CNT-90

Timer/Counter/Analyzer

DA TA S H E E T

• 250k measurements/s to
internal memory, 750k stored
measurements results
• Fast GPIB/USB bus speed, 5k
means/s – block mode
• Resolution: 12 digits/s (freq.),
100 ps (time), 0.001o (phase)
• 14 digits display
• Frequency range: 400 MHz as
standard. 3, 8, 15 and 20 GHz
optional
• Ease-of-use: Multi-parameter
display and graphical
presentation of results
• Outstanding perfomance/price
ratio

The Pendulum CNT-90 timer/counter/analyzer is an ultimate tool for measurement, analysis and calibration of
Frequency, Time Interval or Phase. The CNT-90 is a high-performance counter with a fast measurement speed to
250,000 measurements/s, and time interval measurement resolution to 100 ps. The CNT-90 offers ease-of-use including
graphical display and improved display and improved control over measurement at an outstanding price.

Leading Performance Outstanding Performance/Price Ratio

The basic performance of the CNT-90 is leading compared to The high performance CNT-90 timer/counter/analyzer outper-
competition: forms all counters on the market (except Pendulum CNT-91),
independent of measurement task.
• With 5k measurement results transferred per second (block
mode) via GPIB/USB, the CNT-90 can save you up to 90% • The graphic presentation of results – histogram, trend line,
testing time (and thus money) in test systems by increased numerical statistics, modulation domain – provide a clearer
throughput. understanding of random signal distribution and measurement
• High resolution is vital for R&D and production testing. CNT- changes over time – from slow drift to fast jitter, and
90 meets this requirement with 100 ps single shot (time) or 12 modulation.
digits/s (frequency). Obtained values are displayed with up to • Both USB and GPIB interfaces are standard. With USB you
14 digits. won’t need to invest in a GPIB interface card for your PC.
• Modulation Domain Analysis is performed by capturing fast The GPIB operates in either SCPI/GPIB or 53131/53132
frequency changes with up to 250k Samples/s. emulation mode, for plug-and-play replacement in existing
ATE systems.
• For calibration purposes, the CNT-90 offers very high
accuracy through stable internal OCXO time base, low • Wide frequency range – to 20 GHz – offers microwave CW
systematic time interval A-B error and high resolution. frequency measurements and very short burst measurements
Wide frequency range to 20 GHz covers most CW and burst down to 40 ns.
microwave frequency measurement needs. There’s no need to • Menu-oriented settings reduce the risk of mistakes. Valuable
invest in a separate microwave counter. signal information, given in multi-parameter displays, removes
the need for other instruments like DVM’s and Scopes.
Additional Technical Features
CNT-90 does not only offer high-performance, it is an ultimate
tool for more specialized measurement. Some great features of
the CNT-90 are:
Figure 1:
• Zero dead-time technique and continuous time-stamping Display showing phase
value, frequency,
of trigger events. This feature allows correct measurements attenuation Va/Vb,
of Allan Deviation and is very valuable in mechanical (e.g. and auxiliary parameters.
rotational encoder testing) and medical (e.g. nerve impulse/
respiratory cycles) measurements where every single cycle
must be measured.
• Limit qualifying a handy tool for making correct calculation of
statistical parameters e.g. to verify the jitter of digital pulses
that appear in discrete clusters (e.g. in CD-players or in HDB3- Figure 2:
coded data). By setting limits you can isolate one cluster in the Measure function
selection menu, shown
calculation.
with measured
results.
• Hysteresis compensation in Time Interval measurements
reduces trigger level error from the typical 15-20 mV found in
most counters on the market today, down to typ. 2.5 mV. This
means 6-8 times improved trigger precision in critical time
interval measurements.

Battery Option
Figure 3:
The CNT-90 has an optional battery pack with 90 Wh capacity, Input parameter setting
capable of mains-free operation for at least 4.5 hours. menu shown with
measured result.
In stand-by mode the battery pack can keep an OCXO warm and
running for over 24 hours. Battery operation of a frequency counter/
analyzer is valuable in three different applications:
• Mains-free operation in the field
• Transportation of high-stability OCXO to maintain stability,
which gives instant use at destination without any warm-up Figure 4:
time Display showing different
statistical parameters
• Battery backup acting as a built in UPS (Uninterrupted Power viewed at the
Supply) same time.

