The HP 53152A is a full-featured CW microwave frequency counter covering 10 Hz to 125 MHz on Channel 1 and 50 MHz to 46 GHz on Channel 2. It is the top-frequency member of the HP 53150 Series, which also includes the HP 53150A (20 GHz) and HP 53151A (26.5 GHz). The series is designed for use in field, factory, and laboratory environments, combining microwave frequency measurement with simultaneous power measurement through a single microwave input connector.

According to the datasheet, the HP 53152A is intended for field, bench, and ATE applications. The instrument is described as comfortable in the laboratory while also being rugged enough to tolerate the vibration and shock expected in field use, with a backlit LCD designed for visibility from dark environments to full sunlight at distances exceeding 15 feet. For automated test and benchtop applications, the unit provides full programmability via standard HP-IB and RS-232C interfaces using SCPI-1992.0 commands.

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Brand Heritage

The HP 53152A originated under Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement division. In 1999, HP spun off its T&M business as Agilent Technologies, and in 2014 Agilent further separated its electronic measurement business as Keysight Technologies. Instruments carrying the HP brand from this product family trace their continuing engineering lineage through Agilent to Keysight.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The HP 53150 Series consists of three CW microwave counters that share a common architecture, form factor, and feature set while differing in upper microwave frequency coverage. All three models share the same Channel 1 low-frequency input (10 Hz to 125 MHz at 25 mV sensitivity), the same standard HP-IB and RS-232C programmability, the same backlit LCD with analog peaking indicator, the same math functions (offset, averaging, cable loss compensation), and the same optional internal battery and oven timebase. The differentiation across the series is the Channel 2 microwave coverage and the corresponding sensitivity profile at the highest frequencies.

The series was designed by Hewlett-Packard to provide a single instrument family that could address bench, ATE, and field applications across a broad span of microwave frequencies, with the chosen model determined by the highest frequency the user's measurement environment requires.

Each pre-owned HP 53150 Series model linked below is presented on its own product page with condition-matched pricing and an instrument-specific listing. Use the comparison points to identify the model that matches your required frequency coverage, then visit the individual page for current availability, included accessories, and the formal quote.

The HP 53152A extends Channel 2 coverage to 46 GHz, the widest in the family. It is the only model in the series with documented sensitivity specifications in the 26.5–40 GHz band (-23 dBm) and 40–46 GHz band (-17 dBm), and it is the only model that uses a 2.92 mm removable connector (SMA and APC-3.5 compatible) on Channel 2. FM tolerance on the 53152A is specified as 20 MHz p-p maximum to 26.5 GHz and 12 MHz p-p maximum above 26.5 GHz at a 10 MHz rate. Acquisition time on Channel 2 is 140 ms in FM Auto mode and 115 ms with FM Off, slightly longer than the 53150A and 53151A reflecting the wider frequency coverage.

The three models differ primarily in their Channel 2 upper frequency limit and in the sensitivity, SWR, and power measurement accuracy specifications at the highest covered bands. The HP 53150A covers Channel 2 from 50 MHz to 20 GHz. The HP 53151A extends Channel 2 to 26.5 GHz and adds a -25 dBm sensitivity specification for the 20–26.5 GHz band. The HP 53152A extends Channel 2 to 46 GHz, adding sensitivity specifications for the 26.5–40 GHz (-23 dBm) and 40–46 GHz (-17 dBm) bands and a 2.92 mm removable connector.

The comparison table that follows summarizes these differences side by side. Channel 1, programmability, math functions, options (Option 001 oven timebase, Option 002 battery and dc input), and physical dimensions are identical across all three models.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• Operating manual
• Programming manual
• Service manual
• AC power cord

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.