A Pulse Rate Counter for Randomly Repetitive Random Processes

Abstract

The paper describes the design, construction and calibration of an instrument which can be used to count the number of pulses in a specified time in a random process which is itself randomly repetitive. The problem has been examined with specific reference to the pulses in noise bursts arising from lightning flashes in receivers. As such, it is directly useful in lightning studies. But, the procedures followed in the development of circuits are general and can be taken over for studies of similar natural or biological phenomena. The instrument utilizes semiconductor devices and adopts well-known computer circuitry techniques. The duration of the random process and the total number of pulses therein are indicated by the dial readings of calibrated micro-ammeters.