Pendulum CNT-66 User manual

product data
CNT-66 and CNT-69
High-quality budget Counters
Outstanding value for money
•1.3 GHz frequency range
•GPIB interface
•0.1ppm MTCXO time base
•Error-free triggering for any
input signal
•Rugged, portable, reliable
•MTBF 70 000 h
•EMI-proof metal cabinet (CE)
CNT-66 timer/counter:
•Full GPIB programmability
•Auto trigger, auto sensitivity
•Voltage measurements
CNT-69 frequency counter:
•Ease of operation
•Auto triggering
•Noise suppression filter The CNT-66 and CNT-69 are high-quality,
easy-to-use budget counters for accurate
and reliable measurements.The units use
reciprocal frequency counting, giving 7-8
digits resolution even on low frequency
measurements.The optional high-stabil-
ity MTCXO time base has a stability in
the order of 0.1 ppm.
The no-compromise input design of
these counters, provide smart auto trig-
gering to handle any type of input signal,
plus variable sensitivity and other noise
immunity functions.The counters are
rugged, input-protected and reliable with
exceptional MTBF figures of up to
70000h.They have excellent EMC
performance.
The optional GPIB interface turns CNT-
66 into the lowest cost, fully programma-
ble timer/counter available from any
quality manufacturer.
CNT-66 Timer/Counter
The CNT-66 is a 100% GPIB-programmable
timer/counter.All counter functions includ-
ing also trigger level and sensitivity settings
are GPIB-controlled.The bus-learn mode
makes programming faster and easier.
Error-Free Triggering
Trigger level setting can be automatic on all
input signals.The trigger level can be
displayed immediately with one keystroke,
and input triggering is instantly checked with
the tri-state LED trigger indicators. Input
sensitivity (noise immunity) is selectable
from 20 mV to 1V.
V p-p measurements up to 50 MHz
The CNT-66 hasVolt peak measurements up
to 50 MHz. Both the minimum and the maxi-
mum signal peaks are displayed simultane-
ously.
CNT-69 Frequency Counter
The multi-function CNT-69 performs
frequency, period, totalize, pulse width and
frequency ratio or difference measurements.
The CNT-69 can be used for frequency meas-
urements on the bench or in the field. It is
easy to operate including a.o. also blanking of
irrelevant display digits to make it easy to
read results.
MTCXO Time Base
(MathematicallyTemperature Compensated
Crystal Oscillator)
The optional high stability MTCXO time-
base offers a stability, comparable to standard
oven oscillators, but at a much lower cost.
The temperature dependency of the individ-
ual crystal is stored in a non-volatile memory
and used for immediate compensation of the
displayed value. Unlike oven oscillators, an
MTCXO gives high accuracy instantly, with-
out long warm-up times.
Calibration and adjustment is very easy. Just
connect the frequency standard and push a
button.There is no trimmer to be turned.

Measuring Modes CNT-66
Frequency
Freq.A: 0.1 Hz to 160 MHz
Freq. C: 70 MHz to 1.3 GHz
Resolution: 7 digits in 1s measuring time
Period A
Range: 8 ns to 2x108s
Resolution: 100 ns (Single) or 7 digits in 1s (Average)
Ratio A/B, C/B
Range: 0 and 1x10-7 to 2x109(A/B)
0 to 1x1015 (A/B Single)
8 to 6x1010 (C/B)
Time interval A-B)
Range: 100 ns to 2x108 s (Single)
0 ns to 20 s (Average)
Resolution: 100 ns / √N
Number of Intervals averaged N: N=Measuring time / Signal repetition rate.
Min dead time from stop to start: 250 ns
Totalize A
Range: 0 to 1x1015 (0 Hz to 16 MHz)
Modes: Counting onA, gated by B signal OR started/stopped
by B signal OR manually controlled by START/STOP
button.
Volt Max/Min A
Range: -5.1V to +5.1V / -51V to +51V
Frequency range: DC; 100 Hz to 50 MHz
Resolution: 20mV / 200 mV
Measuring Modes CNT-69
Frequency A or B, Period A See specs for CNT-66
Totalize A See specs for CNT-66 (only manual gating)
Frequency A/Ao and A- Ao The Freq.A value is divided by, or subtracted with,
the constantAo before display.
