Overview

The Pendulum CNT-104B is a new affordable model optimized for test systems with blind panel and rear inputs. The multi-channel design enables simultaneous frequency measurements in parallel. One CNT-104B can replace four existing frequency counters in a test system at a lower cost per counter. Packed with the same innovative features and advanced measurement capabilities as the other CNT-100 family, this model has no screen and can be controlled by SCPI commands or by Web user interface on PC, laptop or tablet. In addition to preventing unintended measurement interruption or unauthorized viewing of measurement data, no screen means improved reliability with 10k+ hours longer MTBF. The basic unit has 4 inputs, 14ps resolution and a speed of 1 M values/sec. 

High-performance: 2-channel, ultra-high speed and 14 ps resolution

The very-high single-shot resolution gives better insights into the design under test, faster results in phase comparisons between clocks, more accurate calibration, and allows capture of very small time/phase changes. Track and compare 4 parallel signals with 14 ps resolution/timestamp, at a speed of 1µs between samples in each channel. You can even upgrade to 7 ps resolution via SW license key.  

Gap-free, zero-dead-time counting provides back-to-back measurements without losing any cycle, even for very long measurements. The CNT-104B is also a high-performance Modulation Domain Analyzer (MDA). Thanks to the high speed of one million samples/s on 4 parallel signals, very fast frequency or phase/time changes can be captured in real time. If you want even higher measurement speed, you can upgrade to 20M samples/s via SW license key. CNT-104B has a unique parallel and independent 4-channel design, plus an optional RF input going up to 24 GHz. Both 400 MHz channels perform parallel, independent, and gap-free timestamping of the input signal. This allows for new measurements that earlier required many instruments, like phase comparison of 4 atomic clocks, without the need for a switch. Or comparing frequency or any pulse parameter simultaneously in two different test points, without any second instrument or moving any test cable or probe. 

Save money in production test

The 4-channel design enables 4 parallel frequency measurements. One CNT-104B can replace 4 existing frequency counters in a test system at a lower cost/counter. It has a blind panel without a display, and all measurement inputs are found on the rear panel. 

Using the option 22/05 rackmount adapter, you will have 8 parallel frequency counters in a 19”, 2U high rack space.  You can choose between Ethernet, GPIB (optional), WLAN*, or USB** as a communication interface to a PC/Laptop/Tablet, or to the test system controller. 

High bus speed reduces test time in ATE test systems. Perform fast block measurements up to 170k meas/s. Test time is reduced compared to existing solutions, and time is money. 

* Requires an external USB Wi–Fi dongle 

** Using RNDIS (Ethernet over USB) 

Outstanding ease-of-use

The normal control of the CNT-104B is by SCPI programming via Ethernet, GPIB (optional), WLAN (with external Wi-Fi dongle) or USB. It is possible to control the unit via the web interface as well from a PC, laptop or tablet, where you can view all graphs, as you would on a normal display 

The intelligent AUTO SET will help you to make the best settings for each measurement function. The web server functionality lets you connect to the CNT-104B over Ethernet or USB (RNDIS), control the measurements, and read results via a few mouse clicks. When adjusting a frequency source to given limits, the graphic display gives fast and accurate visual calibration guidance. 

You can pan and zoom in graphs to view individual samples with cursor read-outs. Any measured signal can be smoothed, to reveal underlying trends in the presence of excessive noise. 

Very flexible configuration ​

The CNT-104B can be configured as you like to fit performance demands and/or budget. The instrument is designed with rear panel inputs with option to move them to the front. You can also add an optional extra channel C for RF frequency measurements. Choose either a 3, or 10 GHz basic HW (the 10 GHz channel is SW key upgradable to 15, 20, or 24 GHz). The basic unit has 14ps resolution and a speed of 1 M values/sec which can be upgraded to 7ps resolution and 20 M values7sec. 

Choose between 3 timebase oscillator options; TCXO and 2x OCXO. 

Add an optional 0.5 Hz to 100 MHz pulse generator (SW license key). 

Add optional TIE measurement function (SW license key).

Easy-to-understand Graphical Presentation

One of the great features of the CNT-104B is the graphic presentation style with its menu-oriented settings. The non-expert can easily make correct settings without risking costly mistakes. Valuable signal information, given in multi-parameter displays, removes the need for other instruments like DVM’s and Scopes for quick signal verification. Measured values are presented as both numerics and graphics. The graphical presentation of results (distribution, trends etc.) gives a better understanding of the nature of jitter. It also provides you with a much better view of changes vs time, from slow drift to fast modulation. The same data set can be viewed in Numeric, Statistics, Distribution and Time-line views. It is very easy to capture and toggle between views of the same data set.

Compare 2 signals simultaneously on screen, with statistics parameters below. 2 instruments in one!

Modulation Domain Analysis

• The CNT-104B features built-in modulation domain analysis, displaying frequency changes vs. time, on one or two input channels. Thanks to the high resolution, and the high measurement speed of down to 1µs between individual samples in each channel, you can follow and verify for example: 
  • FM, FSK, BPSK, PWM, PPM and other time, phase, or frequency modulation schemes 
  • Frequency sweep 
  • Frequency transients 
  • Frequency settling in oscillators, VCOs and PLLs 
  • Synthesizer switching 
  • Frequency instability, incl. jitter

View fast FM, or any time/phase/frequency modulation, on screen, on one or two channels. Here we see FM modulation with both sine and square wave shape