AIM & THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS TF960 | TF930 | PFM3000 High performance 3GHz and 6GHz frequency counters PFM3000 - 3GHz low-cost handheld frequency counter TF930 - 3GHz bench/portable universal counter with USB TF960 - 6GHz bench/portable universal counter with USB tti-test.com aimtti.co.uk | aimtti.us TF930/960 - 3GHz and 6GHz bench/portable universal counters with USB 0.001Hz to > 3000MHz or 6000MHz frequency range Frequency, period, pulse width, duty cycle, frequency ratio and event counting modes High performance temperature compensated timebase Reciprocal measurement technique gives superior resolution High input sensitivity over the full frequency range High impedance DC coupled input up to 125MHz Variable trigger threshold and switchable attenuator Large 10 digit LCD display with annunciators Operation from built-in rechargeable batteries Low power consumption gives up to 24 hours operation Remote control and readback via USB interface High measurement accuracy The TF930 and TF960 use a high quality temperature compensated internal frequency reference (TCXO) which has a low aging rate and is stable to within 1ppm over the full temperature range. Its short warm-up time allows accurate measurements to be made even under portable battery powered conditions. An External Reference input is provided and changeover from the internal timebase is automatic when an external reference standard is connected. Battery operation when needed The TF930 and TF960 operate from internal rechargeable NiMH batteries which give typically 24 hours operating life. The universal AC charger supplied will recharge the batteries in less than 4 hours and can be used for continuous AC operation. The instruments can also be powered from a standard USB port. High resolution For frequency, period and frequency ratio functions the instrument uses a reciprocal counting technique to provide high resolution at all frequencies. Eight significant digits of answer are produced in a 1 second measurement time, nine digits in 10s and ten digits in 100s with a granularity of less than 2 counts in the least significant digit. Flexible signal conditioning Input A has configurable coupling (AC or DC), input impedance (1MW or 50W), attenuation (1:1 or 5:1), threshold (fully variable) and active edge, and can be used for frequencies in the range 0.001Hz to >125MHz. Input B is a nominal 50W input for frequencies in the range 80MHz to > 3GHz. Input C (TF960 only) uses a standard N connector and has a nominal 50W input for frequencies in the range 1.8GHz to > 6GHz. Multiple measurement functions The TF930 and TF960 can measure frequency, period, pulse width, duty cycle and frequency ratio, as well as event counting (totalise). Remote control and read-back via USB The TF930 and TF960 incporporate a USB interface which allows it to be remotely controlled using RS232 protocol via a computer's USB port. The remote commands of their predecessor instrument, the TF830, are compatible with the command set. Ten digit LCD The high contrast display has ten 12.5mm (0.5") high digits along with a comprehensive set of annunciators. These show input configuration and function, measurement time and status, external reference connection, low battery and the units of the measurement which may be Hz, kHz, MHz, ns, us, ms or s. PFM3000 - low-cost 3GHz counter Specifications - TF930/960 INPUT SPECIFICATIONS Input A Input Coupling: Input Impedance: Attenuation: Active Edge: Low Pass Filter: Frequency Range: Sensitivity: Signal Range: Trigger Threshold: AC or DC 1MW//25pF (DC or AC coupled), or 50W (AC coupled only) 1:1 or 5:1 Rising or falling, or width high or low 50kHz cut-off, or None 0.001Hz to > 125MHz (1MW, DC coupled) < 30Hz to > 125MHz (1MW, AC coupled) < 500kHz to > 125MHz (50W, AC coupled). Sinewave - 15mVrms 30Hz to 100MHz, 25mV to 125MHz at optimum threshold adjustment. 1MW, DC - 0 to 3.3V (1:1) or 1 to 12V (5:1), 1MW, AC - up to 1Vrms (3Vpp) (1:1) or up to 4Vrms (12Vpp) (5:1) 50W, AC - up to 1V rms above 300kHz DC coupled - 0 to 2V (1:1) or 0 to 10V (5:1) AC coupled - Average 200mV (1:1) or 1V (5:1) Input B Input Impedance: Frequency Range: Sensitivity: Signal Range: 50W (AC coupled) <80MHz to >3000MHz Sinewave - 25mVrms 2GHz to 6GHz <0dBm recommended, +13dBm (1Vrms) maximum Input C (TF960 only) Input Impedance: Frequency Range: Sensitivity: Signal Range: 50W (AC coupled) <1800MHz to >6000MHz Sinewave - 12mVrms 80MHz-2GHz, 25mV to 2.5GHz, 50mVrms to 3GHz <0dBm recommended, +13dBm (1Vrms) maximum External Reference 3 Hz to > 3000 MHz in two overlapping ranges High input sensitivity over the full frequency range High impedance measurement up to 125 MHz Reciprocal measurement technique gives superior resolution Period measurement from 3 Hz to 125 MHz Selectable measurement time; display hold function Noise filter for low frequency measurements Large 8.5 digit display with full range of annunciators Battery operation; handheld format with tilt-stand Push-to-measure function with auto power-down Wide frequency range and high resolution The PFM3000 offers high sensitivity frequency measurement from 3Hz to more than 3GHz in two overlapping ranges. Period measurement is also provided from 8ns to 330ms. The PFM3000 uses a continuous