Experimental Digital Frequency Counter

Project and Seminar Material For Electrical Electronics Engineering EEE

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction

A frequency counter is a measuring equipment used to measure the frequency or number of cycles per unit time of an input signal. Frequency counter can be of analogue type or digital type. In analogue type, the frequency is indicated on calibrated a needle type meter. Where as, a digital frequency counter shows the frequency reading on a digital display. Digital frequency counter are easy to read and reading error is minimum. There are so many other advantages for a digital frequency counter. Nowadays analogue frequency counter are used to measure Low frequencies only.

The frequency measurement is one of the most important things in radio construction. Without it you will be unable to set desired frequency in your receiver (and in transmitter too), without it you will be unable to monitor frequency drift etc sometimes, frequency counter can be used to verify whether the oscillator works and ensures the stability of the generator.

This project consist of a power supply section which power the ADC (Analog to digital converter) and the ADC sends out the decoded signals to seven segment display. Digital frequency counter is being used for wide range of application. Digital frequency counter extensively uses digital circuits and hence a fairly good knowledge of digital circuits is required to understand the operation of the frequency counter.

However, this project has being written in such a way that a person who is not familiar with electronic circuit knowledge can assemble experimental digital frequency counter that counts from (10Hz – 9990Hz).

The objective of this project work is to construct a frequency meter that can be used to measure AC frequency and can be mounted on panel to monitor generator output frequency and other fixed apparatus

Chapter Five

Problem Encountered During This Project

The major problem encountered during this project was programming the micro-processor but at the end, through guidance from a colleague we were able to program the chip.

Conclusion

The aim of the project was achieved. i.e.; the various test carried out and results obtained (measurement carried out and results obtained) demonstrate that the digital frequency counter measures the frequency of voltage from a signal source using a digital frequency meter with microcontroller and a seven segment display.

Recommendation

This project; experimental digital frequency counter is recommended for measuring voltage frequency because it is reliable and easy to operate and to be mounted on panel to monitor generator output frequency and other fixed apparatus.