Programmable Universal Counter Offers High Accuracy Up To 2.6 GHz

Sept. 15, 2003

Even with rapid frequency measurements up to 2.4 GHz (usable up to 2.6 GHz), the C3100 programmable universal frequency counter features ±2-ppm accuracy and 0.00001-Hz resolution (at 200 Hz). It measures frequency, period, duty cycle, rpm, frequency ratio, difference frequency, time intervals, and totalization. Comparisons, relative errors, trend graphs, and min/max functions can be displayed on its LCD screen. Up to eight setup screens can be saved and retrieved from memory. The unit has a standard RS-232 interface and an optional GPIB interface. The C3100 costs $429 and is available from the company's nationwide distributors.

Protek, a division of Cigma Technologieswww.protektest.com; (201) 760-9898

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.