The Universal Time Interval Counter has the following features:
Two Independent Input Channels
Three models available: GC2210/GTX2210 input range of DC to 225MHz, GC2220/GTX2220 input range of DC to 1.3GHz and the GC2230/GTX2230 with input range of DC to 2GHz.
High measurement resolution, GC2220, GC2230, GTX2220 and GTX2230 has 100pS of resolution without averaging while the GC2200/GTX2210 has 10nS of resolution without averaging.
Fourteen measurement functions are supported: Accumulate, Auto Ratio, Fast Frequency (GC2220/30, GC2220/GC2230/GTX2220/GTX2230 only), Frequency, Period, Ratio, Single Period, Test Clock, Time Interval, Time Interval Delay, Totalize, Totalize Gated, Totalize Gated Once, and Width.
All functions permit swapping channel reference or order. For example, Time Interval can be measured from A → B or B → A. This is a function of the driver software. This feature simplifies cable assignment and reduces the need for signal switching in test systems.
Software selectable input impedance (1 MOhm or 50 Ohm) and coupling (AC or DC coupling) for each input channel.
Programmable, high resolution, wide range Gate Time and Delay Time control. Both parameters can be set with a resolution of 0.75µS, over the range of 250µS to 3200.
Auto Trigger function automatically sets the input trigger threshold levels just before EACH AND EVERY measurement. The trigger level can then be set to HOLD this level for additional measurements.
Manual Trigger Level provides a programmable, high-resolution trigger threshold level. The manual trigger level is programmable from -5V to +5V with 1mV resolution (previous PCB had 40mV resolution). This level setting is cached or stored and is not affected if the operator selects Auto Trigger Level and returns to the FIXED Manual Trigger.
Programmable Input Prescale mode can be set to Continuous, Off or Auto mode. In Auto mode the counter determines the need for prescaling automatically by making a quick frequency check prior to the actual measurement.
External Gate output signals when the measurement gate is open or closed. The Gate output signal is an active high TTL level during the gate interval and low at other times. It does not require external pull-up or pull-down.
Paced Measurements with intervals ranging from less than 1mS to 3200 seconds. The pace time is digitally generated and is accurate to within 200S (errors do not accumulate).
Programmable measurement External Arming mechanism that create a “time window” explicitly selecting specific events. The arming window is defined by events (signal transitions) applied to the External Arm input The External Arm Slope is programmable (negative or positive).
Programmable clock source (external or internal).
Programmable Built-in calibration circuitry. The counter automatically calibrates the interpolators and the channel-to-channel timing skews and compensates for the differential non-linearity inherent in analog time-measurement circuitry. This calibration provides verification of the board operation. Calibration mode can be set to either Continuous, Once or Off.
Programmable Acquisition mode: continuous, single or paced. Acquisition mode specifies how frequently unarmed measurements should be made. A single measurement or continuous measurements are possible. The Paced measurements define a precise interval between measurements.
Each of the input channels can be programmed to filter the input signal using a programmable window in time (one shot). The filter permits accurate and stable measurements of signals with frequencies less then 20KHz that have noise or glitches.
The GTX2220/30(only) boards, when plugged into the star-controller slot 2 of a PXI chassis, the board under software control can replace the 10 MHz PXI clock with its highly stable and accurate oscillator.
When plugged into one of the non-star controller slots (slots 3 and higher), the GTX22x0 boards can be programmed so that its clock source will use the PXI backplane clock.
User invoked In-System automatic calibration by user of the Time base and channels A and B trigger level (PCB version C and above). The In-System Calibration requires purchasing a license for this feature.
The Universal Time Interval Counter software driver supports both the Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA) standard and Marvin Test Solutions’ HW Instrument driver for versions 2.50 and above.