Overview

The Pendulum CNT-104R is a new concept for super-performance multi-channel frequency and time-interval calibration and analysis, in a bench-top unit. It is a one-box Frequency and Time Interval calibrator combining an ultra-stable 10 MHz Rubidium Frequency Reference with a 4-channel advanced Frequency Analyzer. You can calibrate up to 4 oscillators/clocks in parallel simultaneously on 4 input channels.  

The optional GNSS control of the Rubidium clock eliminates the small ageing drift giving unprecedented accuracy in a compact one-box solution. On the large graphic screen, you can watch drift over time and frequency distribution, as well as traditional numeric and statistics parameters. CNT-104R has gap-free measurements, <7 ps time resolution, 12-13 digits/s frequency resolution, and variable gate time setting from 50ns to 1000s.  

One CNT-104R  can replace 4 traditional frequency counters plus a 10MHz frequency reference in a test system. The super-high-performance CNT-104R is the best fit for demanding metrology applications.

Highest Performance for R&D and metrology

The ultra-high resolution of 12 to 13 digits for 1s gate time gives faster and more accurate calibration results. With CNT-104R, you can track and compare 4 parallel signals with 7 ps resolution/timestamp, at a settable rate from 1000s down to 50 ns between samples in each channel. Gap-free, zero-dead-time counting provides back-to-back measurements without losing any cycle, even for very long measurements. 

The CNT-104R is also a high-performance Modulation Domain Analyzer (MDA) for the advanced user. Thanks to the high speed of up to 20M meas./s for 4 parallel signals, very fast frequency or phase/time changes can be captured in real-time.

Optional GNSS control for ultimate calibration performance

Using the CNT-104R  with the optional GNSS control, the 10 MHz frequency reference accuracy is 1E-12 averaged over 24h, day after day, forever. The intrinsic ageing of the Rubidium clock is totally eliminated. 

You can use the GNSS control either for continuous disciplining of the Rubidium timebase or as a one-shot reset of the accumulated ageing drift, e.g. when you work mostly in a GNSS-denied environment. 

You can calibrate 1-4 frequency sources in a short time to 11 digits uncertainty 

The GNSS receiver also provides an internal Phase/Time Reference with outstanding accuracy. CNT-104R  enables calibration of 1-3 external sync signals, with an uncertainty of 10 ns rms to UTC 

The portable format, short warm-up time, and the GNSS option,  makes CNT-104R an excellent “Travelling clock” for field testing of sync clocks outside the normal lab. 

Calibration results can be saved in internal memory, on a USB stick, or on a connected PC.

Save money in production test 

The 4-channel design enables 4 parallel frequency measurements. One CNT-104R can replace 4 existing frequency counters in a test system at a lower cost/counter, plus provide an ultra-stable reference frequency to the test stand. 5 instruments-in-one-box. You can choose  between Ethernet, or WLAN 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. You can perform fast block measurements up to 170k meas/s. Test time is reduced compared to existing solutions, and time is money.

CNT-104R as in-house reference

The CNT-104R comes as standard with one 10MHz reference output with ultimate frequency accuracy to 1×10-12, 24h average, using the optional integrated GNSS disciplining of the Rubidium clock. The addition of a Pendulum FDA-301A Frequency Distribution Amplifier multiplies the number of outputs that can be distributed to 4, 8, or 12, depend-ing on the number of rear-panel installed output modules (1, 2, or 3).

Easy-to-understand Graphical Presentation

One of the great features of the CNT-104R is the graphic display with its menu-oriented settings. The non-expert can easily make correct settings, thanks to the guided instruction on most setting pages. 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. Graphical presentation of results (distribution, trends etc.) gives a better understanding of the nature of jitter. It also provides a much better view of changes vs time, e.g. drift. The same data set can be viewed in Numerical, Statistics, Distribution and Timeline views. It is very easy to capture and toggle between views of the same data set.

View 4 signals simultaneously on the screen. 4 instruments in one 

Full flexibility for remote control

The CNT-104R comes as standard with a Gbit Ethernet interface for remote control and data transfer.  

Using an external WiFi dongle in the front panel USB port, enables you to connect CNT-104R to your local wireless network. You can access and control the instrument from your lab bench, or from anywhere in the world, using the integrated web interface.