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art
Joined: 21 May 2015
Posts: 181
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| EX_FREQC.C maximum frequency |
 Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 3:55 pm |
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Hi,
I'm trying to understand EX_FREQC.C example. What is the maximum frequency that can be measure and how to make it measure 1GHz frequency.
| Code: |
#include <16F877.h>
#fuses HS,NOWDT,NOLVP
#use delay(clock=20000000) //one instruction=0.2us
#use rs232(baud=9600, xmit=PIN_c6, rcv=PIN_c7)
#bit t1_overflow=0x0C.0
// #bit t1_overflow=0xF9E.0 (PIC18, Reminder)
void main() {
int cycles8, cycles;
int32 freq;
long freqc_high;
long freqc_low;
while (TRUE) {
cycles8=0;
cycles=0;
freqc_high=0;
t1_overflow=0;
set_timer1(0);
setup_timer_1(T1_EXTERNAL|T1_DIV_BY_1);
/* ___ wait one second ___ */
while (cycles!=0xFF) { //true=3, false=4
cycles8=0; //1 cycle
//start inner loop
while (cycles8!=0xFF) { //true=3, false=4
if (t1_overflow)//true=2,false=3 //----|
{t1_overflow=0;freqc_high++;}//6 cycles // |
else // |-- 8 cycles
{delay_cycles(5);} //----|
delay_cycles(62); //x
cycles8++; //1
///2 cycles to jump to top
//math: end inner loop
//math: total inner loop=((3+8+x+1+2)*255 + 4)*255
//math: if x=62.87781 then inner loops takes 5mil instructions
//math: if x=62 then inner loop takes 4942920, have to fill 57080 cycles
}
delay_cycles(216); //y
cycles++; ///1 cycle
///2 cylces to jump to top
//math: outer=(3+1+y+1+2)*255+4=57080
//math: y=(57080-4)/255)-(3+1+0+0+1+2)
//math: if y=216.827450980392156862745098039216 then outer loop cylces is 57080
//math: if y=216 then outer loop cycles is off by 211 cycles. z=211
}
delay_cycles(211); //z
/* ___ end waiting 1 second ___ */
setup_timer_1(T1_DISABLED); //turn of counter to prevent corruption while grabbing value
if (t1_overflow) //check one last time for overflow
freqc_high++;
freqc_low=get_timer1(); //get timer1 value as the least sign. 16bits of freq counter
freq=make32(freqc_high,freqc_low); //use new make32 function to join lsb and msb
printf("%LU Hz\r\n",freq); //and print frequency
}
}
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PCM programmer
Joined: 06 Sep 2003
Posts: 21708
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| Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 4:37 pm |
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| art wrote: |
how to make it measure 1GHz frequency.
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Before you get too far in this, you need to look in the Electrical
Characteristics section of the PIC data sheet. For the 16F877, it is called:
| Quote: | | TABLE 15-4: TIMER0 AND TIMER1 EXTERNAL CLOCK REQUIREMENTS |
Then you look at "T1CKI input period, asynchronous". That's the Timer1
external input signal period. It lists 60 ns, minimum period. Take the
reciprocal of that to get the frequency and you get 16.666 MHz max input
frequency. That's not even close to 1 GHz. PICs can't accept 1 GHz input
signals. |
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art
Joined: 21 May 2015
Posts: 181
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| Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 7:22 pm |
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Hi PCM,
Thank you very much PCM for the guidance. I've just check on PIC18 series, the minimum period is also same 60ns. So, I have to think to use other method to measure 1GHz signal instead of using PIC.
Thanks |
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temtronic
Joined: 01 Jul 2010
Posts: 9226
Location: Greensville,Ontario
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| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2017 6:07 am |
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The EASY easy to get a PIC, almost any PIC to read such high frequencies is to use a 'prescaler' chip between the input signal and the PIC. This prescaler is just a chip that divides the input down to say 1/64th the input frequency. Same principle as the prescaler inside the PICs for timers and counters.
Now, the HARD part.... to accurately measure any and all frequencies about a few KHz , you MUST use proper RF designs ! PCB layout, power supply, shielding, etc. ALL must be 100% according to the 'book'.
You cannot just slap some parts onto a perfboard like you do for a PWM LED project, this counter WILL require 'attention to details'.
Breakdown the project into smaller sections. Start with getting a PIC to capture and display a 1MHz signal, then 10MHz. Several PICs can do this. Then source out a 'prescaler' that will convert 1GHz down to 10MHz.
Jay |
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Ttelmah
Joined: 11 Mar 2010
Posts: 19515
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| Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 2:46 am |
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Do a web search for SAB6456.
This is a Phillips prescaler for VHF tuners. I've used it with a PIC some time ago to make a system able to measure frequencies up to 1GHz.
Beware that it will oscillate if there is no input.
In /64 mode, it is ideal. Brings 1GHz down to just under 16Mhz. |
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art
Joined: 21 May 2015
Posts: 181
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| Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 7:38 am |
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Hi Ttelmah,
I've just such SAB6456 and i found a very nice webpage about 1Ghz counter at:
http://www.pira.cz/counter.htm
Thanks Ttelmah and others for the ideas. |
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Ttelmah
Joined: 11 Mar 2010
Posts: 19515
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| Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 8:57 am |
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The current version of the chip can go to 2.5GHz if I remember correctly. 
Now you have the fun of learning about just how difficult VHF layout can at times be... |
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temtronic
Joined: 01 Jul 2010
Posts: 9226
Location: Greensville,Ontario
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| Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 9:35 am |
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That chip can either /64 or /256 ! Based on the MC pin info on the datasheet.
Layout is CRITCAL ! Encased in mumetal would be nice though.
edit. that circuit uses the /256 option allowing a 4MHz PIC to be used !
Jay |
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