Broadband Low-Cost Frequency Meters

Two types of low-cost frequency meters for signals from several hundred megahertz up to 8 GHz are presented. The first system utilizes the well-known principle of frequency counters. The second one is based on a novel concept, where the frequency is derived from a direct comparison with a known reference. The two approaches are discussed and compared in terms of their principles and limits. Based on a statistical analysis of the results, this paper demonstrates the advantages of the novel concept for short measurement times.