reciprocal measurement technique to provide high resolution at all frequencies with rapid update. It offers high sensitivity across the whole frequency range. A low pass filter can be selected to reduce high frequency signal noise at lower frequencies. A Large and clear display Despite its compact dimensions, the PFM3000 incorporates a large 8.5 digit LCD. Annunciators are provided for measurement function, measurement time, overflow, trigger activity, low battery, and measurement units. Input Impedance: Frequency: Signal Level: >100kW, AC coupled 10MHz TTL, 3Vpp to 5Vpp CMOS or 1 to 2Vrms sinewave Maximum Input Voltage Input A and Input B: 30Vdc; 30Vrms 50Hz/60Hz reducing to 1Vrms above 1MHz Note that the inputs will not be damaged if subjected to an accidental short-term connection to a 50/60Hz line voltage not exceeding 250V rms. MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS Frequency A Input Range: B Input Range: Resolution: 0.001Hz (DC coupled) to >125MHz 80MHz to >3000MHz up to 10 digits (see Note) or 0.001Hz Period A Input Range: B Input Range: Resolution: 8ns to 100s (DC coupled) 333ps to 12.5ns up to 10 digits (see Note) Pulse Width Mode (Input A only) Functions: Pulse Width Range: Averaging: Resolution: Width high, width low, ratio H:L (high time to low time) and duty cycle 40ns to 1000s Automatic within measurement time selected, up to 50 pulses 20ns for one pulse; up to 1ns or 10 digits with multiple pulse averaging 0.01% for Ratio H:L and Duty Cycle, Total Count (Input A only) Count Range: Minimum Width: 1 to 9 999 999 999 8ns Frequency Ratio B:A Resolution: Equal to the resolution of the two frequency measurements, If the ratio exceeds 10 digits, 6 digits and the exponent are displayed Measurement Time Selectable as 100s, 10s, 1s or 0.3s. The instrument displays the average value of the input signal over the measurement time selected, updated every 2s, 1s, 0.5s or 0.3s respectively. The hardware captures the count values and continues measuring without any dead time. Resolution The displayed resolution depends upon measurement time and input frequency. The basic resolution of period is 8 digits for every 2 seconds of measurement time. Frequency resolution is the reciprocal of period resolution. Usable resolution can be reduced by noise at low frequencies. Accuracy Measurement accuracy is timebase accuracy + measurement resolution + 2 counts. Low power consumption and push-to-measure Despite its wide frequency range the PFM3000 has a power consumption that enables it to operate for many hours from a PP3 size battery. A push-to-measure capability gives an instantaneous reading followed by an automatic power down after 15 seconds. This provides greatly extended battery life where continuous monitoring of the signal is not required. TIMEBASE Measurement Clock: Internal Reference: Temperature Stability: Initial Error: Ageing Rate: 50MHz 10MHz TCXO with electronic calibration adjustment (> +/- 8ppm) Better than 1ppm over rated temperature range < 0.2ppm at 25C < 1ppm/year OPERATING FACILITIES Bench-top use Noise Filter The PFM3000 has the performance needed for many bench-top applications, and its built-in tilt stand sets the display at a convenient angle. The Filter key controls a low pass filter, with a cut-off frequency of about 50kHz, to ensure more stable readings at low frequencies. Specifications TF930/960 (continued) & PFM3000 Hold Pressing the Hold key will stop further measurements being made and the current measured value will remain in the display, with the Hold indicator on, until the Hold key is pressed again. A long press on the Hold key clears old data and restarts the measurement. Intelligent Power Switching The unit automatically selects the best available power source of AC adaptor, USB or battery. Intelligent switching avoids discharging the battery overnight when operated from externally switched AC power. A press-to-measure facility allows a quick measurement to be made by pressing a function select key which will power the instrument up in the corresponding function. The instrument will automatically switch off 15 seconds after the last key-press. Signal Activity Indication Dual bi-colour LEDs show signal activity and indicate whether a DC coupled signal is above or below the trigger threshold. REMOTE CONTROL Interface: Current Used: Command Set: USB (Serial port emulation over USB) < 95mA (<5mA if AC adaptor power is present) Annunciators show input configuration, operating mode, measurement units and gate time 10 digits 12.5mm (0.5") Instrument specific. TF830 compatible POWER REQUIREMENTS The instrument has fixed internal rechargeable batteries and is supplied with a universal voltage external mains adaptor with interchangeable UK, Euro, Australian and US power connectors. Battery Type: Three 2500mAh NiMH cells Operating Life: Typically 24 hours per full charge Low Batt. Indicator: `Lo Bat' shows when approximately 10% of battery life remains Recharge Time: >4 hours Adaptor Voltage: 85 to 240V, 50 or 60 Hz Power Consumption: 5W max at DC input to unit; 15VA max at AC adaptor input (charging) 3Hz to 125MHz 10-7Hz to 100Hz (see Note) Frequency (Range B) Frequency Range: Resolution: 80MHz to >3000MHz 1Hz to 10kHz (see Note) Period (Range A only) Period