HP / Agilent 54120A 20 GHz DIGITIZING OSCILLOSCOPE

The HP/Agilent 54120A is a 20 GHz digitizing oscilloscope engineered for high-frequency signal acquisition and analysis in research, advanced communications, and device characterization environments. With dual channels, 80 GSa/s sampling, and 2 Gpts memory depth, the instrument delivers the speed and storage capacity required for complex waveform capture. Its 8-bit vertical resolution, <17.5 ps rise time, and 0.25 ps time interval resolution enable precise timing measurements across picosecond domains. The 54120A supports multiple trigger modes—edge, pulse, pattern, state, delay, TimeQual, RS-232/UART, I2C/SPI, CAN/LIN, and USB—making it adaptable to serial protocol analysis and custom triggering requirements. Measurement capabilities span basic voltage and time parameters, statistical analysis via histograms for noise and jitter characterization, network analysis functions, and time domain reflectometry when paired with compatible test sets like the 54121A or 54124A. The instrument integrates TDR and TDT measurements with proper normalization support. A 12.1-inch color TFT display provides real-time waveform visualization, while IEEE 488.2 programmability and USB/LAN/GPIB connectivity enable automated test environments. The mainframe measures 440 mm × 240 mm × 410 mm and weighs 11 kg. Operating specifications include 0°C to 35°C temperature range, up to 90% relative humidity, and operation at altitudes to 4602 meters. Power consumption is typically 250 watts with a 450 VA maximum rating in full system configurations.

– Technical Specifications

• Bandwidth: 20 GHz
• Channels: 2 (mainframe)
• Sample Rate: Up to 80 GSa/s
• Memory Depth: Up to 2 Gpts
• Vertical Resolution: 8 bits
• Rise Time: <17.5 ps
• Input Impedance: 50 Ω
• Maximum Input Voltage: ±5 V
• Time Interval Resolution: 0.25 ps
• Time Interval Accuracy: Typically 1 ps
• Display: 12.1-inch color TFT LCD
• Dimensions: 440 mm × 240 mm × 410 mm
• Weight: 11 kg (mainframe)
• Power: Typically 250 W; 450 VA maximum
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 35°C
• Operating Humidity: Up to 90% RH at 35°C
• Operating Altitude: Up to 4602 meters

– Key Features

• Multiple trigger modes including edge, pulse, pattern, state, delay, TimeQual, and serial protocol triggers (RS-232/UART, I2C/SPI, CAN/LIN, USB)
• Statistical measurements with voltage and time histograms for noise and jitter analysis
• Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and Transmission (TDT) support with compatible test sets
• High time resolution picosecond measurements
• IEEE 488.2 programmability for automated test integration
• USB, LAN, and GPIB connectivity

– Typical Applications

• High-speed serial protocol analysis and characterization
• Jitter and timing measurements in communication systems
• Signal integrity analysis via TDR/TDT discontinuity detection
• Transient capture in RF and microwave device testing
• Network and transmission line analysis

– Compatibility & Integration

The 54120A mainframe integrates with compatible test sets such as the 54121A and 54124A to enable advanced measurement capabilities including reflection and transmission analysis. Full IEEE 488.2 programmability supports integration into automated test systems via GPIB, USB, and LAN interfaces.