HP / Agilent 54503A 500 MHz digitizing oscilloscope

The HP/Agilent 54503A is a 500 MHz digitizing oscilloscope built for high-speed signal acquisition across four channels with configurable simultaneous operation. It delivers single-shot bandwidth to 250 MHz and repetitive bandwidth to 500 MHz, supporting maximum sample rates of 1 GSa/s per channel and real-time sampling at 20 MSa/s across all channels. The instrument combines vertical sensitivity from 1 mV/div to 5 V/div with 8-bit resolution (10-bit via HP-IB with averaging) and a timebase range of 0.2 ns/div to 5 S/div at ±0.005% accuracy.

## Technical Specifications

**Acquisition & Bandwidth**
• Repetitive bandwidth: DC to 500 MHz
• Single-shot bandwidth: 2 MHz (4 channels) or 250 MHz (2 channels)
• Channels: 4 (simultaneous 2 or 4, with channels 1 & 4, then 2 & 3 alternating in 4-channel mode)
• Maximum sample rate: 1 GSa/s per channel
• Real-time sample rate: 20 MSa/s on all channels
• Record length: 768 or 8001 points (real-time), 501 points (repetitive)
• Bandwidth degradation: −2.5 MHz/°C above +35°C

**Vertical Characteristics**
• Sensitivity range: 1 mV/div to 5 V/div
• Vertical resolution: 8 bits (10 bits via HP-IB with averaging)
• Vertical gain accuracy: −0.08% of full scale/°C from calibration temperature

**Horizontal & Triggering**
• Timebase: 0.2 ns/div to 5 S/div at ±0.005% accuracy
• Trigger modes: edge, pattern, state, delay, and glitch (minimum 1.75 ns)
• Trigger level: ±1.5 × full scale (internal), ±2 V (external)
• Trigger delay: −160 × (s/div)

## Key Features

• Advanced logic triggering standard
• Glitch detection and isolation to 1.75 ns minimum pulse width
• Automatic pulse parameter measurements and limit testing
• Waveform math functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, inversion
• User-defined measurements with statistical analysis
• HP-IB (IEEE 488.2) interface for remote control

## Typical Applications

High-speed signal acquisition, complex waveform analysis, pulse characterization, transient capture, and automated measurement in production and field environments.

## Compatibility & Integration

HP-IB interface enables integration with automated test systems. Operates on 115/230 V ac (−25% to +15%), 48–66 Hz, consuming maximum 350 VA. Compact form factor: 194.3 mm H × 422.3 mm W × 355.6 mm D; 10 kg net weight.