Tektronix CMC251 User manual

User Manual
CMC251
1.3 GHz Frequency Counter
070-8527-03

Copyright Tektronix, Inc. 1991. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

WARRANTY
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If any such product
proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the
defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in
exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the
performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges
prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to
a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer
shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for
products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other
than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage
resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; or c) to service a
product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such
modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THIS
PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY.
TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.


CMC251 User Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the Frequency Counter for Use 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Panel 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Frequency Measurements 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Frequencies Below 10 MHz 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Frequencies Below 100 MHz 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Frequencies Between 80 MHz and 1.3 GHz 11. . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Period Measurements 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Pulse-Width Measurements 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control of Pulse-Width Measurements 14. . . . . . . . .
Counting Events 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control of TOTAL Mode 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Instrument Operation 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A: Specifications 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Maintenance 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing for Shipment 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No Display with Power On 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Replaceable Parts 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard Accessories 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional Accessories 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii CMC251 User Manual
List of Tables
Table 1: A or B Channel Input 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2: Selecting Features For Channel A
(1 Hz to 10 MHz) 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3: Selecting Features For Channel A
(10 MHz to 100 MHz) 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4: Gate Time Versus Resolution for Channel A 11. . . . .
Table 5: Gate Time Versus Resolution for Channel B 11. . . . .
Table 6: Period Measurements 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 7: Resolution For Period Measurements 12. . . . . . . . . . .
Table 8: Pulse Width Measurements 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 9: Resolution for Pulse Measurements 14. . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 10: Warranted Characteristics 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 11: Certifications and Compliances 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 12: Typical Characteristics 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 13: Standard Accessories 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 14: Optional Accessories 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 15: Accessory Power Cords 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CMC251 User Manual iii
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent
damage to this product or any products connected to it.
Injury Precautions
Use Proper Power Cord
To avoid fire hazard, use only the power cord specified for this
product.
Avoid Electric Overload
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply a voltage to a
terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
Ground the Product
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must
be connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the
input or output terminals of the product, ensure that the product is
properly grounded.
Do Not Operate Without Covers
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this product
with covers or panels removed.
Use Proper Fuse
To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified for
this product.

General Safety Summary
iv CMC251 User Manual
Do Not Operate in Wet/DampConditions
To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product in wet or damp
conditions.
Do Not Operate in Explosive Atmosphere
To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate this product in an
explosive atmosphere.
Product Damage Precautions
Use Proper Voltage Setting
Before applying power, ensure that the line selector is in the proper
position for the power source being used.
Provide Proper Ventilation
To prevent product overheating, provide proper ventilation.
Do Not Operate With SuspectedFailures
If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected by
qualified service personnel.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms in This Manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in injury or loss of life.

General Safety Summary
CMC251 User Manual v
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the Product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you
read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as
you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product
The following symbols may appear on the product:
DANGER
High Voltage ProtectiveGround
(Earth)Terminal ATTENTION
Referto
Manual
Double
Insulated
Certifications and Compliances
CSA Certified Power Cords
CSA Certification includes the products and power cords appropriate
for use in the North America power network. All other power cords
supplied are approved for the country of use.

General Safety Summary
vi CMC251 User Manual
Table of contents
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