How to Read a Frequency Counter

Frequency counters vary by manufacturer and model.

A frequency counter is an electronic device used to measure the frequency of signal by counting the edges of a wave over a defined period of time. A wide variety of these devices are available commercially from manufacturers such as Agilent, Tektronix and Instek. Some companies will rent these machines, as they can cost over $1000 to purchase. These handheld devices have a digital output to read the specified information.

Things You'll Need

• Frequency counter
• Operating manual

Instructions

1. Read the operating manual of the frequency counter to be used. Some counters provide a variety of information including frequency ratio, time interval, period and pulse width. More advanced models also give additional readings, such as time interval average and time interval delay.

2. Follow the directions given in the operating manual to hook the frequency counter to the source of the frequency.

3. Read the number that appears in the digital display. This is the frequency of that source. Adjust the setting on the machine to find additional information such as frequency ratio or time interval.

References

• Agilent: Manuals: Frequency Counter
• Best Micrcontrollers: Using PIC timers to make a frequency counter
• Test Equity: Frequency Counter