The Tektronix FCA3120 is a 3-channel frequency counter and analyzer delivering precision measurements from DC to 20 GHz. It combines 50 ps single-shot time resolution with 12-digit frequency resolution and advanced analysis modes—trend plotting, histograms, Allan deviation, and zero dead-time measurement—making it essential for RF/microwave characterization, component validation, and signal integrity analysis in development and production environments.
Technical Specifications
Frequency & Time Performance
• Frequency range: Input C 0.25 GHz to 20 GHz; Channels A and B 300 MHz
• Time resolution: 50 ps single-shot
• Frequency resolution: 12 digits/second; up to 14 digits displayed
• Phase resolution: 0.001°
Measurement Channels & Voltage
• Input channels: 3 total
• Voltage resolution: 3 mV or better
• Input voltage range (Channels A/B): −50 V to +50 V, −5 V to +5 V
• Input power range (Channel C): −21 dBm to +27 dBm (0.25 GHz to 20 GHz)
• Channel C maximum input: +27 dBm (5 Vrms)
Data & Throughput
• Internal memory transfer: 250k Sample/s
• Maximum stored samples: 3.75M
• Triggered measurements: up to 650/s
• USB/GPIB block mode: up to 15k Sample/s
• Continuous streaming: zero dead-time over USB/GPIB
Analysis & Measurement Functions
• Automated measurements: Frequency, Period, Ratio, Time Interval, Time Interval Error, Pulse Width, Rise/Fall Time, Phase Angle, Duty Cycle, Voltage extrema, Peak-to-Peak Voltage, Totalize, Sum
• Analysis modes: Multi-parameter Display, Trend Plot, Statistics, Histogram, Allan Deviation, Zero Dead-time Frequency/Period
• Prescaler factor: 128
• Triggering: Manual (300–400 MHz), External Arming
Timebase & Interfaces
• Standard timebase (optional high-stability oven timebase: 5×10⁻⁸)
• USB Device and GPIB ports with SCPI-compatible programmability
• External Reference Input connector
Power & Physical
• Input: 90–265 VRMS, 45–440 Hz, <40 W
• Dimensions: 90 mm × 210 mm × 395 mm
• Weight: 2.7 kg
– Key Features
• Three independent input channels with asymmetric frequency ranges optimized for baseband and RF measurement
• 50 ps time resolution enables nanosecond-scale signal characterization
• Zero dead-time continuous streaming eliminates measurement gaps during acquisition
• Allan deviation and trend analysis quantify frequency/timing stability over extended periods
• Prescaler support (128×) extends range for high-frequency inputs
• SCPI-compliant GPIB interface enables automated test sequences
– Typical Applications
• Frequency and phase characterization of oscillators and synthesizers
• Time interval and jitter analysis in timing-critical circuits
• Component acceptance testing and production verification
• Modulation domain analysis (with optional TimeView software)
• Phase-locked loop (PLL) settling and stability measurements
– Compatibility & Integration
Includes National Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress TE Limited Edition. Optional TimeView software supports modulation domain analysis. GPIB and USB interfaces permit integration into automated test environments and data acquisition systems.
