Five-channel programmable counter

A five-channel programmable counter, constructed in a two-wide nuclear instrument module, is described. This counter is versatile in performance and flexible to changes, yet it is implemented with a minimum of hardware through the use of an onboard computer and a very large scale integrated counting circuit. It is able to simultaneously count pulses at rates of up to 7 MHz from five different sources for a period of time specified by the user. It stores data internally and can be used as a stand-alone counter or connected to a computer, modem, or printer through a standard RS-232 serial communication port.<>