digital measure
measuring system


IR Measure >> Frequency counter	Home	Contact us

Units

Voltmeter

LC meter

IRM receiver

Screenshots
IRMeasure pictures.

Download
Free demo version.

Frequency counter

Using PIC12F629 and his timer as digital frequency counter.

Frequency counter is a part of modular system IRMeasure.

Overview

Here is a simple project with PIC 12F629. This frequency counter will work from 0 Hz up to 30 MHz ( or 30 MHz - 1200 MHz with prescaller ). My effort was to build an easy but working frequency counter at the same time. The device uses just the most necessary components.

Frequency counter - feature list

range: 0-50 MHz or 30-1200 MHz
input impedance > 1 M Ohm
resolution 1 Hz
powered by 9V batery ( 13 mA / 9V )
very small dimensions: 33 x 42 mm

Analog & digital part

Frequency Counter consists of 2 parts. First part is the analog part what is an input preamplifier. The second part is the digital part which consists of two PIC12F629 processors.

The analog part is amplifying the input signal, the digital part is measuring the frequency and sending the measured data to the PC.

Frequency counter has 2 variants based on Range : 0 - 50 MHz or 30 - 1200 MHz.

Up to the frequency of 50 MHz the frequency counter goes very well. It is a frequency that is still processable by the PIC12F629. In fact, this frequency might be higher but this is not sure.

A U664-divider makes it possible to exceed the range over 50 MHz. It works from 30 MHz up to 1200 MHz. The U664 divides the frequency by 64. If you use a pre-divider the software recognizes that and multiplies the frequency by 64 so the output is always correct.

Frequency counter schematic

The input part of the device amplifies the signal up to the TTL-level so the first PIC12F629 can process it. At the beginning, there is a BF245 ( because of high impedance ), followed by a BC507 and ending up with a Schmidt trigger of 74HC132.

The working point of BC507 is set by a TR1-trimmer.

Measured frequency is sent to computer by the second PIC12F629. The power supply is a used 9V battery.

Measurement is the same as with another frequency counter. Simply connect frequency counter to measuring device and you see the value of frequency online.You can use 15 frequency counters at the same time ( or 15 other units ).

Frequency counter - complette unit. Dimensions 33 x 42 mm only.

To display data on your monitor you need IRMeasure software.
If you has a question , please contact us: e-mail.