HP 5326A Service manual

5326A/5327A
TIMER/COUNTER
OPERATING AND SERVICE MANUAL
SERIAL PREFIX:
5326A — 1136 A
5327A — 1120 A
This manual applies to HP Model 5326A having serial
prefix 1136A and HP Model 5327A having serial
prefix 1120A.
SERIAL PREFIXES NOT LISTED
For serial prefixes above 1136A (5326A) and 1120A
(5327A), a “Manual Supplement” sheet is included
with this manual. For serial prefixes below 1136A and
1120A, refer to Section VII of this manual.
Copyright HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 1972
5301 STEVENS CREEK BLVD., SANTA CLARA, CALIF. 95050
Printed: MAR 1972
THIS MANUAL PRINTED ON 100% RECYCLED PAPER
HEWLETT M PACKARD

Model 5326/27A
General Information
Figure 1-1. HP Model 5326A/5327A Timer/Counter

Model 5326/27A
General Information
SECTION I
GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1. DESCRIPTION
1-2. The Hewlett-Packard Models 5326A/5327A are
frequency counters that have a variety of functions.
The basic difference between the two models is the
addition of the prescaler assembly in the 5327A. This
assembly increases the upper frequency limit from
50 MHz to 550 MHz. The 5326A uses a high-
sensitivity, 50-ohm input amplifier in place of the
prescaler.
1-3. The instruments measure frequency, period,
period average, time interval, time interval average,
and ratio. Features include a 7-digit display (8-digits
optional), 1M ohm and 50-ohm inputs, display
storage, and blanking for insignificant digits in the
display. Decimal point and unit readouts are dis¬
played automatically with each operating selection.
Two independent input channels are provided for
time interval measurements. Each input channel has
an attenuator, trigger slope selector, level control,
ac-dc coupling, and an oscilloscope marker output.
Table 1-1 lists the electrical and mechanical
specifications.
1-4. IDENTIFICATION
1-5. Hewlett-Packard uses a two-section serial num¬
ber mounted on the rear panel. Earlier instruments
use an 8-digit serial number (000-00000). The first
three digits are a serial prefix number; the last five
digits refer to the specific instrument. Later instru¬
ments use a 9-digit serial number (0000A00000). The
first four digits are the serial prefix and the last five
digits refer to the specific instrument. If the serial
prefix of your instrument differs from that listed on
the title page of this manual, there are differences
between this manual and your instrument. Lower
serial prefixes are documented in Section VII, and
higher serial prefixes are covered with manual change
sheets included with the manual. If the change sheet
is missing, contact the nearest Hewlett-Packard Sales
and Service Office listed on the inside rear cover of
this manual.
1-6. APPLICATIONS
1-7. The 5326A/5327A Counters are particularly
adaptable to timing measurements such as pulse
width, pulse repetition frequency, and propagation
delay. The time interval average mode measures time
interval on repetitive signals with resolution better
than one nanosecond. When used with microwave
test systems, group delay, phase, and level measure¬
ments can be performed.
1-8. OPTIONS
1-9. The instrument can be ordered with the following
options: Option 001, 8-digit display; Option 002, re¬
mote programming; Option 003, digital recorder out¬
puts; and Option 004, remote programming for all
signal input conditions.
Table 1-1. Equipment Supplied
Description
HP Part. No.
Detachable Power Cord, l l A 8120-1348
ft. (231 cm) long
Rack Mounting Kit 05326-60029
Table 1-2. Accessories Available
Description
HP Part No.
Digital Recorders
5050B, 5055A
Interconnect Cable, Digital
Recorder, 6 ft. (183 cm)
562A-16C
50-ohm BNC to BNC Coaxial
Cable, 4 ft. (122 cm)
10503-6001
Circuit Board Extender,
15-pin (two required)
5060-0049
Input Amplifier Circuit Board
Extender
10532-60001
Circuit Board Extender,
18-pin
5060-2041
Extender Board Kit; includes
two 5060-0049, and one each
5060-2041, and 10532-60001
10532A
1-1

Model 5326/27A
General Information
Table 1-3.