Excellent Graphical Presentation

One of the great features of the CNT-90 is the graphical display and
the menu oriented settings. The non-expert can easily make correct
settings without risking costly mistakes.
The multi-parameter display with auxiliary measurement values such
Figure 5:
as Vmax/Vmin/Vp-p in frequency measurements, and frequency/ Display showing the
attenuation/phase, eliminates the need for extra test instruments trend (signal over time)
of sampled data.
and provides direct answers to frequently asked questions, like
“What is the attenuation and phase shift of this fi lter?”
Measurement values are presented both numerically and graphically.
The graphical presentation of results (histograms, trends etc.) gives
a much 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 (trend plot). Three statistical views of the same data
set can be viewed: Numerical, Histogram and Trend. It is very easy Figure 6:
The same result as in
to capture and toggle between views of the same data (see fi gure Figure 5, now displayed
4, 5 & 6). as a histogram.

When adjusting a frequency source to given limits, the graphic

display gives fast and accurate visual calibration guidance.

2 PENDULUM INSTRUMENTS | CNT-90 Timer/Counter/Analyzer

Measuring Functions Freq. Range: up to 160 MHz Connector: Type N Female
All measurements are displayed with a large main Aux. Parameters: Freq (A), Va/Vb (in dB) Input C (Option 13)
parameter value and smaller auxiliary parameter Vmax, Vmin, Vp-p A, B Operating Input Voltage Range:
values (with less resolution). Some measurements
Range: -50 V to +50 V, -5V to +5V • 100 to 200 MHz: 100 mVrms to 2.5Vrms (typ.)
are only available as auxiliary parameters.
Range is limited by the specifi cation for max • 200 to 300 MHz: 40 mVrms to 2.5Vrms (typ.)
Frequency A, B, C input voltage without damage (see input A, B) • 300 to 500 MHz: 20 mVrms to 2.5Vrms
Range: Freq. Range: DC, 1Hz to 300 MHz • 0.5 to 3.0 GHz: 10 mVrms to 2.5Vrms
• Input A, B: 0.002 Hz to 400 MHz Mode: Vmax, Vmin, Vp-p • 3.0 to 4.5 GHz: 20 mVrms to 2.5Vrms
• Input C (option): Up to 3, 8, 15 or 20 GHz Resolution: 2.5 mV • 4.5 to 6.0 GHz: 40 mVrms to 2.5Vrms
Resolution: 12 digits in 1s measuring time (normal) Uncertainty (5V range, typical): • 6.0 to 8 GHz: 80 mVrms to 2.5Vrms
Aux. Parameter (A, B): Vmax, Vmin, Vp-p • DC, 1Hz to 1kHz: 1% +15 mV Prescaler Factor: 256
• 1kHz to 20 MHz: 3% +15 mV Impedance: 50 Ω nominal, VSWR <2.5:1
Frequency Burst A, B, C (opt. 14/14B)
• 20 to 100 MHz: 10% +15 mV Max Voltage Without Damage: 2.5Vrms
Frequency and PRF of repetitive burst signals
can be measured without external control signal • 100 to 300 MHz: 30% +15 mV Connector: Type N Female
and with selectable start arming delay. Aux parameters: Vmin, Vmax, Vp-p
Input C (Option 14)
Functions: Frequency in burst (in Hz); PRF (in Hz) Time stamping A, B, C Freq. Range: 0.25 to 15 GHz
Range: Input A, B, C: See Frequency spec. Raw time stamp data together with pulse counts on Operating input voltage range:
Minimum Burst Duration: Down to 40 ns inputs A, B or C, accessible via GPIB or USB only. • 250 to 500 MHz: -21 to +21 dBm
Minimum Pulses in Burst: Max Sample Speed: See GPIB specifications • 0.5 to 15 GHz: -27 to +21 dBm
• Input A or B: 3 (6 above 160 MHz) Max Frequency: 160 MHz Prescaler Factor: 128
• Input C: 3 x prescaler factor Timestamp Resolution: 70 ps Impedance: 50 Ω nominal, VSWR <2.0:1
PRF Range: 0.5 Hz to 1MHz AM tolerance: > 90% within sensitivity range
Start Delay: 10 ns to 2sec., 10 ns resolution Input and Output Specifi cations
Max Voltage Without Damage: +21 dBm
Aux. Parameter: PRF Inputs A and B Connector: Type precision N Female
Period A, B, C Frequency Range:
Input C (Option 14B)
Mode: Single, Average • DC-Coupled: DC to 400 MHz
Freq. Range: 0.25 to 20 GHz (opt. 14B)
Range: • AC-Coupled: 10 Hz to 400 MHz
Operating input voltage range:
• Input A, B: 2.5 ns to 1000 sec. (single, Impedance: 1MΩ // 20 pF or 50 Ω (VSWR ≤2:1)
average) Trigger Slope: Positive or negative Typical sensitivity option 14B

