
Reference Designations
How To Order A Part
Parts Identification
Contacting Hewlett-Packard
By telephone:
For mail correspondence, use the address below:
Cabinet Parts and Hardware
Table 5-2.Reference Designation
Table 5-3.HP 53131A/132A/181A Replaceable Parts
Table 5-3.HP 53131A/132A/181A Replaceable Parts (continued)
Figure 5-1.HP 53131A/132A/181A Exploded View (Chassis Parts and Assemblies)
Table 5-3.HP 53131A/132A/181A Replaceable Parts (Continued)
Table 5-4.Manufacturer’s Code List
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Table 6-1.Instrument this Guide Directly Applies To
Backdating Hardware
CHANGE 1 (Below Series Prefix 3711A)
CHANGE 2 (New A3 5/12.4 GHz Prescaler Assembly)
CHANGE 3 (New TCXO boards)
b.Connect the negative lead of a voltmeter to the white wire
CHANGE 4 (Series 3710A to 3705A)
CHANGE 5 (Series 3705A to 3546A, 3548A)
CHANGE 6 (Below Series Prefix 3416A)
CHANGE 7 (Below Serial Number 3349A01906)
CHANGE 8 (Below Serial Prefix 3404A)
Backdating Firmware
CHANGE 1 (Firmware Revisions 3317, 3335, 3402, 3427)
Replace
Recall
(CAL: OFFS 1 / 2 ?, GAIN 1 / 2 ?, TIMEBAS ?, and TI 1⊕2?)
About the HP 53131A Calibration Menu
(Continued)
The HP 53131A Utility/Calibration Menu Tree
Utility
The HP 53131A Calibration Procedures
CHANGE 1 (Firmware Revisions 3317, 3335, 3402, 3427) (Continued)
To access the Utility menu, power down, and press and hold the
2Press Recall (Utility) key until CAL: OFFS 1 ? is displayed
3Press Enter key
4Connect the Counter, dc power supply, and multimeter as shown in Figure
Figure 2-1.Gain Calibration Setup
5Adjust the power supply until the multimeter displays + 5.000 V ± 0.001
9Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: GAIN 2 ? is displayed
10Press Enter key
11Press Enter key again
GAIN 2 PASS
12Disconnect the calibration setup
Equipment
HP53131APulse Generator
Figure 2-3.TI Calibration Setup
4 Set the HP 8130A as follows:
6 Disconnect the calibration setup
Figure 2-4.Standard Timebase Calibration Setup
(Medium or High)
Allow the Counter to warm up for approximately 30 minutes
before performing this calibration
2Press any one of the arrow keys until CAL: TIMEBAS? is displayed
4Press Enter key after each instruction
Backdating Specifications
CHANGE 1 (53131A, Serial Prefix 3710A and Below)
CHANGE 2 (53132A, Serial Prefix 3546A and Below)
CHANGE 3 (53181A, Serial Prefix 3711A02841 and Below)
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Instrument Inputs (Continued)
Time Base
Measurement Specifications
Measurement Specifications (Continued)
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Frequency Measurement Example:
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Measurement Definitions
Measurement Definitions (Continued)
Measurement Definitions (Continued)
Measurement Arming and Processing
Measurement Arming and Processing (Continued)
Measurement Arming and Processing (Continued)
General Information
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Index
NUMERICS
