Help with Digital Counters specifications:
Unit Specifications
Back to Top
![]() |
![]() | ||
Number of Functions | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Single Function | The unit has only one function. | ||
Multi-function | The unit can be setup or programmed for more than one function. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() | |||
Functions | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Frequency Counter | Frequency counters are units for displaying frequency, the number of cycles per second of a waveform. The unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz). | ||
Position Indicator | Position indicators can accept, process, and display angle or travel data. | ||
Arithmetic Functions | The counter / timer can be programmed to perform simple or complex arithmetic functions. These arithmetic functions may include the sum, difference, multiple, square root, etc. | ||
Controller | Controllers have outputs to regulate or control equipment based on sensor inputs or preset limits. | ||
Batch Counter | Batch counters count UP only and are usually pre-settable so that when the required number of batches or pieces has been completed, the process can stop automatically. | ||
Count Totalizer | Generally, counters can accumulate counts but cannot control a machine. Some totalizers are pre-settable, but their primary function is to keep track of counts over a relatively long period of time. | ||
Event Counter | Even counters are units that count the occurrences of a certain condition. | ||
Preset | Preset counters (or predetermining counters) can control an external circuit when its counted total matches user-entered preset limits. Electronic models are the most versatile and offer high performance at a relatively low price. Mechanical and electrical types offer simplicity of installation and operation. Preset mode is a counting mode where counting is generally subtractive. The counter resets or auto-recycles to the preset count. When the counter counts to zero, the output associated with the preset number occurs. | ||
Pulse Counter | Pulse counters are used to count a momentary but sharp change in current and voltage. Count pulses include square waves and rectangular waves. Pulses are digital signals; the voltage or current is either "on" or "off." | ||
Counter / Timer Combination | Counter / timer combinations can perform both counting and timing functions. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configuration. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() | |||
Direction | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Up | The counter moves forward (UP) in its counting sequence. | ||
Down | The counter moves backward (DOWN) in its counting sequence. | ||
Bi-directional Counter | The counter can move forward or backward (UP or DOWN) in its counting sequence. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary directions. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() | |||
Reset | |||
Your choices are... | |||
None | The user cannot reset the unit. | ||
Manual | Reset is performed through a manual knob or lock-and-key reset. | ||
Remote | The unit can be reset remotely by a switch or computer interface. | ||
Auto Reset | Auto reset is a controller feature that continuously compensates for droop by integrating errors over time and adjusting the proportional band appropriately. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configurations. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() |
Input
Back to Top
![]() |
![]() | ||
Number Input Channels | This is the total number of analog and digital input channels. | ||
Search Logic: | All matching products will have a value greater than or equal to the specified value. | ||
![]() | |||
Maximum Count Frequency | This is the sampling frequency of the counter. | ||
Search Logic: | All matching products will have a value greater than or equal to the specified value. | ||
![]() | |||
Signal Input Type | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Voltage | The unit will accept any analog voltage input. Input voltage is a simple (usually linear) function of the measurement. | ||
Current | The counter / timer will accept a current (transmitter) input. | ||
Frequency / Pulse | Input from any device that outputs a frequency signal or pulse train. | ||
Charge | Charge is the output of a piezoelectric device. Typically, a charge signal requires filtering and amplification. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configurations. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() | |||
Sensor & Specialized Inputs | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Digital Logic | The unit can accept digital logic signals such as those from a PLC. | ||
Encoder | The signals are inputs for an encoder, such as binary, gray, BCD, or quadrature. | ||
Flow Sensors | The inputs are signals from any type of flow meter, including positive displacement types, turbine flow meters, ultrasonic, or mass flow meters, etc. | ||
Level Sensors | Inputs are accepted from any type of level sensor. | ||
Mechanical Switch / Relay | The inputs are for a discrete, on/off signal from an exterior mechanical switching device. | ||
Solid-state Switch | The inputs are from a solid-state device such as a sensor. Typically, this includes a choice of sinking or sourcing. | ||
Temperature Sensors | The inputs are for a thermocouple or thermocouple series. Inputs for thermistors and potentiometers handle variable resistance as a function of the process being measured. The input may also be designed for a resistance temperature detector (RTD). | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configurations. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() |
Outputs
Back to Top
![]() |
![]() | ||
Output / Interface | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Voltage | Any analog voltage output. Output voltage is a simple (usually linear) function of the measurement. | ||
Current | Often called a transmitter. A current is imposed on the output circuit proportional to the measurement. Feedback is used to provide the appropriate current regardless of line noise, impedance, etc. Useful when sending signals over long distances. | ||
Frequency | A format that uses continuous physical variables such as voltage amplitude or frequency variations to transmit information. | ||
Mechanical Switch / Relay | |||
Solid-state Switch / Relay | A solid-state switching device with no moving parts that switches current on and off. | ||