Range: Resolution: 8ns to 330ms 10-7ns to 1us (see Note) Measurement Time Selectable as 10s, 1s or 0.1s. (Note that for the 0.1s setting the effective measurement time is 0.3 seconds). Resolution The displayed resolution depends upon the measurement time and the input frequency. Eight digits (or nine using an overflow indication) are displayed for a 10s measurement time. Seven or eight digits are displayed for a 1s measurement time, and six or seven digits for 0.1s depending upon the input frequency. Usable resolution may be further reduced by noise, particularly at low frequencies. Measurement accuracy is the sum of the timebase accuracy and measurement resolution plus one count. TIMEBASE Crystal Oscillator Frequency: Initial Oscillator Adjustment Error: Oscillator Temperature Coefficient: Oscillator Ageing Rate: 10MHz 2ppm (closed-case adjustable by user) Typically less than 0.3ppm/C 18C to 28C, 10ppm -20C to 70C < 5ppm/year OPERATING FACILITIES Press to measure With the power switch off, pressing any of the function select keys will power the instrument up in the corresponding function. The instrument will automatically switch off 15 seconds after the last key press. Hold GENERAL Operating Range: Storage Range: Environmental: Size: Weight: Electrical Safety: EMC: Frequency Range: Resolution: Accuracy DISPLAY No. of Digits: Size of Digits: Annunciators: MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS Frequency (Range A) +5C to +40C, 20% to 80% RH -20C to +60C Indoor use at altitudes up to 2000m Pollution Degree 2 260mm(W) x 88mm(H) x 235mm(D) 950 gms (plus 170 gms AC adaptor) Complies with EN61010-1 Complies with EN61326 Pressing the Hold key will stop further measurements being made and the current measured value will remain in the display until the Hold key is pressed again. Noise filter The Filter key controls a low pass filter, with a cut-off frequency of about 50kHz, to ensure more stable readings at low frequencies. Signal activity indicator When no input signal is detected the Trig indicator will be off, indicating that no measurement is possible. The gate time indicator flashes until the first measurement interval is complete. DISPLAY Specifications - PFM3000 INPUT SPECIFICATIONS Input A Input Impedance: Frequency Range: Sensitivity: 1MW//20pF (AC coupled) <3Hz to >125MHz Sinewave - 15mVrms 10Hz-125MHz Input B Input Impedance: Frequency Range: Sensitivity: 50W (AC coupled) <80MHz to >3000MHz Sinewave - 15mVrms 80MHz-2GHz, 50mVrms to 3GHz Maximum Input Voltage Input A and Input B: 30Vdc; 30Vrms 50Hz/60Hz reducing to 1Vrms above 1MHz Note that the inputs will not be damaged if subjected to an accidental short-term connection to a 50/60Hz line voltage not exceeding 250V rms. No. of Digits: Size of Digits: Annunciators: 8.5 digits (188888888) 11.5mm (0.45") 15 annunciators POWER REQUIREMENTS Battery Type: 9V PP3 alkaline Battery Life: Typically 20 hours Low Batt. Indicator: `Bat' shows in display when approximately 10% of battery life remains GENERAL Operating Range: Storage Range: Environmental: Size: Weight: Electrical Safety: EMC: +5C to +40C, 20% to 80% RH -20C to +60C Indoor use at altitudes up to 2000m Pollution Degree 2 81mm x 178mm x 30mm (W x L x D) 190gms excluding battery Complies with EN61010-1 Complies with EN61326 Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy of continuous development and reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Designed and built in Europe by: Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE29 7DR United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1480 412451 Fax: +44 (0)1480 450409 Email: sales@aimtti.com Web: www.aimtti.com Brochure Part No. 82100-1380 Iss. 3A Product Summary Company name and product brands Laboratory Power Supplies Bench and system power supplies from 30 watts up to 1200 watts using linear, mixed-mode and PowerFlex regulation technologies. Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. (TTi) is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of test and measurement instruments. Waveform Generators Analog and digital (DDS) function generators, true arbitrary generators, arbitrary/function generators and pulse generators. In the future, however, the full product range will be branded Aim-TTi. Products have been sold under two brand names: TTi and Aim. This changeover will be gradual and many products will continue to carry the TTi or Aim brands for some time to come. Web Addresses (URLs) Precision Measurement Instruments Benchtop DMMs, frequency counters, component measurement instruments (LCR), electronic dc loads, current probes. The preferred URL for obtaining information concerning Aim-TTi products is: www.aimtti.com (international customers) Customers in the UK should use the URL: www.aimtti.co.uk RF and EMC Test Equipment Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, frequency counters, power meters, emc measurement instruments. Customers in the USA should use the URL: www.aimtti.us Note that previous URLs such as www.tti-test.com will continue to operate for the time being. Designed and built in Europe by: Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 7DR England (United Kingdom) Tel: +44 (0)1480 412451 Fax: +44 (0)1480 450409 Email: info@aimtti.com Web: www.aimtti.com