Can some recommend a good tutorials on how to use timers

Question

I would love a good tutorial on counters to know how they work I am practising using my USB DAQPad-6015, but will implement the solution and would like to get a better understanding before I start

Answer 1

Hi
I find the following diagram really good for explaining counters:
Count Register
The count register stores the current count of the counter.  The count register can be queried with software.
Source
The source is an input signal that can change the current count stored in the count register.  The counter looks for either rising or falling edges on the source signal.  Whether a rising or falling edge changes the count is software selectable.  The type of edge (rising or falling) that is selected is referred to as the active edge of the signal.  When an active edge is received on the source signal the count will change.  Whether an active edge increments or decrements the current count is also software selectable.
Gate
The gate is an input signal that decides if an active edge on the source will change the count.  Counting can occur when the gate is high, low, or between various combinations of rising and falling edges.  Gate settings are made in software.  The gate is similar to a line mask in digital I/O, because it allows you to either acknowledge or ignore active edges on the source.
Out
The out is an output signal used to generate pulses or a series of pulses often referred to as a pulse train.  The output signal is TTL compatible.
The Source and Gate signals can be input on any of the PFI lines but there are default pins assigned which are specified in the DAQ assistant when you set up a counter task, you can also find that information on the pinout for the device.
The source and gate can be used in different configurations for multiple applications. I need to have a look at your code but from my initial glance it looks like it's setting up a retriggerable pulse train.
I'll find some more resources and post back with an explanation of how that type of counter application works.
Message Edited by SarahB on 05-17-2007 09:55 AM
Sarah
Applications Engineer | National Instruments | UK & Ireland
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