INPUT CHANNELS A AND B
Range:
dc coupled: 0-50 MHz
ac coupled: 20 Hz - 50 MHz
Sensitivity:
0.1 V rms sine wave
0.3 V p-p pulse
8 ns minimum pulse width
Sensitivity can be decreased by 10 or 100
times, using the ATTENUATOR switch.
Impedance: 1 MO shunted by less than 25 pF
Dynamic Input Voltage Range:
0.1 to 3 V rms ac times attenuator setting
±5 Vdc times attenuator setting.
Trigger Level:
PRESET to center triggering about 0 V or
variable over the range of -3 V to +3 V times
attenuator setting. Trigger threshold band
<1.0 mV, referred to input at maximum
frequency.
Overload Protection:
250 V rms on all attenuator settings, except
25 V rms on XI above 50 kHz.
Slope:
Independent selection of positive or negative
slope.
Channel Inputs: Common or separate lines.
Marker Outputs:
Rear panel BNC’s DTL pulse, low for
approximately 2 ps after trigger point for A
and B channels.
INPUT CHANNEL C
5327A
Range:
direct: 1 kHz - 50 MHz, ac coupled
prescaled: 0-550 MHz, dc coupled
Sensitivity:
direct: 5 mV rms
prescaled: 100 mV rms
Impedance: 500 nominal
Maximum input: 5 volts rms; 7.5 volts peak
Trigger Level: 0 volts
5326A
Range: 0 to 50 MHz, dc coupled
Sensitivity:
5 mV rms
Specifications
Impedance: 500 nominal
Maximum Input: 5 volts rms; 7.5 volts peak
Trigger Level: 0 volts
CAUTION
Do not exceed voltage specification
or damage will occur.
START (Totalizing and Scaling)
Range: 0 - 10 MHz
Factor: 1 -10* selectable in decade steps
Output: Rear panel TIME BASE BNC
Display:
Channel A input divided by scaling factor
FREQUENCY
Range:
0 - 50 MHz (5326A)
0 - 550 MHz (5327A)
Input:
Channel A; channel C for direct and for
prescaled (switchable). Channel A provides
triggered frequency measurement
Gate Times: 0.1 ps to 10 s in decade steps
Accuracy:
Direct: ±1 count ± time base accuracy.
Prescaled: ±10 counts* ± time base accuracy
Display:
kHz, MHz, or GHz with positioned decimal
point
TIME INTERVAL
Range: 0.1 ps to 10 9 seconds
Input:
Channels A and B; can be common or
separate
Frequency Counted:
10 MHz to 0.1 Hz in decade steps
Accuracy:
±1 count ± time base accuracy ± trigger
error.**
Display:
ps, ms, seconds or 10’s of seconds with
positioned decimal point
TIME INTERVAL AVERAGE
Range: 0.15 ns to 10 s
Intervals Averaged:
1 -10 8 selectable in decade steps
*±10 counts of input frequency (±1 count displayed).

Model ,5326/27A
General Information
Table 1-3. Specifications (Continued)
Input:
Channels A and B; can be common or separate
Frequency Counted: 10 MHz
Minimum Time Stop to Start: 150 ns
Accuracy: ± time base accuracy ± 2 ns
(trigger error** -el00 ns)
Display: ns, /as with positioned decimal point
PERIOD
Range: 0-10 MHz
Input: Channel A
Frequency Counted:
10 MHz to 0.1 Hz in decade steps
Accuracy:
±1 count ± time base accuracy ± trigger
error.***
Display:
/as, ms, seconds or 10’s of seconds with
positioned decimal point
PERIOD AVERAGE
Range: 0 -10 MHz
Periods Averaged: 1 -10 8 selectable in
decade steps.
