Pendulum Instruments · Frequency Counters/Analyzers
CNT-90
High-resolution, fast-capture frequency, time and phase counter/analyzer with a 400 MHz standard range
The CNT-90 is the entry model of this counter line, but entry refers to price and channel configuration, not to measurement quality. Its 12 digits/s frequency resolution and 70 ps timestamp resolution handle the everyday frequency, period and time interval measurements of most R&D benches and production lines. Two channels cover up to 400 MHz as standard, and a factory microwave option adds a single channel to 3, 8, 15 or 20 GHz. It suits teaching labs, production measurement stations and anyone who needs a dependable general-purpose counter rather than a dedicated analyzer. Before ordering, settle the microwave option: it is a factory configuration and cannot be retrofitted later.
Overview
Most frequency measurements are simple in scope: confirm the frequency or period of a signal, or the time between two events, and be able to trust the result. The CNT-90 is built for that class of work. Twelve digits of frequency per second mean that even a short measuring time yields meaningful digits, and 70 ps timestamp resolution keeps time interval readings from being dominated by the instrument's own quantization. Two general-purpose input channels reach 400 MHz, enough for most baseband signals; if the signal is in the microwave band, a single microwave channel with a 3, 8, 15 or 20 GHz ceiling can be fitted at the factory. Compared with the higher models in the series, the differences are channel count, memory depth and measurement speed. If your work does not involve watching several signals at once or collecting hundreds of thousands of samples for statistics, those capabilities are cost you would not use. This counter is for users who treat accuracy as the baseline and leave volume to the higher models. Evencat is the authorized distributor for Pendulum Instruments in Taiwan and quotes the CNT-90 with options and calibration.
Key specifications
| Input channels | 2 channels, standard to 400 MHz |
|---|---|
| Standard frequency range | 400 MHz |
| Microwave frequency option | 3 / 8 / 15 / 20 GHz (optional single channel) |
| Single-shot time resolution | 100 ps (single-shot time interval); time-stamping resolution 70 ps |
| Frequency resolution | 12 digits/s |
| Measurement speed | 250,000 measurements/s |
| Memory depth | 750k (internal memory) |
| Input sensitivity | 15 mV rms (to 200 MHz); 35 mV rms (at 400 MHz) |
| Bus transfer rate | 5,000 results/s (GPIB block mode); 500 results/s (individual GET) |
| Timebase options (OCXO) | 0.06 ppm/month (19/90), 0.01 ppm/month (30/90) or 0.003 ppm/month (40/90) |
| Interfaces | USB, GPIB (IEEE 488.2), SCPI/1999 compliant |
| Battery option | 90 Wh, at least 4.5 hours of mains-free operation |
Features
Entry price, not entry accuracy
12 digits/s frequency resolution and 70 ps timestamps keep everyday measurements trustworthy.
Two general-purpose channels
To 400 MHz, covering frequency, period and time interval on most baseband signals.
Microwave on request
A single 3, 8, 15 or 20 GHz microwave channel can be fitted at the factory; it is a hardware option that cannot be added later.
Straightforward operation
Designed for daily measurements, so reading a frequency does not require setting up an analysis workflow first.
Works with TimeView
When you need to see frequency versus time, the software option turns it into a modulation domain analyzer.
Field operation
Optional oven oscillators at 0.06, 0.01 or 0.003 ppm/month and a 90 Wh battery pack let the counter work where there is no mains supply.
Typical applications
Calibration lab
Oscillator and clock frequency calibration traceability
Metrology labs and independent calibration houses use the 12 digits/s resolution and a high-stability OCXO timebase to compare quartz oscillators, atomic clocks and GNSS references and document traceability to ISO 17025 requirements.
Production test
High-speed automated test on oscillator production lines
Oscillator and frequency component makers add the CNT-90 to existing ATE lines. The HP53131A emulation mode lets existing test software run without reprogramming, up to 250,000 measurements per second raises line throughput, and the histogram view tracks process yield as it happens.
R&D engineering
Jitter and modulation domain analysis of PLL and clock circuits
RF and digital design engineers use the graphic display and 70 ps timestamp resolution to catch clock frequency drift, fast modulation and transient events. With TimeView the counter performs modulation domain analysis to locate the cause of PLL phase noise and abnormal lock behavior.
Options and configuration
Tick the options you need. We compile the configuration list and carry it into the quote request form.
Standard configuration (included)
Hardware options
Software, calibration and warranty options
Downloads
Need pricing, specifications or lead time for CNT-90?
Also available for rent: CNT-90 is part of the Pendulum rental program, for project peaks, calibration backup and pre-purchase trials. Rental inquiry →