Test & Measurement
Low-cost Frequency Counter from TTi operates to 3GHz
The new PFM3000 from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) is a UK built hand-held frequency counter which can measure signals from below 3 Hz to above 3 GHz. Its low cost of £115 puts it into a similar price category as hand-held multimeters.
DespTwo measurement ranges are provided. Range A covers from below 3 Hz to above 125 MHz via a high impedance input. Range B covers from below 80 MHz to above 3000 MHz via a 50 ohm input. Sensitivity is typically better than 15 mV across the range, rising to 25 mV at 2.5 GHz and 50 mV at 3 GHz.
Period measurement is provided for signals in the range from 8 ns to 330 ms. A selectable low-pass filter is provided to reduce the noise on lower frequency signals. A ‘hold’ key allows readings to be frozen on the display whenever required.
Low power consumption circuitry ensures long battery life, and a ‘push to measure’ facility is also incorporated. This provides an immediate reading on the press of a key followed by an automatic power down after 15 seconds, thus ensuring maximum battery life when continuous signal monitoring is not required.
The PFM3000 is housed in a robust ABS case measuring 81 x 173 x 30mm (7 x 3 x 1.2 inches) and weighing less than 200 g (7 ounces). A large LCD display of very high contrast with 11.5mm high characters is incorporated. The display incorporates 15 annunciators covering measurement function, measurement time, units, overflow, trigger activity and low battery.