Title: Four-Function Frequency Counter Competition Set for 2025 at 1 Hertz
In a nod to the past, Jacques Pelletier's four-function frequency counter stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional electronics. Built some time ago, when electronic parts were still readily available in local stores, this vintage device showcases the timeless beauty of hardware-based logic circuits [1].
At its core, the frequency counter is based on 4553 BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) counter chips and 4511 BCD to 7-segment decoder ICs. These components work together to count the input frequency in BCD form and then decode it for display on seven-segment numeric displays.
The counter offers a four-function capability, making it a versatile tool for various measurements. It can function as a frequency meter, period meter, chronometer, or simple counter, catering to a wide range of user needs.
The sample times for the counter are selectable between 1 Hz and 0.1 Hz, derived from an 8 MHz oscillator that powers the timing circuit. This simple yet effective design demonstrates the potential of a purely hardware-based digital counting and decoding circuit.
Remarkably, the entire design is built on raw CMOS logic chips, eschewing the use of any microprocessor or microcontroller. This choice lends a classic charm to the device, while also emphasising the counter's reliance on hardware logic over software-based approaches.
The device's case, adorned with "sweet red digits", and its vintage components exude a classic style, reinforcing its vintage roots [1]. Despite its old-school construction, the frequency counter is humble yet capable, ready to serve in the modern world.
In a modern twist, Pelletier's frequency counter has been entered into the 2025 One Hertz Challenge, a competition that celebrates the art of building frequency counters. This entry underscores the device's relevance and its place in the ongoing conversation about traditional electronics and their role in the digital age.
[1] Pelletier, J. (2021). A Four-Function Frequency Counter. Retrieved from https://www.jacquespelletier.com/freqcounter/freqcounter.html
Technology from the past, such as microcontrollers, has not been used in the construction of Jacques Pelletier's four-function frequency counter. Instead, it relies on raw CMOS logic chips and various ICs like 4553 BCD counters and 4511 BCD to 7-segment decoders.
