Counting is the simplest and most basic operation. The counter is a logic circuit to realize this operation. In the digital system, the counter mainly counts the number of pulses and realizes the functions of measurement, counting and control.
At the same time, it also has frequency division function. The counter consists of a basic counting unit and some control gates. The counting unit is composed of a series of flip-flops with the function of storing information, such as RS flip-flop, T flip-flop, D flip-flop and JK flip-flop.
Basic information
In a narrow sense, counters refer to some commonly used timers, such as those used to test time in sports competitions, but this entry is not about this kind of timers, but the counters in the more widely used sequential logic circuits.
Sequential logic circuit is the most widely used circuit in digital electronic technology. Counter can be used not only to count clock pulses, but also to divide frequency, time, generate beat pulses and pulse sequences and perform digital operations. However, the calculation results cannot be displayed, and are generally displayed by an external LCD or LED screen.