# HP200A
**Wikidata**: [Q827191](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q827191)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP200A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp200a

## Summary
The HP200A is a frequency sound generator manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, a pioneering American information technology company founded in 1939. It is a notable early product from HP, representing the company's entry into electronic test and measurement equipment. The device is recognized for its role in the development of audio and electronic testing technologies.

## Key Facts
- The HP200A is a frequency sound generator, a type of electronic test instrument used to produce precise audio frequencies.
- It was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard (HP), an American information technology company founded on July 2, 1939, in Palo Alto, California.
- Hewlett-Packard had 302,000 employees in 2014 and 48,000 in 2016, reflecting its scale as a major technology corporation.
- The HP200A is classified as an instance of a frequency sound generator and is associated with the computer hardware, software, and information technology industries.
- The device is documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia (commons, de, en, hu, ru) and has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons.
- An image of the HP200A's front panel is available on Wikimedia Commons under the filename "Hp200a-front-panel.JPG".

### Q: What is the HP200A?
A: The HP200A is a frequency sound generator, an electronic device used to produce precise audio frequencies for testing and measurement purposes. It was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, a leading American technology company.

### Q: Who manufactured the HP200A?
A: The HP200A was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard (HP), an American information technology company founded in 1939 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

### Q: What is the significance of the HP200A?
A: The HP200A is significant as an early product from Hewlett-Packard, representing the company's expansion into electronic test and measurement equipment, which became a cornerstone of its business.

## Why It Matters
The HP200A matters because it exemplifies Hewlett-Packard's early diversification beyond its initial focus on audio oscillators, marking a pivotal step in the company's evolution into a major player in electronic test and measurement. As a frequency sound generator, the HP200A provided engineers and technicians with a reliable tool for generating precise audio frequencies, which is essential for testing and calibrating audio equipment, telecommunications systems, and other electronic devices. This product helped establish HP's reputation for quality and innovation in the electronics industry, laying the groundwork for its future success in both hardware and software markets. The HP200A's development reflects the broader technological advancements of the mid-20th century, contributing to the standardization and improvement of electronic testing practices that underpin modern technology.

## Notable For
- Being an early product from Hewlett-Packard, showcasing the company's expansion into electronic test and measurement equipment.
- Serving as a frequency sound generator, a critical tool for producing precise audio frequencies in engineering and technical applications.
- Representing Hewlett-Packard's commitment to innovation and quality in the electronics industry during its formative years.
- Contributing to the standardization of electronic testing practices, which supported the growth of the telecommunications and audio equipment sectors.
- Being documented and preserved in multiple languages and Wikimedia projects, highlighting its historical and technical significance.

## Body
### Technical Overview
The HP200A is a frequency sound generator, a specialized electronic instrument designed to produce stable and accurate audio frequencies. Such devices are essential in laboratories, manufacturing, and maintenance environments where precise frequency generation is required for testing, calibration, or troubleshooting of audio and electronic equipment.

### Historical Context
Hewlett-Packard, founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, initially gained recognition for its audio oscillators. The development of the HP200A marked an important step in the company's product diversification, reflecting its growing expertise in electronic instrumentation. This period saw rapid advancements in electronics, with companies like HP playing a crucial role in supplying the tools necessary for innovation and quality control.

### Industry Impact
As a product of Hewlett-Packard, the HP200A contributed to the company's reputation for reliability and precision. Hewlett-Packard's expansion into test and measurement equipment helped establish it as a leader in the information technology and electronics industries. The company's growth, with tens of thousands of employees by the 2010s, underscores the broad impact of its innovations, including products like the HP200A.

### Documentation and Legacy
The HP200A is preserved in digital archives, with images and documentation available on Wikimedia Commons and references in multiple language editions of Wikipedia. This documentation ensures that the device's technical and historical significance is accessible to researchers, engineers, and technology enthusiasts worldwide. The continued interest in the HP200A reflects its enduring relevance as a milestone in the history of electronic test equipment.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013