CNT-90XL
Microwave Frequency Counter/Analyzer
- Category: Microwave Frequency Counter/Analyzer
- Manufacturer: Pendulum Instruments
- Input C frequency range: 0.3 to 27, 40, 46 or 60 GHz (depending on model)
- General-purpose input A, B frequency range: 0.002 Hz to 400 MHz
- Measurement speed: 250k measurements/s (to internal memory)
- Frequency resolution: 12 digits/s (1 s measuring time)
- Data sheet: Download PDF
- External link: Official product page
Overview
The CNT-90XL microwave counter/analyzer sets a new industry standard for microwave frequency analysis, outperforming any pulsed or CW microwave counter on the market in resolution, speed and acquisition time. Input C covers 0.3 to 27, 40, 46 or 60 GHz depending on the model, and the measurement speed reaches 250,000 frequency samples per second, enough for advanced statistical analysis and for frequency or power transient analysis. For the resolution that R&D and production test demand, the CNT-90XL offers 100 ps single shot (time) or 12 digits/s (frequency), with values displayed to up to 14 digits. The optional pulsed RF function (Option 28) measures pulses down to 30 ns wide, plus PRI/PRF, frequency in burst and power in burst, which makes it ideal for testing and calibrating pulsed, chirped and Doppler radar. A graphical display and menu-oriented settings let a non-expert make the right settings without risking costly mistakes; USB and GPIB are standard, and the GPIB operates in either SCPI/GPIB or 53131 emulation mode for plug-and-play replacement in an existing ATE system.
Key features
- The fastest microwave counter — Up to 250,000 frequency samples per second, with an acquisition time of only 25 ms in Auto mode, for real-time analysis of frequency and power transients.
- Pulsed RF measurements (optional) — Option 28 measures pulses down to 30 ns wide, plus PRI/PRF, frequency in burst and power in burst — the right tool for radar test and calibration.
- High resolution and accuracy — 100 ps single shot (time) or 12 digits/s (frequency), displayed to up to 14 digits, against a stable internal OCXO timebase.
- Statistical and graphical analysis — Histogram, trend and modulation domain displays let you view one data set three ways at once — numerically, as a histogram and as a trend — to see jitter and drift for what they are.
- Two instruments in one — A microwave counter/analyzer and a 400 MHz general-purpose timer/counter in the same box, which saves a second instrument in production test.
- USB and GPIB as standard — USB and GPIB are fitted as standard, and the GPIB operates in either SCPI/GPIB or 53131 emulation mode for plug-and-play replacement in an existing ATE system.
Typical applications
- Pulsed and Doppler radar signal analysis — Radar development and maintenance verification need exact figures for pulse width (down to 30 ns), PRI/PRF and the Doppler shift the carrier picks up from a moving target. The CNT-90XL shows the frequency trend and the power distribution histogram live, so one instrument does the signal characterization that used to take an oscilloscope and a spectrum analyzer together.
- Factory calibration of microwave link carriers and RF components — Metrology laboratories and production floors calibrating YIG oscillators, VCO modules and microwave link transmitters rely on the CNT-90XL's 12 digits/s frequency resolution and internal OCXO timebase for traceable accuracy. The GPIB supports 53131 emulation mode, so it slots into an existing ATE line and shortens changeover time.
- Field testing at satellite ground stations and off-grid sites — Commissioning a satellite ground station, or testing at a remote site with no mains power, the CNT-90XL runs for more than 4.5 hours on the optional 90 Wh battery pack. The 24-hour battery stand-by also lets an engineer move a high-stability oscillator without losing its thermal state, so measurement can begin on arrival and site time is cut sharply.
Key specifications
Key specifications for CNT-90XL, as published by Pendulum Instruments. For the full datasheet or a customized configuration, please get in touch.
| Input C frequency range | 0.3 to 27, 40, 46 or 60 GHz (depending on model) |
|---|---|
| General-purpose input A, B frequency range | 0.002 Hz to 400 MHz |
| Measurement speed | 250k measurements/s (to internal memory) |
| Frequency resolution | 12 digits/s (1 s measuring time) |
| Single-shot time resolution | 100 ps |
| Displayed digits | Up to 14 digits |
| Input C sensitivity | -33 dBm (0.3 to 18 GHz) |
| Power measurement range | -35 dBm to +10 dBm |
| Power accuracy (typical) | <1 dBm to 27 GHz; <2 dBm to 40 GHz; <3 dBm to 60 GHz |
| Pulsed RF pulse width (Option 28) | 30 ns to 1 sec., resolution 200 ps rms |
| Timebase stability (optional) | Option 30/90: 0.01 ppm/month; Option 40/90: 0.003 ppm/month |
| Interfaces | USB and GPIB (standard) |
Frequently asked questions
Need CNT-90XL pricing, rental or calibration?