HP 5005B Signature Multimeter Purpose - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: davorin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 08:28:53 pm
content: Evnin' (o;Just came across some device called HP 5005B, signature multimeter....Somewhere here in a thread I read it is only useful for repairing/debugging HP equipment....So what is the actual purpose of this device?thanks in advancerichard

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 08:45:48 pm
content: A "little' bit of background reading.http://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1977-05.pdfCan be useful with old HP gear (good stuff as not many ASICs) but you often need other stuff such as extender cards to get access to the test points and put the circuit in a test state. Recently I debugged a HP 5342 and the original signature analyser showed it wasn't the Micro (many thanks) but a Saleae found a stuck node.

author: davorin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 09:05:21 pm
content: Those HP journals are actually always a nice reading...but haven't read them all yet (o;So it seems it is more HP specific this device.....is there a list which HP devices it supports?The journal mentions HP 3455A...so I guess my two 3456As would be supported as well....

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 09:34:20 pm
content: signature analysis as a debugging technique whereby the machines on board cpu is sent into an endless loop shifting a pattern out on its pins.The main cpu generates 3 signals that control the signature analyser and the analyser has a probe.the maker of the instrument that wants to use signature analysis publishes searchtrees.start here . probe this wire . the analyser should show this pattern : if ok , proceed to next step, if not ok this part is defective.They basically walk you over every pin of every chip in the design in a logical order , beginning at the cpu. this lets you isolate problems with defective chips.All they have to do is publish a few pages with the pinout of each and every chip with the signature numbers and the order in which you need to probe themThe early board testers used signature anylsis to do find things like missing chips , wrongly installed chip after a board came from soldering.Creating a testprogram was easy : stick in a known good board and record for each testpoint in order the signature. then simply rerun and compareThe signature analyser is a benchtop alternative to aid in troubleshooting.Older HP equipment has extensive signatures published.The advent of a standardized way (Boundary scan testing and JTAG) has sent signature testing to the museum.i have one because i fix hp aquipment and it has helped me a number of times finding an otherwise difficult to trace problem

author: davorin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 09:46:38 pm
content: Well....sounds I might get some as well (o;But currently I only see them listed on ebay US....where shipping is higher than the device itself....But so far only repaired two 3456A and a 3467A...the 8409A only had a smoked AC line filter (o;

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 11:41:34 pm
content: They are only useful for old clunkers.( sorry HP/Agilent, but anything that does NOT use rubber keypads and is now shoved in the 'old clunker' category as all my equipment is newer. with the exception of a few simple 3410 power supply's. what i mean is anything with those old clickety keys are 'old clunkers')i can sell you one. i got two. but shipping will be costly i'm afraid...

author: peterdsdoyle
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2022, 10:02:25 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on January 07, 2015, 11:41:34 pmHey Free_electron,I know this is a very old thread but I have been chasing one of these 5005B signature analysers up for some of my old clunkers that are in need of repair. If you still have one are you interested in selling me one ?

author: Platty
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 02, 2022, 06:42:20 am
content: Hey peterdsdoyle,I've just come across a 5005B which is in great working order with timing pod and probe! I found your post while searching for info about it!! I'm near Newcastle, NSW.Feel free to pm me if you are still looking for one. Happy to send you photos etc.Tom