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The new PFM3000 from TTi is a UK built hand-held frequency counter which
can measure signals from below 3Hz to above 3GHz. Its low cost of circa
$230 puts it into a similar price category as hand-held multimeters.
Despite its compact size and low cost, the PFM3000 incorporates several
advanced features. It uses the ‘reciprocal counting’ measurement
technique to achieve high measurement resolution at all frequencies. The
system yields up to 8 digits of resolution per second of measurement
time and can resolve low frequencies to 0.001mHz (0.000001Hz).
Two measurement ranges are provided. Range A covers from below 3Hz to
above 125MHz via a high impedance input. Range B covers from below 80MHz
to above 3000MHz via a 50 Ohm input. Sensitivity is typically better
than 15mV across the range, rising to 25mV at 2.5GHz and 50mV at 3GHz.
Period measurement is provided for signals in the range 8ns to 330ms. 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 200g (7 ounces). A large LCD
display of very high contrast is incorporated with 11.5mm high
characters. The display incorporates 15 annunciators covering
measurement function, measurement time, units, overflow, trigger
activity and low battery.
The price in the UK is £115.
The approximate International prices is $230.
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