The Frequency counter is a test equipment which is utilised for measurement of the Signal-frequency produced by a Sine wave generating device or an oscillator. It is very simply configured and easy to use. We only need to provide the Signal frequency(to be measured) as an input to the Frequency-counter. It does the measurement of the signal’s frequency and simply display it in digital format.
Frequency counter is mostly used for the measurement of frequency of radio frequency, RF, signals and the frequency of any electronic signal which is repetitive in nature with accuracy.
Frequency counter is generally available in comparatively low prices and are within local reach.
In spite of being common availability, it is necessary to keep in mind that one should choose the best suitable counter for a given application. The accuracy and resolution of frequency counters are two most important factors of the overall specification.
The resolution and accuracy are two completely different aspects of the performance of the frequency counter although they are often equated with each other. It is therefore, in order to be able to interpret the readings of a frequency counter, it is quite necessary to have an understanding of the difference between accuracy and resolution.
We are familiar with accuracy of an equipment. However, The resolution of a frequency counter is termed as its ability to differentiate between two signals that are very close to each other. It is a measure of the number of digits in the reading of the signal frequency.
Operating principle of Frequency-counter
The signal which has been applied as an input to the frequency-counter for frequency measurement is first split into a Pulse string. The pulses are given a clock speed of one pulse per unit cycle. After that, these pulses that has been sent on a limited time are Thereafter, the number of pulses which are applied in a definite interval of time are counted with the help of an electronic-counter. As the pulses sent directly represent the cycles of an Since the pulse represents the cycle of an unidentified signal, the numeric reading shown by the electronic-counter gives the value of the unidentified signal.
