To measure the frequency of a signal, you use an instrument called a frequency counter. The purpose of a frequency counter is to provide a digital representation of the frequency of a signal.(E7F09) A frequency counter counts the number of input pulses occurring within a specific period of time. (E7F08)
To accurately measure high-frequency signals digitally, you need a highly stable and accurate frequency source, called the time base. The time base provides an accurate and repeatable time period, over which you count the number of pulses of the test signal. The accuracy of the time base determines the accuracy of a frequency counter. (E7F07)
An alternate method of determining frequency, other than by directly counting input pulses, that is used by some counters is period measurement plus mathematical computation. (E7F10) An advantage of a period-measuring frequency counter over a direct-count type is that it provides improved resolution of low-frequency signals within a comparable time period. (E7F11)
You also need an accurate and stable time base to generate and receive microwave signals. All of these choices are correct when talking about techniques for providing high stability oscillators needed for microwave transmission and reception: (E7F05)
- Use a GPS signal reference
- Use a rubidium stabilized reference oscillator
- Use a temperature-controlled high Q dielectric resonator
If you want to measure a signal whose frequency is higher than the maximum frequency of your counter, you might use a prescaler. The purpose of a prescaler circuit is to divide a higher frequency signal so a low-frequency counter can display the input frequency. (E7F01) A prescaler would, for example, be used to reduce a signal’s frequency by a factor of ten. (E7F02)
You might use a decade counter digital IC in a prescaler circuit. The function of a decade counter digital IC is to produce one output pulse for every ten input pulses. (E7F03)
In some cases, you might use a flip-flop. Two flip-flops must be added to a 100-kHz crystal-controlled marker generator so as to provide markers at 50 and 25 kHz. (E7F04) The purpose of a marker generator is to provide a means of calibrating a receiver’s frequency settings. (E7F06) You mostly find marker generators in older, analog receivers.
Jon Wollerman says
Dan,
I have been using your excellent study method of studying the question and the correct answer in order to upgrade to Extra Class, with good success. I do also like and use your blogs which provide a small study guide in plain english text for the various groups of test questions. I save these daily blogs in a directory of my Yahoo email pgm. It would be nice if the blog emails had the blog subject inserted on the SubjectLine of the email, so as to make it easier to find different blogs depending on what their subject is.
Thanks, Jon Wollerman, W4HWM
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks, Jon. I’m not sure that the program that sends out the e-mails can do what you’re asking for, but I’ll look into that.