CNT-90
Frequency Counter/Analyzer
- Category: Frequency Counter/Analyzer
- Manufacturer: Pendulum Instruments
- Input channels: 2 channels, 400 MHz as standard
- Standard frequency range: 400 MHz
- Microwave frequency options: 3 / 8 / 15 / 20 GHz (one optional channel)
- Single-shot time resolution: 100 ps (single shot); timestamp resolution 70 ps
- Data sheet: Download PDF
- External link: Official product page
Overview
The CNT-90 from Pendulum Instruments is a high-performance timer/counter/analyzer with 2 input channels as standard, measuring frequency to 400 MHz, and an optional microwave input channel to 3, 8, 15 or 20 GHz. Single-shot time resolution is 100 ps and frequency resolution reaches 12 digits/s; with 250,000 measurements per second into 750k of internal memory, it captures how a signal behaves over time rather than a single snapshot. The multi-mode graphic and numeric display presents histograms and trend plots, and the Limit tool adds tolerance markers and an alarm indication so a result can be read off directly. USB and GPIB (IEEE 488.2) are standard, the GPIB conforms to SCPI/1999 and offers a switchable HP53131A emulation mode, which makes the counter straightforward to drop into an existing automated test system. A high-stability OCXO timebase of 0.01 ppm/month or 0.003 ppm/month is available, as is a 90 Wh battery pack for over 4.5 hours of mains-free operation. Together these give the CNT-90 better frequency, time and phase measurement accuracy than many counters in its class.
Key features
- Fast acquisition — Up to 250,000 measurements per second, with results transferred over GPIB/USB at up to 2,000 per second — the throughput production test and jitter analysis need when the sample count is high.
- High-resolution measurement — 100 ps single-shot time resolution and 12 digits/s frequency resolution resolve small changes in frequency, time interval and phase.
- Graphical analysis — The multi-mode graphic and numeric display shows histograms and trend plots, and the Limit tool marks the tolerance band and raises an alarm, so the result speaks for itself.
- Wide frequency coverage — 400 MHz as standard, plus an optional 3, 8, 15 or 20 GHz microwave input channel, so one instrument covers everything from low frequency to microwave.
- Standard interfaces — USB and GPIB (IEEE 488.2) are fitted as standard, conforming to SCPI/1999 with a switchable HP53131A emulation mode for plug-and-play replacement in an existing ATE system.
- Stable timebase and battery operation — An optional 0.01 ppm/month or 0.003 ppm/month high-stability OCXO timebase, and a 90 Wh battery pack for more than 4.5 hours of mains-free measurement in the field.
Typical applications
- Traceable calibration of oscillator and clock frequency — Metrology laboratories and independent calibration houses use the CNT-90's 12 digits/s resolution and high-stability OCXO timebase to compare quartz oscillators, atomic clocks and GNSS references against a reference and establish traceability, keeping results in line with ISO 17025 requirements.
- High-speed automated test on an oscillator production line — Oscillator and frequency component manufacturers integrate the CNT-90 into an existing ATE line, where the HP53131A emulation mode lets them keep their test software unchanged. Up to 250,000 measurements per second raises line throughput noticeably, while histogram statistics monitor process yield as it happens.
- Jitter and modulation domain analysis of PLLs and clock circuits — RF and digital system engineers use the CNT-90's graphical display and 70 ps timestamp resolution to catch frequency drift, fast modulation and transient events on a clock signal. With TimeView for modulation domain analysis, they can pin down the root cause of PLL phase noise and abnormal locking behaviour.
Key specifications
Key specifications for CNT-90, as published by Pendulum Instruments. For the full datasheet or a customized configuration, please get in touch.
| Input channels | 2 channels, 400 MHz as standard |
|---|---|
| Standard frequency range | 400 MHz |
| Microwave frequency options | 3 / 8 / 15 / 20 GHz (one optional channel) |
| Single-shot time resolution | 100 ps (single shot); timestamp resolution 70 ps |
| Frequency resolution | 12 digits/s |
| Measurement speed | 250,000 measurements/s |
| Memory depth | 750k (internal memory) |
| Input sensitivity | 15 mV rms (to 200 MHz); 35 mV rms (at 400 MHz) |
| Bus transfer rate | 2,000 measurement results/s (GPIB / USB) |
| Timebase options (OCXO) | 0.01 ppm/month or 0.003 ppm/month |
| Interfaces | USB, GPIB (IEEE 488.2), SCPI/1999 compatible |
| Battery option | 90 Wh, over 4.5 hours of mains-free operation |
Frequently asked questions
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