Overview

A four digit decimal counter for the PIC 16F88 with the following features:

• Count up / down
• Reset
• Free running or hold on count over/underflow
• User count preset
• Over/underflow output

Schematic

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Description

This is a 4 digit decimal counter which can operate as a free running counter or in count and hold mode with manual reset.  In either mode the counter can be preset to count to a specified value.  Clock edge and leading zero suppression can also be configured.

The 7-segment display and indicator LEDs are multiplexed.  It will drive most common anode 7 segment LEDs.  I used four single digit LEDs but a four digit LED module could also be used.

In free running mode the overflow output resets on the next clock pulse. Therefore the pulse duration is directly related to the input clock frequency. 

The clock input goes to a Schmitt trigger input pin on the PIC.  It will accept a 0-5V input signal only.  If it's used with a mechanical switch you should use the debounce circuit shown on the schematic.

I've had the circuit clock reliably at 200Hz and it should be able to operate without missing a clock pulse at frequencies up to 5Khz.

Operation

The counter can be configured for either a rising or falling clock edge and leading zero suppression.  Once applied these settings are stored in NVRAM and retained across a power cycle.  To enter config mode, hold down the 'set' switch at power-on.

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.	Overflow:-   Active when count reaches preset value Count Hold:-   On - Counter in Hold mode   Off - Counter in free running mode Count Up / Count Down :-   indicates the count direction Up/Down: - toggle count direction Reset:- reset counter Hold:- toggle hold / free running mode Set / Adj:- set config / preset count value		The counter normally runs from 0000 to 9999. It can be configured to count up to, or down from a preset number using the set and adjust keys. The preset number is used until it is manually changed.  When it has been changed the preset is saved to EEPROM and will be restored at power on.
	Free running counter The counter runs continually. When the count reaches the preset value it automatically resets and also asserts the overflow output.  The next clock pulse will cause the overflow output to clear.		Hold Counter When the preset value is reached the counter stops. The overflow output is asserted and further clock inputs are ignored.   To restart counting press the reset switch.

Download

Counter 2013.zip

Fixes issue with counter preset starting from 9999 count when in countdown mode

Description	Filename	Download link
Source code for 16F88	counter2013.zip 10/11/2013	download
HEX file ready to program into the PIC. Use with 16F88	counter2013.HEX 10/11/2013	download checksum 9C9F
Previous versions
Source code for 16F88	counter2009.zip 30/04/2009	download

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