Curioustab Logo Curioustab
Home » Digital Electronics » Counters

Terminology check: A MOD-10 counter is also called what type of counter? Choose the standard industry name used by datasheets and textbooks.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: decade

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Digital counters are often described by their modulus, which is the number of distinct states in the counting sequence. A MOD-10 counter cycles through ten states before rolling over, and there is a widely accepted term for this device.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • MOD-10 means ten valid count states (0 through 9).
  • Terminology is based on long-standing conventions in digital electronics.


Concept / Approach:
The conventional term for a MOD-10 counter is “decade counter”. Many decade counters also output Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) states, but “decade” is the generic name tied to the modulus itself, independent of output formatting or display usage.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify modulus: 10 → “decade”.Check textbook usage: MOD-10 counters are consistently labeled decade counters.Conclude that “decade” is the accepted answer.


Verification / Alternative check:

Look at typical TTL/CMOS decade counter datasheets; the description uses “decade” prominently (e.g., BCD decade counter).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

strobing: Refers to gating signals to avoid glitches; not a counter type.BCD: A representation format (Binary Coded Decimal), not the name of the modulus class.circuit: Too generic; does not specify type or modulus.


Common Pitfalls:

Assuming “BCD” is the formal counter name rather than a code format often used with decade counters.


Final Answer:

decade
← Previous Question Next Question→

More Questions from Counters

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion