HP / Agilent 54540C 4 Channel 500 MSa Color Digitizing Oscilloscope

The HP/Agilent 54540C is a 4-channel color digitizing oscilloscope delivering 500 MHz bandwidth and adaptive sampling architecture—reaching 500 MSa/s with all channels active, 1 GSa/s with two channels, and 2 GSa/s in single-channel mode. This instrument captures complex signals with 8-bit resolution (10-bit via HP-IB with averaging), peak-detect technology that isolates glitches as narrow as 1 ns, and sequential single-shot acquisition up to 400 Kbytes without dead time. Real-time record length extends to 32,768 points; repetitive mode captures 501 points. A color flat-panel TFT LCD display presents waveforms with four nonvolatile memory slots plus segmentable storage for measurement failures and sequential events. Vertical sensitivity ranges from 1 mV/Div to 5 V/Div across 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance. Integrated FFT analysis and advanced triggering with DC, AC, and Low Frequency Reject coupling enable detailed signal characterization. A DOS-compatible 3.5-inch floppy drive stores setups, waveforms, and screen images in TIFF, PCX, or EPS formats, plus system software updates. HP-IB remote programming interface supports automated test integration.

## Technical Specifications

• **Channels:** 4 simultaneous acquisition
• **Bandwidth:** 500 MHz
• **Sample Rate:** 500 MSa/s (4 ch), 1 GSa/s (2 ch), 2 GSa/s (1 ch)
• **Record Length:** 32,768 points real-time; 501 points repetitive
• **Resolution:** 8 bits (10 bits via HP-IB with averaging)
• **Peak Detect:** 1 ns minimum glitch width at ≤250 MSa/s
• **Sequential Single Shot:** 400 Kbytes storage, zero dead time between captures
• **Vertical Sensitivity:** 1 mV/Div to 5 V/Div
• **Input Impedance:** 50 Ω or 1 MΩ
• **Trigger Coupling:** DC, AC, Low Frequency Reject

## Key Features

• Color TFT flat-panel display
• Four nonvolatile waveform memories plus pixel and segmentable storage
• Fast Fourier Transform analysis standard
• Auto Setup function for rapid configuration
• Telecom Mask Measurements option (Option 001) with 21 standard masks and ANSI/CCITT/ISDN compliance
• DOS-compatible floppy drive for waveform and setup archival

## Typical Applications

Electronic design verification, manufacturing test, field service, and telecom signal validation.

## Compatibility & Integration

Member of the HP 54520/54540 series. HP-IB interface enables remote programming and data transfer. Product nomenclature transitions from HP to Agilent Technologies branding.