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Introduction

An ‘N’ bit binary counter consists of ‘N’ T flip-flops. If the counter counts from 0 to 2𝑁 − 1, then it is called as binary up counter. Similarly, if the counter counts down from 2𝑁 − 1 to 0, then it is called as binary down counter.
There are two types of counters based on the flip-flops that are connected in synchronous or not.

• Asynchronous counters
• Synchronous counters

Asynchronous Counters

If the flip-flops do not receive the same clock signal, then that counter is called as Asynchronous counter. The output of system clock is applied as clock signal only to first flip-flop. The remaining flip-flops receive the clock signal from output of its previous stage flip-flop. Hence, the outputs of all flip-flops do not change affect at the same time.
Now, let us discuss the following two counters one by one.

• Asynchronous Binary up counter
• Asynchronous Binary down counter

Asynchronous Binary Up Counter

An ‘N’ bit Asynchronous binary up counter consists of ‘N’ T flip-flops. It counts from 0 to 2𝑁 − 1. The block diagram of 3-bit Asynchronous binary up counter is shown in the following figure.

The 3-bit Asynchronous binary up counter contains three T flip-flops and the T-input of all the flip-flops are connected to ‘1’. All these flip-flops are negative edge triggered but the outputs change asynchronously. The clock signal is directly applied to the first T flip-flop. So, the output of first T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of clock signal.
The output of first T flip-flop is applied as clock signal for second T flip-flop. So, the output of second T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of output of first T flip-flop. Similarly, the output of third T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of output of second T flip-flop, since the output of second T flip-flop acts as the clock signal for third T flip-flop.Assume the initial status of T flip-flops from rightmost to leftmost is Q₂Q₁Q₀=000. Here, Q₂ & Q₀ are MSB & LSB
respectively. We can understand the working of 3-bit asynchronous binary counter from the following table.

Here Q₀ toggled for every negative edge of clock signal. Q₁ toggled for every Q₀ that goes from 1 to 0, otherwise remained in the previous state. Similarly, Q₂ toggled for every Q₁ that goes from 1 to 0, otherwise remained in the previous state.
The initial status of the T flip-flops in the absence of clock signal is Q₂Q₁Q₀=000. This is incremented by one for every negative edge of clock signal and reached to maximum value at 7th negative edge of clock signal. This pattern repeats when further negative edges of clock signal are applied.

Asynchronous Binary Down Counter

An ‘N’ bit Asynchronous binary down counter consists of ‘N’ T flip-flops. It counts from 2𝑁 − 1 to 0. The block diagram of 3-bit Asynchronous binary down counter is shown in the following figure.

The block diagram of 3-bit Asynchronous binary down counter is similar to the block diagram of 3-bit Asynchronous binary up counter. But, the only difference is that instead of connecting the normal outputs of one stage flip-flop as clock signal for next stage flip-flop, connect the complemented outputs of one stage flip-flop as clock signal for next stage flip-flop. Complemented output goes from 1 to 0 is same as the normal output goes from 0 to 1.
Assume the initial status of T flip-flops from rightmost to leftmost is Q₂Q₁Q₀=000. Here, Q₂ & Q₀ are MSB & LSB respectively. We can understand the working of 3-bit asynchronous binary down counter from the following table.

Here Q0 toggled for every negative edge of clock signal. Q₁ toggled for every Q0 that goes from 0 to 1, otherwise remained in the previous state. Similarly, Q₂ toggled for every Q₁ that goes from 0 to 1, otherwise remained in the previous state.
The initial status of the T flip-flops in the absence of clock signal is Q₂Q₁Q0=000. This is decremented by one for every negative edge of clock signal and reaches to the same value at 8th negative edge of clock signal. This pattern repeats when further negative edges of clock signal are applied.

Synchronous Counters

If all the flip-flops receive the same clock signal, then that counter is called as Synchronous counter. Hence, the outputs of all flip-flops change affect at the same time.
Now, let us discuss the following two counters one by one.

• Synchronous Binary up counter
• Synchronous Binary down counter

Synchronous Binary Up Counter

An ‘N’ bit Synchronous binary up counter consists of ‘N’ T flip-flops. It counts from 0 to 2𝑁 − 1. The block diagram of 3-bit Synchronous binary up counter is shown in the following figure.

The 3-bit Synchronous binary up counter contains three T flip-flops & one 2-input AND gate. All these flip-flops are negative edge triggered and the outputs of flip-flops change affect synchronously. The T inputs of first, second and third flip-flops are 1, Q₀ & Q₁Q₀ respectively.
The output of first T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of clock signal. The output of second T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of clock signal if Q₀ is 1. The output of third T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of clock signal if both Q₀ & Q₁ are 1.

Synchronous Binary Down Counter

An ‘N’ bit Synchronous binary down counter consists of ‘N’ T flip-flops. It counts from 2𝑁 − 1 to 0. The block diagram of 3-bit Synchronous binary down counter is shown in the following figure.

The 3-bit Synchronous binary down counter contains three T flip-flops & one 2-input AND gate. All these flip-flops are negative edge triggered and the outputs of flip-flops change affect synchronously. The T inputs of first, second and third flip-flops are 1, Q₀′ &' Q₁′Q₀′ respectively.
The output of first T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of clock signal. The output of second T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of clock signal if Q₀′ is 1. The output of third T flip-flop toggles for every negative edge of clock signal if both Q₁′ & Q₀′ are 1.