What I can use a HP 5372A for?

[davorin]

The HP 5372A is listed as a frequency and time interval analyzer....

But what can I actually measure with this device?

Can I use it for example as a high resolution frequency counter to measure like 1.0000000023 Hz?

[edpalmer42]

Well, yes, but that's like asking if you can use a Lamborghini Countach to drive to the corner store to get bread and milk. 

I've got a 5372A but I've barely scratched the surface of it's capabilities.  The 'condensed' Reference & Specification Guide is 103 pages long!  Depending on the options, it can do things like period, frequency, time interval, phase noise, FFT, Histogram Time Interval (one of my favorites!), Allan Deviation, phase deviation, time deviation, etc.  It's basic resolution is 150 ps.  Frequency limit is 500 MHz or 2 GHz with the right option.

To directly answer your question, I just measured the frequency of the 1 PPS signal from my GPSDO.  The 5372A measured it as 1.000 000 000 0 Hz.  The measurement took one second.  If you want more digits, average over a longer time interval.

[fujimuji]

I know it's been a while for this post, but I just came across it as I was looking for more info on the HP 5372A. I too just wanted a frequency counter in the lab, and this was the closest piece of equipment not being used :-P

I found a handy feature for this function is to display the results in large numbers that are easier to read while working in the lab. To do so, set it to "Numeric" results mode (top left button), then use the soft button to choose "Formats" and choose the "Bold" soft button.

[TAMHAN]

Hello,
if I am not completely wrong, it is, in fact, the predecessor of the 53310A.

This is a modulation domain analyzer, which can - among other things - be used to qualify frequency stabilities. More on that can be seen here: