50MHz Frequency Counter

The project is a low cost frequency counter that utilizes widely available elements where the frequencies can be measured by the meter with 1Hz resolution when measuring up to 100kHz.

The device features protection against input overload although the design is simple, easy to assemble, and has highly stable readout. The sensitivity of the counter is approximately 100mV RMS at 100Hz to 2MHz or 800mV RMS at 50MHz. up to 7 digits can be displayed with auto ranging of floating decimal point and an auto adjusting gate speed is implied.

The PIC16F84 microcontroller is used by the circuit since it is easily programmable and provides a useful bit of bench test equipment at very low cost, making it an ideal PIC learning project. It works with a local PC through the serial port for control and display. It is also stackable for multiple counters at once or with other modules for measurement and control of all kinds.

The auto range feature provides floating decimal point and automatic placement of suffix such as Hz, kHz, or MHz. the gate speed automatically decreases to 1 second below 100kHz to display frequency with a resolution.

Rest of the project