RPM A Display value = Freq. A value x 60
Range: 6 RPM...720x106RPM
Width A
Range: 100 ns...2x108s
Resolution: 100 ns (always Single)
Input A and Input B CNT-66
Frequency range: DC to 160 MHz
(120 MHz to 160 MHz with limited temperature range; typ. +23 °C ± 5 °C)
Coupling: DC orAC (-3dB at 20 Hz sine)
Max. sensitivity 20 mV rms, 0 Hz to 30 MHz
40 mV rms, 30 MHz to 120 MHz
60 mV rms, 120 MHz to 160 MHz
Sensitivity is selectable in 1-2-5 steps from 20 mV
through 1V rms; nominal (LF-signals)
Impedance: 1 MΩ//35 pF
Attenuation: x1 or x10, orAUTO
Max.Voltage without damage:
350V (DC+AC peak) between 0 and 440 Hz, falling to
8V rms at 1 MHz.
Triggering
Trigger level range (x1 attenuation):
DC: +5.1V to –5.1V, 20 mV resolution
AC: 0 V fixed or AUTO level.
Uncertainty: ± 10 mV ± 1 % of setting
AUTO level: Set to 50 % of input signal amplitude.
Frequency range: >100 Hz
Trigger indicators: Tri state LED;
Trigger slopes: Positive or negative.
Input-A CNT-69
Frequency range: 10 Hz to 160 MHz
(120 MHz to 160 MHz with limited temperature range;
typ. +23 °C ± 5 °C)
Impedance: 1 MΩ// 30 pF; AC-coupled
Max. Sensitivity 10 mV rms, 10 Hz to 120 MHz
30 mV rms, 120 to 160 MHz
Attenuation: Continuously variable in two ranges
between x1 and x400
Filter: 50 kHz low pass noise filter
Max. voltage without damage:
350V (DC + AC peak) between 0 and 440 Hz, falling to
11 rms at 1 MHz.
Trigger levels: 3 fixed levels: symmetrical, high/low duty factor and
AUTO (repetition rate > 100 Hz)
RF Input 1.3 GHz
Freq. range: 70 MHz to 1.3 GHz
Coupling: AC
Operating input voltage range:
10 mV to 12V rms, 70 MHz to 900 MHz
15 mV to 12V rms, .0.9 to 1.1 GHz
40 mV to 12V rms, 1.1 to 1.3 GHz
Impedance: 50Ωnominal,VSWR <2:1
Max. voltage without damage: 12 Rms, PIN diode protected
Auxiliary functions
Measuring time: 0.2s, 1s, 10s or Single
Blank digits (CNT-69 only): Blanking least significant display digits, to hide
unstable digits on the display
External reference input D
Input: 10 MHz ± 0.1 MHz, >500 mV rms
Max input voltage: 15V rms
GPIB interface (Option 04)
Programmable device Functions for:
CNT-66:Full GPIB programmability
CNT-69: All front panel settings except Sensitivity and Filter
Max Data Output Rate:
Normal Mode: Approx. 5 readings/s
High-Speed Dump: Approx. 100/s.
General
Line voltage: 115 / 230V; 46 to 440 Hz, (<24 VA incl. all options).
Safety: EN61010 Cat II, pollution degree 2; CSA 22.2; CE
EMC: EN55011, group 1, class B; EN50082-1; CE
MTBF: 70000h (CNT-69), 50000 h (CNT-66)
Mechanical Data
WxHxD: 186x88x270 mm
Weight: CNT-66 Net: 2.4 kg, Shipping: 3.2 kg
CNT-69 Net: 2.1 kg, Shipping: 3.0 kg
Temperature: Operating: 0° C to +50° C
Storing: -40 °C to +70° C
Time base Oscillators
Standard crystal
Aging: < 5x10-7/month; 5x10-6/year
Temp. 0 to 50°C: < 1x10-5
Total uncertainty (2σ): - 1 year after calibration < 1.2x10-5
- 2 years after calibration < 1.5x10-5
MTCXO (option 07).
Aging: < 1x10-7/month; 5x10-7/year
Temp. 0 to 50°C: < 2x10-7
Total uncertainty (2σ): - 1 year after calibration < 6x10-7
- 2 years after calibration < 1x10-6
Ordering information
CNT-66: Basic timer/counter 1.3 GHz, standard time base
CNT-69: Basic frequency counter 1.3 GHz, standard time base
Opt. 04: GPIB interface
Opt. 07: MTCXO time base
Included with Instrument
Operators manual
Calibration certificate
Optional accessories
Option 05: 19” rack mount kit
Option 09: Carrying case
Specifications subject to change without notice
Pendulum Instruments AB
www.pendulum.se
– experts inTime & Frequency Calibration, Measurement and Analysis
CNT-66 and CNT-69 Specifications
4031 600 66101- rev. 02 January 2001