[time-nuts] Agilent 53230A Counter

[Magnus Danielson]

On 03/11/2012 09:09 AM, Frank Stellmach wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Does anybody know details about the time interpolator in the 53230A? I
> did not find service manuals online containing the 'Theory of Operation'.
>
> The 5370 interpolator obviously was well-respected for its high
> linearity and low jitter, based upon the dual-vernier digital
> interpolator, but other T.I. counters containing analogous
> capacitor-integrators often suffer from non-linearities and higher jitter.

The analogue capacitor-integrators have been made with better 
non-linearity and lower jitter since, so your statement regarding them 
is misleading. Check out the Wavecrest DTS series for instance.

Built-in calibration has been used to increase linearity, but also the 
analog design has been designed for it.

There is a number of other approaches to improved resolution, jitter, 
linearity or just implementation simplicity that has become popular as 
of late.

> As agilent obviously does not manufacture the 10811 OCXO anymore, what
> do they use instead, and from which supplier?

There are many choices, but do not expect them to match up to the 10811.

Cheers,
Magnus