CNT-102
Multi-Channel Frequency Analyzer
- Category: Multi-Channel Frequency Analyzer
- Manufacturer: Pendulum Instruments
- Standard input channels: 2 channels (independent, parallel)
- Standard frequency range: DC to 400 MHz
- Optional RF input (third channel): Up to 24 GHz (3 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 24 GHz)
- Time resolution: 14 ps
- Data sheet: Download PDF
- External link: Official product page
Overview
The CNT-102 is Pendulum Instruments' two-channel frequency counter/analyzer for budget-sensitive applications, and a member of the high-performance CNT-100 family. Both standard input channels support gap-free, zero-dead-time timestamped measurement, so one instrument can analyze frequency, phase or time difference on two devices under test simultaneously and independently, with none of the data loss that channel switching brings. With an internal measurement rate of 1,000,000 results per second and 14 ps time resolution, the CNT-102 captures very fast frequency or phase transients as they happen, and its modulation domain analysis (MDA) function handles FM, FSK, BPSK, PWM and PPM formats. An optional third RF input channel (to 24 GHz) extends coverage into the microwave band, and the 10 GHz channel can be upgraded to 15, 20 or 24 GHz with a software licence key as future test needs demand. A Gigabit Ethernet interface and a built-in web server are standard, supporting remote control and data transfer, with WiFi available as an option through an external USB adapter. It is a natural fit for frequency component manufacturing, PLL settling time measurement and oscillator production test.
Key features
- Two parallel channels, gap-free — The two 400 MHz input channels run independently, measuring frequency, phase or time difference on two signals at once; zero-dead-time counting means not one measurement cycle is lost.
- A million samples per second — An internal measurement rate of up to 1,000,000 results/s at 14 ps time resolution captures PLL locking transients, oscillator start-up and fast frequency hops live.
- Modulation domain analysis (MDA) — The built-in modulation domain engine handles FM, FSK, BPSK, PWM and PPM, plotting frequency and phase against time on the large touch screen as the measurement runs, with histogram statistics alongside.
- Optional 24 GHz RF third channel — An optional microwave input channel to 24 GHz (3, 10, 15, 20 or 24 GHz); the 10 GHz version upgrades in the field with a software licence key, so the frequency range grows when you need it to.
- An intuitive colour touch interface — A 5-inch colour touch screen with AUTO SET shows numeric values, a trend plot, a distribution graph and cursor readouts on one screen — nothing to memorize, no key sequences to learn.
- Network remote control and automation — Gigabit Ethernet and a built-in web server are standard, supporting SCPI programming and remote monitoring; with the optional WiFi adapter the instrument drops quickly into a factory automated measurement system and lowers the cost of production test.
Typical applications
- Simultaneous two-channel phase comparison of atomic clocks — Comparing two atomic clocks or frequency standards, a calibration laboratory feeds both signals into the CNT-102 and measures them in parallel — no switch, no re-cabling. Both time interval data sets are taken against the same timebase, which keeps switching error out of the comparison.
- One instrument in place of two counters on the line — In electronics manufacturing and QA, the CNT-102's two independent channels measure frequency or time interval at two test points at once, so a single instrument replaces two traditional counters and lowers the hardware cost of an automated test system without giving up throughput.
- Modulation domain analysis and frequency stability verification of oscillators and PLLs — Designing a VCO, a PLL or a frequency synthesizer, an RF engineer uses the CNT-102's modulation domain analysis to catch frequency hops, phase drift and lock settling time as they happen, and to verify dynamic behaviour under FM, FSK and BPSK modulation — which locates an oscillator design fault quickly.
Key specifications
Key specifications for CNT-102, as published by Pendulum Instruments. For the full datasheet or a customized configuration, please get in touch.
| Standard input channels | 2 channels (independent, parallel) |
|---|---|
| Standard frequency range | DC to 400 MHz |
| Optional RF input (third channel) | Up to 24 GHz (3 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 24 GHz) |
| Time resolution | 14 ps |
| Frequency resolution | Up to 13 digits/s |
| Measurement rate | 1,000,000 results/s (internal); 170,000 measurements/s (block mode) |
| Input impedance | 1 MΩ / 40 pF or 50 Ω (switchable) |
| Sensitivity | 15 mVrms (≤100 MHz) / 25 mVrms (100 to 200 MHz) / 35 mVrms (250 to 350 MHz) |
| Timebase options | TCXO (standard, 1 ppm/year); OCXO (optional, two stability grades) |
| Interfaces | Gigabit Ethernet (standard); USB 2.0 (hardware ready); WiFi (external USB adapter) |
| Display | 5-inch colour touch screen |
| Dimensions / weight | 210 x 90 x 395 mm (W x H x D) / net weight 3 kg |
Frequently asked questions
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