Input: Channel A
Frequency Counted: 10 MHz
Accuracy:
± time base accuracy ± 1 count ± trigger
error***
Display: ns, ms, with positioned decimal
point
RATIO
Display:
F A /F e xt or F C /F ex t times MULTIPLIER (M).
M = 1 to 10*, selectable in decade steps
Range:
Fa (Channel A or Channel C) 0 - 50 MHz
F ex t (External Oscillator Input) 100 Hz to
10 MHz
Mode:
Operating mode will be either FREQUENCY
A or FREQUENCY C
Accuracy:
± 1 count of F A ± trigger error of F ex t
TIME BASE
Crystal Frequency: 10 MHz
Stability:
Aging Rate: <3 parts in lOVmo.
Temperature: <±2.5 parts in I0 fi , 0° to 50°C.
Line Voltage: <±1 part in 10 T for 10% line
variation.
Short-term Fluctuation: Typically <5 parts
in 10 9 , one-second average (at con¬
stant temperature)
Oscillator Output:
10 MHz, TTL type output levels, 50Q series
impedance at rear panel BNC
External Input: 100 Hz -10 MHz; 1 V rms into IkO
Time Base Output:
Negative pulses, ±3 V to 0 V (open circuit),
typically 100 ns wide. In START, output is
10 MHz divided by TIME BASE/MULTIPLIER
switch setting. Available at rear panel BNC.
Gate Output:
TTL level pulses; low while gate open, high
while gate closed. Available at rear panel
BNC.
GENERAL
Display: 7 digits (8 optional)
Blanking:
Suppresses display of unwanted zeros left of the
most significant digit
Display Storage:
Holds reading between samples. Rear panel
switch overrides storage
♦♦ For any waveshape, trigger error is less than
00025
Signal Slope (V/ms)
***Trigger error is less than ±0.3% of one period
* periods averaged for signals with 40 dB or
better signal-to-noise ratio and 100 mV rms
amplitude.
intervals averaged
1 -

Mode) 5326/27A
General Information
Table 1-3. Specifications (Continued)
Sample Rate:
FAST position: Continuously variable from less
than 100 pts to approximately 20 ms. NORM
position: Continuously variable from less than
20 ms to approximately 5 seconds. HOLD
position: Display can be held indefinitely.
Overt low:
Neon indicates when display range is exceeded.
Operating Temperature: 0° to 50°C
Power Requirements:
115 or 230 volts ±10%, 50 to 60 Hz, 70 watts
maximum
Weight:
Net, 16 lb.(7,4 kg). Shipping, 18 lb. 16 oz(8,7 kg)
Accessories Furnished:
Power Cord, 7% ft. Rack Mount Kit.
Dl^EMSIONS
ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE
HP 10503A, 50Q BNC Cable, 4 ft (122 cm)
HP 10532A, Extender Board Kit containing 2 ea.
15-pin extender 5060-0049, 1 ea. 18-pin
extender 5060-2041, and 1 ea. Amplifier
Extender, 10532-60001
IIP10542A, Remote Programming Interface
enables interfacing between the 5326/5327
Series counter with Option 004 and 40-bit
Output Register. Includes two (2) 7-bit
Digital-to-Analog Converters for level controls
and decoding for time base and function
selector.
HP Cable 562A-16C, 6 ft. (183 cm) to connect
5326/5327 Series with Option 003 to HP 5050B
or 5055A Digital Recorder
Option 001 : 8-digit display
Option 002: Remote programming
Controls:
All front panel controls are single line program¬
mable except:
SEP-COM (separate-common) switch; the check
function is programmable
FAST/NORM Mode
Input Attenuators
AC/DC Input Signal Coupling
Control Signal:
Single line control using either contact closure to
ground or DTL drive on all lines except trigger
levels which are analog programmed (±3 Vdc)
Connector
Rear panel connector: HP 1251-0085; Amphenol
57-40300-375. (36-pin blue ribbon).
