What are counter ICs?

Counter ICs are integrated circuits (ICs) specifically designed for counting clock pulses that are added externally. This type of IC leverages a 12C-bus serial interface to read the counter data output. Counter ICs are capable of counting from 0 to 24 bits and can function smoothly even with ultra-low current consumption.  

Types of counter ICs

Counter ICs come in a variety of configurations that make them versatile devices for a wide range of applications. These configurations include:

• Shift registers: Counter ICs with shift registers can convert from serial to parallel interfaces and vice versa. Technically, they are a sequential logic device with a cascade of flip-flops. These devices are commonly used to convert between serial and parallel interfaces.
• Clock Generator: Clock Generators can synchronize a circuit’s operation through a clock signal.  
• Clock Dividers: Clock dividers divide the frequency of the input signal into an output clock signal.

Applications of counter ICs

Counter ICs are widely used integrated circuits (ICs), usually used extensively in digital applications. Some of the most common uses of counter ICs in digital applications include: 

• Digital clocks and other time measuring devices
• Frequency counters
• Analogue to digital converters or ADCs
• Devices that require counting digital pulse