Pendulum Instruments · Frequency Counters & Analyzers
CNT-104B
Blind-panel 4-channel frequency analyzer with rear inputs, built for automated test systems at a lower unit cost.
CNT-104B is the CNT-100 series model you specify when the instrument lives inside a test rack and nobody looks at its screen. Four parallel channels measure gap-free on one shared timebase, so one unit does the work of four conventional counters. There is no display: control is by SCPI over Ethernet or through the built-in web interface, and all inputs sit on the rear panel for clean rack cabling and ATE integration.
Overview
CNT-104B is the screenless version of the Pendulum CNT-100 series, made for customers who integrate the counter into a test system rather than use it on a bench. It keeps the 4-channel parallel architecture, tracking frequency, phase and time interval error (TIE) on all inputs at once with zero dead time, and the built-in modulation domain analyzer (MDA) captures fast frequency or phase changes as they happen. The four base channels cover DC to 400 MHz. An optional fifth RF channel C adds 3 GHz or 10 GHz hardware, and the 10 GHz version can be raised to 15, 20 or 24 GHz by software key. Time resolution is 14 ps as delivered and 7 ps with a license; measurement speed is 1 million results per second and can be unlocked to 20 million. Dropping the display and front-panel inputs lowers the unit price and, per Pendulum, adds over 10,000 hours of MTBF compared with the screened models. For oscillator production test and other high-volume ATE work, it delivers the measurement core of the bench-top CNT-104S at a system-friendly cost. Before ordering, decide whether you need channel C, and which rack kit (option 22/05 fits two units, eight counters, in 19 inch 2U).
Key specifications
| Input channels | 4 parallel input channels (optional 5th RF channel C) |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 400 MHz on the 4 base channels; optional channel C at 3 GHz or 10 GHz hardware, 10 GHz upgradable to 15 / 20 / 24 GHz |
| Time resolution | 14 ps standard (7 ps with software license) |
| Measurement speed | 1M samples/s (20M samples/s with software license) |
| Measurement functions | Frequency analysis, modulation domain analysis (MDA), phase comparison, TIE time interval error |
| Control | SCPI commands / web interface (blind panel, no display) |
| Input location | Rear inputs, for rack integration and cabling |
| Interfaces | Ethernet; GPIB (optional); USB (RNDIS); WLAN (external dongle) |
| Timebase options | TCXO standard / OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillator, two grades) |
| Options | Pulse generator, 5th RF channel C, timebase upgrades and rack kits |
Features
Built for the test rack
No display, rear inputs, control by SCPI or web interface. It drops straight into an ATE system and replaces conventional counters at a lower cost and a longer MTBF.
Four channels, gap-free, in parallel
Frequency, time, phase and TIE are measured on all 4 inputs at the same time with no dead time, so one unit stands in for four separate counters.
Modulation domain analyzer (MDA)
The built-in MDA captures very fast frequency or phase/time changes in real time, covering FM, FSK, BPSK, PWM and PPM style modulation.
RF input up to 24 GHz
Add the optional 5th RF channel with 3 GHz or 10 GHz hardware; the 10 GHz version unlocks to 15, 20 or 24 GHz by software license.
Resolution and speed grow with you
Time resolution goes from 14 ps to 7 ps by license, and measurement speed from 1M to 20M samples/s. Buy the base unit now and upgrade when a project demands it.
Lower cost, higher reliability
Leaving out the screen and front panel lowers the unit price and extends the mean time between failures, which matters when you deploy many units on a production line.
Typical applications
System integration
Automated test system (ATE) integration
The blind panel and rear inputs let CNT-104B stack directly in a test rack, with a host controller driving it over SCPI. Four parallel channels mean one unit replaces four counters, which cuts rack space and cabling on high-volume production test lines.
Production test
Oscillator and frequency component acceptance
One CNT-104B measures several DUTs at once with zero dead time. With the speed upgrade to 20M samples/s it replaces the multi-counter setup in a typical test system and lowers cost per part and changeover wait.
R&D analysis
Frequency dynamics and modulation verification
The built-in modulation domain analysis (MDA) records frequency transients, synthesizer switching and settling time continuously, and handles FM, FSK, BPSK, PWM and PPM time-frequency analysis, so engineers can locate problems early in RF transceiver and PLL development.
Options and configuration
Tick the options you need. We compile the configuration into a list and carry it into the quote request form.
Standard equipment (included)
Hardware options
Software license options
Downloads
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