Mating connector: HP 1251-0084; Amphenol
57-30360-375
Option 003: Digital output (for numerals and
polarity only)
Code:
4-line 1-2-4-8 BCD, “1” state high. “0” state
+0.25 V at -1 tnA; “1” state: +5 V open circuit,
2.5 kQ source impedance nominal
Print Command:
+5 V to 0 V, dc coupled: occurs at end of gate.
Storage:
Buffer storage is provided so BCD output is
constant while next measurement is being
made
Inhibit Input:
Inhibits gate when instrument’s cycle time is
less than the time required for external
equipment to interrogate BCD outputs.
Positive inhibit +5 Vdc
Connector:
Rear panel connector: HP 1251-0087;
Amphenol 57-40500-375 (50-pin blue ribbon).
Mating connector: HP 1251-0086; Amphenol
57-30500-375
Option 0G4: Remote Programming including
all signal input conditions.
Controls:
All front panel controls are programmable
except FAST/NORM Mode.
Control Signal:
Single line control using either contact
closure to ground or DTL drive on all lines
except trigger levels which are analog
programmable (±3 Vdc).
Connector:
Rear panel connector: HP 1251-0087;
Amphenol 57-40500-375 (50-pin blue ribbon)
Mating Connector: HP 1251-0086; Amphenol
57-30500-375

Model 5326/27A
Installation
2-1. INTRODUCTION
2-2. This section contains information for unpacking,
inspection, repacking, storage, and installation. The
instructions for remote programming are also given
in this section.
2-3. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
2-4. If the shipping carton is damaged, ask that the
carrier’s agent be present when the instrument is un¬
packed. Inspect the instrument for damage (scratches,
dents, broken knobs, etc.). If the instrument is
damaged or fails to self-check (Self-Check Procedures,
Table 3-1), notify the carrier and nearest Hewlett-
Packard Sales and Service Office immediately (offices
are listed at the back of this manual). Retain the
shipping carton and padding material for the carrier’s
inspection. The sales and service office will arrange
for the repair or replacement of your instrument with¬
out waiting for the claim against the carrier to be
settled.
2-5. STORAGE AND SHIPMENT
2-6. PACKAGING. To protect valuable electronic
equipment during storage or shipment always use the
best packaging methods available. Your Hewlett-
Packard Sales and Service Office can provide packing
material such as that used for original factory pack¬
aging. Contract packaging companies in many cities
can provide dependable custom packaging on short
notice. Here are two recommended packaging-
methods:
a. RUBBERIZED HAIR. Cover painted surfaces
of instrument with protective wrapping paper. Pack
instrument securely in strong corrugated container
(350 lb/sq. in. bursting test) with 2-inch rubberized
hair pads placed along all surfaces of the instrument.
Insert fillers between pads and container to ensure a
snug fit.
b. EXCEI^SIOR. Cover painted surfaces of in¬
instrument with protective wrapping paper. Pack
instrument in strong corrugated container (350 lb/sq.
in. bursting test) with a layer of excelsior about six
inches thick packed firmly against all surfaces of the
instrument.
2-7. ENVIRONMENT. Conditions during storage and
shipment should normally be limited as follows:
a. Maximum altitude: 25,000 feet.
b. Minimum temperature: -40°F (-40°C).
c. Maximum temperature: +167°F(+75°C).
2-8. RACK INSTALLATION
2-9. The counter is ready for bench operation as
shipped from the factory. Additional parts necessary
for rack mounting are packaged with the instrument.
To convert to rack installation, proceed as follows:
a. Remove tilt stand.
b. Remove feet (press the foot-release button,
slide foot toward center of instrument, and lift off).
c. Remove adhesive-backed trim strips at front
end of sides.
d. Attach filler strip along bottom edge of front
panel using two screws on outer edges of filler strip.
Omit the center screw.
e. Attach flanges to front end of sides (larger
comer notch toward bottom of instrument). Instrument
is now ready to mount in standard rack.
