Agilent (HP) 5061A Cesium Beam Frequency Standard
The Agilent 5061A is a classic cesium beam atomic frequency standard originally produced by Hewlett Packard and later carried under the Agilent name. It is a compact self contained instrument that uses a cesium beam tube resonator to stabilize the output of a quartz crystal oscillator giving laboratory grade frequency references without the need for an external primary standard. It remains a sought after instrument for time and frequency work and for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage atomic clocks.
Key Features Agilent 5061A
- Cesium beam tube resonator: locks a quartz oscillator to the cesium atomic transition at about 9.192 GHz, which defines the SI second
- High accuracy: rated at ±1 part in 10¹¹
- Standard reference outputs: 5 MHz, 1 MHz, and 100 kHz frequencies for use throughout a lab or timing system
- Solid-state design: a closed loop self checking control circuit for dependable operation
- Compact and self-contained: a complete cesium standard in a single instrument
- Time reference options: Option 001 adds an atomic or UTC time scale reference set with a thumbwheel switch and slide switch
- Standby power option: Option 002 adds a standby power supply for continued operation if mains power is interrupted
- Combined option: Option 003 combines the time standard and standby power supply
- High performance beam tube option: Option 004 provides an improved cesium beam tube for better stability and accuracy
- Proven heritage: developed from the HP 5060A the instrument family credited with bringing portable atomic timekeeping to the world
Typical Applications
- Primary or secondary frequency reference in calibration and metrology labs
- Timing for communications and broadcast systems
- Time and frequency research and education
- Calibration of crystal and rubidium oscillators
- Restoration, display, and collecting of vintage atomic clock equipment
Why Choose It
The Agilent 5061A offers true atomic referenced frequency in a durable serviceable instrument with standard outputs that connect easily to counters, synthesizers, and timing equipment. Its history and straightforward design also make it a rewarding choice for anyone wanting a genuine cesium standard on the bench.