• Input C (option): 10 ns down to 330, Max. Channel Timing Difference: 500 ps 0

-5

125, 70 or 50 ps Sensitivity: -10

-15

Resolution: 100 ps (single); 12 digits/s (avg) • DC-200 MHz: 15 mVrms -20

• 200-300 MHz: 25 mVrms

dBm
Aux. Parameter (A, B): Vmax, Vmin, Vp-p
-25

-30

• 300-400 MHz: 35 mVrms -35

Ratio A/B, B/A, C/A, C/B -40

Attenuation: x1, x10
Range: (10-9) to 1011
-45

Dynamic Range (x1): 30 mV p-p to 10 V p-p

-50

Input Frequency:
0 5 10 15 20 25

within ±5V window GHz

• Input A, B: 0.1 Hz to 400 MHz Typical Spec

Trigger Level: Read-Out on display

• Input C (option): Up to 3, 8, 15 or 20 GHz Prescaler Factor: 128
• Resolution: 3mV
Aux Parameters: Freq 1, Freq 2 Impedance: 50 Ω nominal, VSWR <2.0:1
• Uncertainty (x1): ±(15 mV + 1% of trigger level)
Time Interval A to B, B to A, A to A, B to B • AUTO Trigger Level: Trigger level is AM tolerance: > 90% within sensitivity range
Range: automatically set to 50% point of input Max Voltage Without Damage: +27 dBm
• Normal Calculation: 0ns to +106 sec. signal (10% and 90% for Rise/Fall Time) Connector: Type precision N Female
• Smart Calculation: -106 sec. to +106 sec. AUTO Hysteresis:
Rear Panel Inputs and Outputs
Resolution: 100 ps • Freq. range: 1Hz to 300 MHz
Reference Input: 1, 5, or 10 MHz; 0.1 to 5Vrms
Min. Pulse Width: 1.6 ns • Time: Min hysteresis window (hysteresis
sine; impedance ≥1kΩ
Smart Calculation: Smart Time Interval to compensation)
Reference Output: 10 MHz;
determine sign (A before B or A after B) • Frequency: One third of input signal
>1Vrms sine into 50 Ω
Positive and Negative Pulse Width A, B amplitude
Arming Input:
Range: 2.3 ns to 106 sec. Analog LP Filter: Nominal 100kHz, RC-type.
Arming of all measuring functions
Min. Pulse Width: 2.3 ns Digital LP Filter: 1Hz to 50 MHz cut-off
• Impedance: Approx. 1kΩ
frequency
Aux. Parameters: Vmax,Vmin, Vp-p • Freq. Range: DC to 80 MHz
Max Voltage Without Damage:
Rise and Fall Time A, B Rear Panel Measurement Inputs:
• 1MΩ: 350 V (DC + AC pk) to 440 Hz,
Range: 1.5 ns to 106 sec. falling to 12 Vrms at 1MHz. A, B, C (opt. 11/90)
Trigger Levels: 10% and 90% of signal Vp-p • 50 Ω: 12 Vrms
Impedance: 1MΩ//50 pF or 50 Ω (VSWR ≤ 2:1)
Min. Pulse Width: 1.6 ns Connector: BNC Connectors: SMA female for rear input C, BNC
Aux. Parameters: Slew rate, Vmax, Vmin for all other inputs/outputs
Input C (Option 10)
Positive and Negative Duty Factor A, B Operating Input Voltage Range opt. 10: Auxiliary Functions
Range: 0.000001 to 0.999999 • 100 to 300 MHz: 20 mVrms (-21 dBm) to 12 Vrms Trigger Hold-Off
Freq. Range: 0.1 Hz to 300 MHz • 0.3 to 2.5 GHz: 10 mVrms (-27 dBm) to 12 Vrms Time Delay Range: 20 ns to 2sec.,
Aux. parameters: Period, pulse width • 2.5 to 2.7 GHz: 20 mVrms (-21 dBm) to 12 Vrms 10 ns resolution
Phase A Relative B, B Relative A • 2.7 to 3.0 GHz: 40 mVrms (-15 dBm) to 12 Vrms
External Start and Stop Arming
Range: -180° to +360° Prescaler Factor: 16
Modes: Start, Stop, Start and Stop Arming
Resolution: Single-cycle: 0.001° to 10 kHz, Impedance: 50 Ω nominal, VSWR <2.5:1
Input Channels: A, B or E-rear panel
decreasing to 1° >10 MHz. Resolution can be Max Voltage without Damage: 12 Vrms, pin-
improved via averaging (statistics) diode protected

