The HP 54657A Measurement/Storage Module is an HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface and measurement enhancement module designed to plug into HP 54600 Series oscilloscopes. It brings enhanced measurement capability, expanded trace storage, mask template testing, and programmable remote control to the host oscilloscope, transforming a stand-alone bench scope into a system-capable instrument suitable for automated test environments.

Engineers and technicians use the 54657A to extend the capability of an HP 54600 Series oscilloscope without replacing the mainframe. The datasheet describes specific applications including unattended signal monitoring (where the scope detects a failure and stores the failing trace with time and date, prints the trace, or maintains pass/fail statistics while continuing the test), waveform characterization with the new automatic measurements, and frequency-domain analysis of input waveforms via the built-in FFT. The module also supports running tests for short periods or overnight, either using its own nonvolatile memory or in conjunction with a PC via HP ScopeLink software.

Brand Heritage

The 54657A was developed and manufactured under the Hewlett-Packard name. In 1999, Hewlett-Packard spun off its test and measurement business as Agilent Technologies, and in 2014 Agilent transferred its electronic measurement instrument line to Keysight Technologies, which is the current corporate owner of the HP/Agilent measurement instrument heritage. When a customer asks whether the 54657A is an HP, Agilent, or Keysight product, the answer is that it is the same module under three successive corporate names.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The HP 54600 Series Test and Interface Modules are plug-in modules that extend the capability of HP 54600 Series oscilloscopes without replacing the mainframe. The datasheet covers two distinct module families: the 54655A and 54656A Test Automation Modules, which add step-sequenced production test capability with up to 100 nonvolatile steps and 40 nonvolatile mask templates, and the 54657A and 54658A Measurement/Storage Modules, which add enhanced automatic measurements, FFT, mask template testing with 2 templates, and 100 nonvolatile trace memories.

Within each family, the choice between variants is a remote-interface decision: HP-IB (IEEE-488) versus RS-232. The 54655A and 54657A provide HP-IB programmability for integration into instrument-bus-based automated test systems. The 54656A and 54658A provide RS-232 programmability (XON/XOFF, hard wire protocols; 8 data bits; 1 stop bit; no parity; 1200, 2400, 9600, or 19200 baud) for PC-based control or serial test environments. The 54656A is the only variant that supports an Epson FX-80 or compatible printer in addition to the HP printer options.

Each pre-owned HP 54600 Series module listed below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing, accessory documentation, and warranty terms. Review the individual model pages for the specific module that matches the host scope's existing interface infrastructure and the test program's measurement requirements.

The 54657A specifically delivers HP-IB (IEEE-488) connectivity together with the Measurement/Storage feature set: 100 nonvolatile trace memories, enhanced automatic voltage and time measurements with selectable thresholds, waveform math including FFT, 2 nonvolatile mask templates with automask generation, real-time clock with battery backup, and hard-copy output to HP ThinkJet, QuietJet, PaintJet, LaserJet, or HP-GL plotters.

The Test Automation Modules (54655A HP-IB, 54656A RS-232) are oriented toward production step-sequenced testing: 100 nonvolatile steps with branching on pass/fail/min/max results, 40 nonvolatile mask templates with automask generation and a smooth mask function (running average of 3 pixels), and operator-access permission modes (None, Adjust, All) that constrain which front-panel controls are available during a sequence. The Measurement/Storage Modules (54657A HP-IB, 54658A RS-232) are oriented toward measurement enhancement and unattended monitoring: 2 nonvolatile mask templates, 100 nonvolatile trace memories, expanded automatic measurements, waveform math with FFT, and real-time clock time/date tagging.

The comparison table that follows summarizes the key differences across the four modules — primarily interface (HP-IB vs. RS-232), mask template count (2 vs. 40), step sequencing (none vs. 100 steps), trace memories (100 vs. 2), and printer compatibility. Use the table to match the right module to the host 54600 scope and the test program.

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

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.