Advertisement

70 MHz to 1 GHz Frequency Counter

Not rated 17,559

#frequency counter #VHF #UHF #SAB6456 #prescaler #wireless equipment #signal measurement #high sensitivity #harmonic suppression
70 MHz to 1 GHz Frequency Counter
70 MHz to 1 GHz Frequency Counter

Description: This simple counter is useful for frequency measurements of various wireless equipments, especially transmitters, receivers and signal generators in VHF/UHF band. The SAB6456 is a prescaler for UHF/VHF tuners. The circuit has an input frequency range of 70 MHz to 1 GHz, has high input sensitivity and good harmonic suppression. With lower sensitivity it's usable down to 3 MHz. The circuit comprises an input amplifier, a divider stage and an output stage. The divider stage may oscillate during no-signal conditions but this oscillation is suppressed when input signals are received. The voltage-edges of the output signals are slowed internally to reduce harmonics in the television intermediate frequency band. More: Technical specifications:

Supply voltage: 8-20 V Supply current: typ. 80 mA, max. 120 mA Input sensitivity: max. 10 mV in 70-1000 MHz range Measuring period: 0,082 sec. Display refresh rate: 49 Hz

The circuit described is a frequency counter specifically designed for measuring frequencies in the VHF/UHF bands, making it suitable for a range of wireless communication applications. The core component, the SAB6456 prescaler, enables the device to effectively handle input frequencies from 70 MHz up to 1 GHz, with the capability of functioning down to 3 MHz under lower sensitivity conditions.

The architecture of the circuit includes three main functional blocks: the input amplifier, the divider stage, and the output stage. The input amplifier is responsible for boosting the incoming signal to a level that can be effectively processed by the divider stage. This stage is crucial for ensuring that weak signals can be accurately measured, as it enhances the input sensitivity to a maximum of 10 mV within the specified frequency range.

Following the input amplifier, the divider stage reduces the frequency of the incoming signal to a manageable level for the output stage. It is important to note that the divider stage may exhibit oscillation in the absence of a signal; however, this oscillation is effectively suppressed when a valid input signal is detected. This feature helps maintain the accuracy of measurements and prevents erroneous readings.

The output stage is designed to provide a clean signal that reflects the frequency of the input. To minimize harmonic distortion, which can interfere with the accuracy of measurements, the voltage edges of the output signals are internally slowed down. This is particularly important in applications involving television intermediate frequency bands, where harmonic suppression is critical.

In terms of operational specifications, the circuit operates on a supply voltage ranging from 8 to 20 V and typically draws a current of 80 mA, with a maximum current draw of 120 mA. The measuring period is set at 0.082 seconds, allowing for a display refresh rate of 49 Hz, which ensures that frequency readings are updated in a timely manner for effective monitoring and analysis.

Overall, this frequency counter circuit is engineered to provide reliable and accurate frequency measurements across a broad range of applications in the VHF/UHF spectrum, making it an essential tool for engineers and technicians working with wireless communication devices.This simple counter is useful for frequency measurements of various wireless equipments, especially transmitters, receivers and signal generators in VHF/UHF band. The SAB6456 is a prescaler for UHF/VHF tuners. The circuit has an input frequency range of 70 MHz to 1 GHz, has high input sensitivity and good harmonic suppression.

With lower sensitivity it's usable down to 3 MHz. The circuit comprises an input amplifier, a divider stage and an output stage. The divider stage may oscillate during no-signal conditions but this oscillation is suppressed when input signals are received. The voltage-edges of the output signals are slowed internally to reduce harmonics in the television intermediate frequency band.

Technical specifications: Supply voltage: 8-20 V Supply current: typ. 80 mA, max. 120 mA Input sensitivity: max. 10 mV in 70-1000 MHz range Measuring period: 0,082 sec. Display refresh rate: 49 Hz

Related Circuits