3 PENDULUM INSTRUMENTS | CNT-90 Timer/Counter/Analyzer

Max Rep. Rate for Arming Signal: Compatibility: IEEE 488.2-1987, SCPI 1999, Bench handling
• Channel A,B: 160 MHz 53131A/53132A compatibility mode Transit drop test: Heavy-duty transport case and
• Channel E: 80 MHz Interface Functions: SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, soft carrying case tested according to MIL-PRF-
Start Time Delay Range: 20 ns to 2 sec., 10 ns RL1, DC1, DT1, E2 28800F
resolution Max. Measurement Rate: Reliability: MTBF 30,000 hours (calculated)
• GPIB: 5k readings/s (block mode) Safety: EN 61010-1, pollution degree 2, meas
Statistics
• 500 readings/s (individual GET trig’ed) cat I, CSA C22.2 No 1010-1, CE. Indoor use only
Functions: Maximum, Minimum, Mean, Δmax-
To Internal Memory: 250k readings/s EMC: EN 61326 (1997); A1 (1998), increased
Min, Standard Deviation and Allan Deviation
Internal Memory Size: Up to 750k readings. test levels according to EN 50082-2, Group 1,
Display: Numeric, histograms or trend plots
Class B, CE
Sample Size: 2 to 2 x 109 samples USB Interface
Limit Qualifier: OFF or Capture values above/ USB Version: 2.0 Full speed (11 Mbits/s) Power Requirements
below/inside or outside limits Max. confi guration: 100-240 Vac, 50-400 Hz
Measurement Pacing: Calibration (Nom.), <40 W, <60 W if battery option
• Pacing Time Range: 4μs to 500 sec. Mode: Closed case, electronic calibration, menu Dimensions and Weight
controlled
Mathematics Width x Height x Depth: 210 x 90 x 395 mm
Cal. Frequencies: 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 1.544 and 2.048 MHz (8.25 x 3.6 x 15.6 in)
Functions: (K*X+L)/M and (K/X+L)/M. X is
current reading and K, L and M are constants; set Option 23/90 Battery Unit Weight: Net 2.7 kg (5.8 lb),
via keyboard or as frozen reference value (X0) Battery Type: LiIon, 90 Wh Shipping app. 3.5 kg (app. 7.5 lb)
External DC input: 10 to 18 V dc; max 6 A
Other Functions Ordering Information
Operating temp. range: 0 to 40°C
Measuring Time: 20 ns to 1000 sec. for Basic Model
Storage: -20 to +60°C, 1 month
Frequency, Burst, and Period Average. Single CNT-90: 400 MHz, 100 ps Timer/Counter
cycle for other measuring functions -20 to +45°C, 3 months
-20 to +20°C, 1 year including Standard Time Base
Timebase Reference: Internal, External or Included with Instrument: 3 years product
Automatic Battery operating time (at 25°C):
warranty1, line cord, user documentation on CD,
Display Hold: Freezes result, until a new • ON: >4.5 hours
and Certifi cate of Calibration
measurement is initiated via Restart • Stand-by: >24 hours
The warranty period may be dependent on country.
1

