The Tektronix FCA3000 and FCA3100 Series are timer/counter/analyzers that pack many different measurement functions into one feature-rich instrument. The series comes standard with deep internal memory and a fast 250k samples/s data transfer rate to internal memory, while a multi-parameter display shows auxiliary measurements alongside the main measurement so results can be read at a glance. Comprehensive analysis modes — measurement statistics, histograms, and trend plots — give an engineer the tools to analyze a signal quickly and accurately.

High resolution is critical for R&D and production testing on demanding designs, and the FCA Series is built to deliver fast, precise measurements for those applications. A zero dead-time measurement technique and continuous time-stamping of trigger events ensure correct Allan Deviation measurements — capabilities described as vital for mechanical and medical measurements where every single cycle must be measured. Limit-qualifying capability lets you isolate one cluster in a calculation, important for applications such as verifying the jitter of digital pulses that appear in discrete clusters in CD players or in HDB3-coded data.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, which lets us match the right instrument to an engineer's application and ship it promptly. That combination of held inventory and in-house verification is what stands behind each FCA-Series order.

Brand Heritage

Tektronix, founded in 1946, was acquired by Danaher Corporation in 2007 and became part of Fortive Corporation when Fortive was spun off from Danaher in 2016. The Tektronix brand has remained in continuous use throughout these corporate ownership changes.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The FCA3000 and FCA3100 Timer/Counter/Analyzer Series share a common architecture — deep internal memory, a 250k measurement/s capture rate, a multi-parameter graphical display, and SCPI/GPIB and USB connectivity — while differing in measurement resolution and the set of advanced functions each provides. Across both series, Input C frequency coverage is offered in 300 MHz, 3 GHz, and 20 GHz model variants.

The FCA3000 Series provides 100 ps single-shot time resolution and 3 mV voltage resolution, while the FCA3100 Series provides 50 ps single-shot time resolution and 1 mV voltage resolution. Both series deliver 12 digit/s frequency resolution and the same graphical analysis modes.

Each model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing for the new configuration you select. Choose the frequency tier and series that fit your application, then review that model's page for its specific specifications and current availability.

The FCA3000 is the 300 MHz, 100 ps single-shot model of the series, pairing inputs A and B (DC to 300 MHz) with the series' standard analysis modes, multi-parameter display, and 750k-reading internal memory.

The comparison table that follows summarizes the differences between the two series. The FCA3100 Series adds functions not present on the FCA3000 Series: Totalize and Time Interval Error (TIE) measurements, a programmable pulse output, continuous measurements, and a talker-only GPIB/USB output. It also offers a larger 3.75M-reading internal memory versus 750k readings, finer 50 ps time and 1 mV voltage resolution versus 100 ps and 3 mV, and faster transfer rates (15k vs 5k readings/s in block mode; 650 vs 500 individually triggered measurements/s).

Within each series, the models differ by Input C frequency coverage — 300 MHz, 3 GHz, or 20 GHz — with the 20 GHz models (FCA3020 and FCA3120) additionally supporting burst frequency and PRF measurements. Refer to each model's own row in the comparison table for the functions and ranges specific to that model.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• Timer/Counter
• Line cord
• Calibration certificate
• Quick Start User Manual
• CD-ROM with user manual (English, French, German, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Japanese)
• Programmer's Guide
• Technical Specifications
• Trial version of TimeView Software
• CD-ROM with National Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress Tektronix Edition, Limited Edition Software

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Maximum voltage without damage on Inputs A and B (1 MΩ): 350 V (DC + AC peak) to 440 Hz, falling to 12 V RMS at 1 MHz on the X1 setting; on the 50 Ω setting, 12 V RMS (unprotected input).

Important: Please specify power plug when ordering.

Important: Every FCA Series timer/counter/analyzer comes backed with a three-year standard warranty.

Important: Standard internal memory depth may vary by configuration or build; the datasheet's comparison table lists 3.5M results for the FCA3100 Series while the GPIB specification and feature list state 3.75M readings. Verify the installed depth on your instrument.

Important: Signal connection cables (e.g., BNC test cables) are not included in the standard delivery; the appropriate cables must be ordered separately (see Recommended Accessories and Software).

Recommended pairing: add the Tektronix TVA3000 TimeView modulation domain analysis software to extend the instrument into a high-performance modulation domain analyzer for capturing and analyzing fast frequency changes.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.