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Agilent

53131 A Universal Controller

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Agilent53131 A Universal Controller
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What it is

The Agilent 53131A is a universal counter, also referred to as a frequency counter. The instrument is designed to measure frequency, period, time interval, pulse width, duty cycle, and other signal parameters. The 53131A is rated for a maximum frequency of 225 MHz on its direct input channels.[1][2]

What do the numbers mean?

Power & electrical1

Frequency range
225 MHz (standard); up to 3.0, 5.0, or 12.4 GHz with optional Channel 3 (Option 030, 050, or 124)[1]
Accurate?

Optics & imaging2

Frequency resolution
10 digits in one second[1]
Accurate?
Time interval resolution
500 picoseconds[1]
Accurate?

Control & software1

Interface
HP-IB (standard), RS-232C serial port (talk-only, standard)[1]
Accurate?

Vintage & configurations

Documented models & variants

DesignationGenerationVintageChangesSource
53131A with Option 030Extends frequency capability to 3.0 GHz via Channel 3manualslib.com[1]
53131A with Option 050Extends frequency capability to 5.0 GHz via Channel 3manualslib.com[1]
53131A with Option 124Extends frequency capability to 12.4 GHz via Channel 3manualslib.com[1]
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What does it need to run?

Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.

  • Frequency range225 MHz (standard); up to 3.0, 5.0, or 12.4 GHz with optional Channel 3 (Option 030, 050, or 124)[1]

Where are the manuals?

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Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 53131A have a prescaler option to measure higher frequencies?

The 53131A can be equipped with an optional prescaler to extend its frequency measurement range beyond 225 MHz. One common aftermarket prescaler option covers up to 3 GHz.[3]

What time base options are available for the 53131A?

The standard time base is a low-stability oscillator. An optional high-stability time base (often an oven-controlled crystal oscillator) is available for improved accuracy and reduced drift.[1][3]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the 53131 A Universal Controller are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

  • No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the 53131 A Universal Controller are on record.

    Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement

  • The control-system platform and OS era of the 53131 A Universal Controller are not on record.

    Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records

  • No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the 53131 A Universal Controller are on record.

    Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician

  • The process node or technology generation of the 53131 A Universal Controller is not on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report

  • No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the 53131 A Universal Controller are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer

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Sources & citations

Sources (4)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
  1. [1]manualslib.commanualslib.commanualslib.com
  2. [2]HP 53131A/132A 225 MHZ PROGRAMMING MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLibmanualslib.commanualslib.com
  3. [3]Restoration of an Agilent 53131A Frequency Counter - Nashua Area Radio Societyn1fd.orgn1fd.org
  4. [4]Equipment inventory listing
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Last updated Aug 20, 2026.

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