The Tektronix FCA3000 is a frequency counter and timer/analyzer engineered for precision measurement and signal characterization in research, production testing, and calibration environments. It delivers 12-digit frequency resolution with 100 ps single-shot time resolution across dual input channels operating from DC to 300 MHz (extendable to 400 MHz in Manual Trigger Mode). The instrument combines automated measurements—frequency, period, time interval, phase angle, pulse width, rise/fall time, duty cycle, and voltage parameters—with advanced analysis modes including trend plotting, statistical analysis, histogram generation, and Allan deviation calculation. Measurement throughput reaches 250k samples/second with storage for up to 3.75M samples to internal memory.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: DC to 300 MHz (Channels A and B); up to 400 MHz in Manual Trigger Mode
• Time Resolution: 100 ps (single-shot)
• Frequency Resolution: 12 digits/second; display up to 14 digits
• Phase Resolution: 0.001°
• Voltage Resolution: 3 mV or better
• Input Channels: Up to 3 channels
• Input Impedance: Front panel 1 MΩ (AC, 1X mode: 1.3 MΩ || 14 pF) or 50 Ω; rear panel 1 MΩ || 50 pF
• Amplitude Sensitivity: 500 μVRMS (guaranteed); 2 mVRMS typical (10X amplifier)
• Maximum Input Voltage: 12 VRMS (pin-diode protected, Channels A and B)
• Reference Input: 1, 5, or 10 MHz; 0.1 to 5 VRMS sinewave; >1 kΩ impedance; 5 ppm pull-in range
• Reference Output: 10 MHz, >1 VRMS into 50 Ω
• Arming Input: DC to 80 MHz; 1 kΩ impedance; TTL threshold (0.8 VIL, 2.0 VIH)
• Measurement Speed: 250k sample/s to memory (3.75M samples maximum storage)
– Key Features
• Zero dead-time frequency and period measurements
• Multi-parameter display with auxiliary measurements
• Trend plot mode for drift and intermittent event detection
• Measurement statistics including average, minimum, maximum, and Allan deviation
• Histogram analysis for stability and noise characterization
• External start/stop arming (160 MHz max rep. rate Channels A/B; 80 MHz Channel E)
• Selectable positive or negative slope triggering
• Start-time delay range: 20 ns to 2 s
– Typical Applications
Frequency and timing verification in component characterization, oscillator stability assessment, phase coherence measurement, signal integrity validation, and production test environments requiring high-resolution time interval and frequency analysis.