CAUTION
Ambient temperature in rack during
operation should not exceed 122°F
(50''C). Be sure instrument position in
rack permits adequate air circulation
and that nearby equipment does not dis¬
charge hot air directly on the instrument.
2-10. POWER CONNECTION
2-11. LINE VOLTAGE. The counter may be operated
from either 115 or 230 volt (±10%) power lines with
frequencies from 50 to 60 Hz. A slide switch on the
rear panel permits quick conversion for operation
from either voltage. Insert a narrow-blade screw¬
driver in the switch slot and slide the switch to the
right for 230 volt operation (“230” marking exposed)
or to the left for 115 volt operation (“115” marking
exposed). The counter is supplied with a 115 volt
fuse; be sure to change this fuse for 230 volt operation,
see Table 2-1.
CAUTION
Before plugging instrument to ac power
line be sure slide switch is properly
positioned.
2-1

Model 5326/27A
Installation
Table 2-1. 115/230 Volt Conversion
Line Voltage
Conversion
115 Volt 230 Volt
Slide Switch Left (1.15) Right (230)
AC line Fuse 1.50 Ampere
(Slow-Blow)
(HP 2110-0304)
0.8 Ampere
(Slow-Blow)
(HP 2110-0020)
2-12. POWER CABLE. The counter is equipped with
a detachable 3-wire power cable. Proceed as follows
for installation.
a. Connect plug (3-socket connector) to ac line
jack at rear of instrument.
b. Connect plug (2-blade with round grounding
pin) to 3-wire (grounded) power outlet. Exposed
portions of instrument are grounded through the
round pin on the plug for safety; when only 2-blade
outlet is available, use connector adapter (HP Part
No. 1251-0048), then connect short wire from side of
adapter to ground.
2-13. REMOTE PROGRAMMING, OPTION 002
2-14. The following paragraphs describe remote pro¬
gramming requirements for the counter with Option
002. See Paragraph 2-33 for Option 004 programming.
2-15. Front Panel Controls
2-16. The following front-panel controls are program¬
mable:
a. FUNCTION
b. TIME BASE/MULTIPLIER
c. CHECK function
d. SLOPE
e. SAMPLE RATE and HOLD
f. LEVEL controls
g. INPUT C switch (5327A only)
h. RESET
2-17. The following front-panel controls are NOT
programmable:
a. AC/DC
b. SEP-COM
c. FAST/NORM
d. ATTEN
2-18. The trigger level controls may be remotely pro¬
grammed or the front-panel LEVEL controls may be
used. It is possible to program the LEVEL controls
without programming the remainder of the front-
panel controls. When remote programming is used,
the LEVEL controls must be set to PRESET. Display
time may be remotely programmed and/or the front-
panel controls may be used.
2-19. Remote Programming Requirements
2-20. All lines may be controlled by TTL or DTL
signals or contact closure to ground when the unit is
being remotely programmed: except the trigger levels
which are programmed by an analog level (if pro¬
grammed) and the display time line (Hold), J10 pin
35, which should NOT be pulled up to +5 V by less
than 200Q while programming.
2-21. When the unit is NOT being programmed (Ext
line high), all the lines should be left open or pulled up
to +5 V by not less than 5kO, except the trigger levels,
which should be open circuited.
2-22. Remote Programming Procedure
2-23. In order to remotely program the counter, the
following must be done:
a. Set FUNCTION switch to any function but
START or STOP.
b. Ground the EXT line at rear-panel REMOTE
PROGRAM connector J 10(17). This disables the
front panel switches. Ground is available at J 10(36).
c. Select the desired function.
d. Select the desired time base.
e. Select the slope ( + or -) for CHANNEL A and
B. This is accomplished by grounding the Slope line
for (-) and leaving it open for (+). Slope A line is
J10(28). Slope B line is J 10(29).
f. Select the trigger level for input signal.
g. Adjust the display time.
h. Manual reset is available by grounding (<.7 V)
pin 34. Check is available by grounding pin 14.
2-2