Limit Alarm: Graphical indication on front panel Charging: Automatically when AC or ext DC is
and/or SRQ via GPIB connected Input Frequency Options
• Limit Values: Lower limit, Upper limit Battery status indicator: On-screen with low • Option 10: 3 GHz Input C

• Settings: OFF or Alarm if value is above/ battery warning • Option 13: 8 GHz Input C

below/inside or outside limits Weight: 2.3 kgs • Option 14: 15 GHz Input C

• On Alarm: STOP or CONTINUE • Option 14B: 20 GHz Input C

General Specifi cations
• Display: Numeric + Graphic Oscillator Options
Stored Instrument Set-ups: 20 instrument setups Environmental Data
Option 19/90: Medium Stability Oven Time
can be saved/recalled from internal non-volatile Class: MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3
Base; 0.06 ppm/month
memory. 10 can be user protected. Installation category: II
Option 30/90: Very High Stability Oven Time
Result Storage: Up to 8 measurements of max Operating Temp: 0°C to +50°C bench top; Base; 0.01 ppm/month
32k samples can be stored in local memory for 0 °C to +40 °C rack mounted
Option 40/90: Ultra High Stability Oven Time
later downloading. Storage Temp: -40°C to +71°C Base; 0.003 ppm/month
Display: Backlit LCD Graphics screen for menu Humidity: 5%-95% (10°C to 30°C)
Optional Accessories
control, numerical read-out and status information 5%-75% (30°C to 40°C)
• Option 11/90: Rear Panel Inputs (replaces
• Number of Digits: 14 digits in numerical mode 5%-45% (40°C to 50°C)
front panel inputs)
• Resolution: 320*97 pixels Altitude: 4,600 meters
• Option 22/90: Rack-Mount Kit
GPIB Interface Vibration: Random and sinusoidal according to
• Option 23/90: Battery Unit
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3
• Option 27: Carrying Case - soft
Shock: Half-sine 30G per MIL-PRF-28800F;
Time Base Options • Option 27H: Heavy-duty Hard Transport Case

Option model STD 19/90 30/90 40/90 • Option 29/90: TimeView Modulation
domain Analysis SW for CNT-90
Time base type: Standard OCXO OCXO OCXO
• Option 90/01: Calibration Certificate with
Uncertainty due to:
Protocol; Standard oscillator
-Aging per 24h <5x10-9(1) <5x10-10(1) <3x10-10(1)
per month <6x10-8 <1x10-8 <3x10-9 • Option 90/06: Calibration Certificate with
per year <2x10-7 <5x10-8 <1.5x10-8 Protocol; Oven oscillator
-Temperature variations: 0˚C to 50˚C <5x10-8 <5x10-9 <2.5x10-9 • Option 90/00: Calibration Certificate with
20˚C to 26˚C (typ. values) <2x10-8 <1x10-9 <4x10-10 Protocol; Hold-over frequency aging/week
Short-term stability: τ =1s not specified <1x10-10 <1x10-11 <5x10-12 • Option 95/05: Extended warranty from 3
(root Allan Variance) τ =10s <1x10-10 <1x10-11 <5x10-12 to 5 years
Power-on stability: • OM-90: Users Manual English (printed)
Deviation vs. fi nal value after 24 h on time, n/a <1x10-7 <1x10-8 <5x10-9 • PM-90: Programmers Manual English
after a warm-up time of: 30 min 30 min 10 min 10 min (printed)
Typical total uncertainty, for operating temperature • SM-90: Service Manual English
20˚C to 26˚C, at 2σ (95%) confi dence interval: • GS-90-EN: Getting Started English
-1 year after calibration <7x10-6 <2.4x10-7 <0.6x10-7 <1.8x10-8
• GS-90-FR: Getting Started French
-2 years after calibration <1.2x10-5 <4.6x10-7 <1.2x10-7 <3.5x10-8
• GS-90-DE: Getting Started German
1
After 1 month of continuous operation

[Link]
© Pendulum Instruments 2024
29.03.2024 CNT-90 rev.35
Specifications subject to change
or improvements without notice.
4031 600 90101