Frequency Counter: Counting Closely Amplitudes

In summary, when a frequency counter is connected to an antenna receiving multiple frequencies close in amplitude, it may display an unstable or incorrect reading due to the beat pattern created between the signals. This can result in a jumble of numbers or incomplete counting, as the counter uses a gating process to count and may not receive enough usable pulses. It is generally not recommended to have multiple signals entering a frequency counter.
  • #1
m718
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Which frenquency would a frequency counter count if its connected to an antenna that is receiving several frequencies close to each other in amplitude?
 
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  • #2
m718 said:
Which frenquency would a frequency counter count if its connected to an antenna that is receiving several frequencies close to each other in amplitude?

What are your thoughts? Is this for school work?

A frequency counter generally works by counting zero-crossings (or trigger level crossings in a more general case). What do you get if you add two sine waves of similar frequencies? What happens to the zero crossings? (Hint -- sketching it out may help)
 
  • #3
What happens is that you get an unstable display. It may give a jumble of numbers or just the MHz part of the number might be OK and the rest is a jumble of different numbers with each count.

The counter sees a waveform that includes a beat pattern between the signals. So, sometimes the counter gets nothing from either signal because they are cancelling each other out. If this happens they won't cause the counter to count at all or to only count some of the pulses that should have been counted.

The counter uses a gating process to count so it all depends on how many usable pulses it gets in each gating period.

Generally, it is bad to have more than one signal coming into a counter.
 

1. What is a frequency counter?

A frequency counter is a type of electronic device used to measure the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time, typically in hertz (Hz). It works by counting the number of cycles of a signal in a given time period and displaying the results in either a digital or analog format.

2. How does a frequency counter work?

A frequency counter works by taking an input signal and converting it into a series of pulses. These pulses are then counted over a specific time period, typically in milliseconds or seconds, to determine the frequency of the input signal. The higher the frequency, the more pulses are counted, and the more accurate the measurement becomes.

3. What are the applications of a frequency counter?

Frequency counters have a wide range of applications in various fields, including telecommunications, electronics, physics, and engineering. They are commonly used to measure the frequency of radio signals, clock signals, and other electronic signals. They are also used in research and development to test the performance of electronic circuits and components.

4. How is a frequency counter different from an oscilloscope?

A frequency counter and an oscilloscope are both electronic test instruments, but they have different functions. While a frequency counter measures the frequency of an input signal, an oscilloscope displays the waveform of the signal. In other words, an oscilloscope shows the shape and amplitude of a signal, while a frequency counter only measures the frequency.

5. What are some factors that can affect the accuracy of a frequency counter?

The accuracy of a frequency counter can be affected by various factors, including the stability of the input signal, noise in the circuit, and the resolution and accuracy of the counter itself. Higher-quality frequency counters typically have better accuracy and resolution, while external factors such as temperature and electromagnetic interference can also impact the accuracy of the measurement.

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