What are the Main Applications of Digital Counters?
Digital counters offer a wider range of applications in various aspects. Before diving into some of the major applications of a digital counters it is important to get the basic understanding about a digital counter.
What is a Digital Counter?
A type of digital device designed with digital logic to obtain information about the number of events is known as a digital counter. In other words, it is a sequential circuit that has a clock input signal and a group of output signals that “counts” a value.
A counter consists of a flip-flop arrangement, which stores state information. A digital counter can be used for various purposes and it has various applications. As it gives information about the number of events, so it can also be used as people counters. People counters usually track or monitor the number of entrances.
Before discussing few more prominent applications of digital counters let’s take a look at the types of digital counters.
Types of Digital Counters
There are mainly two types of digital counters, which are:
Synchronous Digital Counters
A type of digital counter, which with the help of signals given changes the transition. It depends on the clock input to change the state value.
Asynchronous Digital Counters
According to the name, asynchronous digital counters do not depend on clock signals. Asynchronous digital counters are also known as “ripple-counters”.
Application of Digital Counters
Various applications of digital counters can be seen in everyday life. Some practical examples of digital counters in home appliances are; microwave ovens and washing machines.
However, the main applications of digital counters are:
- Frequency Counters
- Digital Clocks
- Analogue to Digital Converter
- Frequency Divider
- Digital Triangular Wave Generator
1. People Counter
A people counter is one of the prominent applications of a digital counter. The function of a people counter is to count or monitor the number of entrances made with in a time period. A very common example of people counters can be seen in public establishments, like malls or restaurants.
There are a wide range of people counter technologies. The older technologies, such as magnetic sensors or infrared beams are relatively simple and inexpensive. The newer, state-of-the-art people counter technologies are more accurate, but also more expensive, such as stereo camera people counters and 3D infrared time-of-flight (iToF) technologies.
Various types of people counterwork in different ways, few of them make use of cameras to provide a video analytics report as well.
Applications of People Counters
- It is a great form of keeping a security check
- It monitors individual as well as it can even record the video to provide detailed information
- People counters provide an opportunity to monitor individuals beyond the retail. Such as the transportation industry etc.
- It can also detect directions as well as provides a 24/7 service.
2. Frequency Counter
A frequency counter is associated with a wide range of radio frequencies. This digital counter is capable of measuring the time and frequency of the digital signals accurately. The two types of frequency counters can be used to measure the frequency of a pulse.
A “direct counting digital frequency counter”, which makes the measuring a lot easier. It is considered the simplest way to measure the frequency of a pulse, which after that can be calculated with the help of a counter circuit.
The other one that is “reciprocal frequency counter” is the one that according to its name help in overcoming the disadvantages of a direct frequency counter. As it is reciprocal, which means it will measure the time period per pulse, instead of measuring the number of cycles.
Applications of Frequency Counter
- It helps to measure the pulse generated from a wave generator
- To measure the frequency with in the wide frequency range.
- It is the easiest way to measure the accurate frequency in less time.
3. Frequency Divider
A frequency divider circuit or a frequency divider counter is yet another application of a digital counter. This electronic device is capable of diving the frequency of a digital input pulse. Timing devices are a very common application of frequency divider.
A frequency divider is made up of multiple flip-flops as a counter, which makes it widely used in various applications.
Applications of Frequency Divider
- It is mainly used in television apparatus
- It can be used in radar as a timing device
- It can help to change a high-frequency wave into a lower frequency
- For communication purpose
Conclusion
An electronic device that has a predefined state based on the clock pulse application that takes input signals in the form of pulse and provides the output signals. The functionality of a digital counter is to count the number of pulses in a specific time period. A digital counter is a logic circuit with input and output signals that represent a specific value.
Various applications of a digital counter can be seen in households, retail shops, transportation, and many others. Some main applications of a digital counter are mentioned and discussed above in the article.
