This circuit uses a 74HCT74, 74HCT00, and a LM311 to form a frequency
comparator. The two pulse trains are fed to two D-type flip-flops (triggered by the leading edges). The flip-flops'
outputs are compared in a NAND gate. If the output of the NAND gate becomes "0", the flip-flops are reset.
If the frequency of F1 is higher than the frequency of F2, the signal "Q2" consists of needles and "Q1"
is a pulse train. Therefore, the energy content of Q1 is higher than that of Q2. Q1 and Q2 come via a low-pass
filter (consisting of R1, R2 and C1) and are compared by an analog comparator circuit (IC3). The comparator drives
an LED and can act as a digital output. For the case when the frequency of F1 is lower that the frequency for F2,
the signal Q1 consist of needles and Q2 is a pulse train.
Reference :
"Electronics Design" Magazine, Sep, 5, 95
Last
Updated : February 15, 2002 