Optocoupler | Optocouplers are capable of transferring an electrical signal between two circuits while isolating the circuits from each other. | ||
TTL Compatible | Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) where the voltage swing is between 0.4 to 2.4 volts, and the supply voltage is 5 volts. | ||
Ethernet | A local-area network (LAN) protocol developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel in 1976. Ethernet uses a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. The Ethernet specification served as the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Ethernet uses the CSMA/CD access method to handle simultaneous demands. It is one of the most widely implemented LAN standards. | ||
Serial | A standard digital output protocol (serial) such as RS232, RS422, RS485, etc. | ||
Parallel | A standard digital output protocol (parallel) such as IEEE488, Centronics port, printer port, etc. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configuration. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() |
User Interface
Back to Top
![]() |
![]() | ||
Display Type | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Non-indicating | The counter / timer is non-indicating. Typically counter / timer boards do not have a display. | ||
Wheels / Dial | Wheels have the numbers 0-9 printed on them and rotate as the unit registers counts or time. A dial is typically a knob with a printed scale for counts or time. | ||
LED | Light emitting diode (LED) displays are segmented or dot matrix displays allowing for numeric only and alphanumeric character representation. | ||
LCD | Created by sandwiching an electrically reactive substance between two electrodes, LCDs can be darkened or lightened by applying and removing current. | ||
Backlit LCD | A backlit LCD offers visibility in low light situations. | ||
Vacuum Fluorescent Display | Vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs) have one anode coated with phosphor that glows when struck by electrons. | ||
Video | The data is presented via CRT, LCD, or other multi-line forms. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configuration. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() | |||
Remote Display | The display is a remote type. The unit is operated via handheld programmer or computer interface. | ||
Search Logic: | "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice. | ||
![]() | |||
Number of Digits (or Characters) | The total number of digits (numeric or alpha-numeric) available on the display. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
![]() | |||
Digit Height | The height of one digit on the display. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
![]() | |||
Programming Options | |||
Your choices are... | |||
None | The device has no integral means of input. | ||
Potentiometers / Dials | Input is achieved by turning a pointer along the face of a graduated measurement register. | ||
Switches | Interface is controlled through the use of one or more simple options including push-button systems (on / off), toggles, dip switches, etc. | ||
Keypad | A form of local interface that can consist of letters, numbers, function keys and often other symbols (such as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols) to facilitate input of data. For example, a telephone keypad. | ||
Computer Programmable | A remote form of interface that can consist of letters, numbers, function keys and often other symbols (such as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols) to facilitate input of data. For example, a computer keyboard. | ||
Web-enabled | The device can be "hooked up" to the internet for programming or remote reading. | ||
Other | Unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configuration. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() |
Physical Specifications
Back to Top
![]() |
![]() | ||
Mounting | Manufacturers use many of these terms interchangeably. Keeping this in mind, we have delineated the options as follows to help you locate the ideal item(s) for your needs. | ||
Your choices are... | |||
Stand-alone | The device does not need to be mounted. It can stand on its own. | ||
DIN Rail Mount | The device is designed to be mounted on a standard DIN rail. | ||
Panel / Flange Mount | The device can be placed into, or through, a depression within an existing panel or wall so that its face is flush, or nearly flush, with the panel. The unit may have flanges so that it can be mounted with the use of external hardware (screws, bolts, rails, etc.). | ||
PCB Mount | Includes options for mounting directly to a printed circuit board (PCB). | ||
Portable | The unit may be handheld, or have a case or wheels for easy portability. | ||
Rack Mount | The device is designed to be mounted directly into a rack. It comes equipped with the necessary rail guides, flanges, or tabs to be mounted in this fashion. The standard 19" rack is typical of this style. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configuration. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
![]() |
Features
Back to Top
![]() |
![]() | ||
Explosion Proof | Explosion-proof devices have totally enclosed housings that are constructed to withstand internal explosion of a specified gas, vapor or dust. Should such an explosion occur, the enclosure would prevent the ignition or explosion of the gas or vapor surrounding the motor enclosure. Several explosion-proof ratings are governed by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) and other certification bodies such as National Electronics Manufacturer's Association (NEMA). | ||
Search Logic: | "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice. | ||
![]() | |||
Audible or Visual Alarms | The unit contains audible or visual alarms to indicate that the process has either exceeded or fallen below the set point of that process. | ||
Search Logic: | "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice. | ||
![]() | |||
Programmable Engineering Units | The display can be programmed to show a variety of Engineering units chosen by the user. | ||
Search Logic: | "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice. | ||
![]() | |||
Data Logger or Recorder | The instrument has the ability to log or record data. | ||
Search Logic: | "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice. | ||
![]() |
Environment
Back to Top
![]() |
![]() | ||
Operating Temperature: | This is the full required range of ambient operating temperature. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
![]() |