Meaning of the parallel outputs of a counter In a digital counter, the parallel output lines Qn..Q0 represent the:

Introduction / Context:
Counters are registers that advance through a sequence of states. The most common way to observe the current state is via parallel output pins (Q lines). Knowing exactly what these lines convey avoids misinterpretation when interfacing counters with displays, microcontrollers, or comparators.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Counter implemented with flip-flops providing parallel outputs.
• Binary (or BCD/Gray) encoding as designed.
• Outputs are sampled after settling to avoid ripple glitches (if asynchronous).

Concept / Approach:

The Q lines collectively form the present state word of the counter. In straight binary counters this word equals the numeric count value. Other encodings (BCD, Gray) still present a multi-bit word representing the state. It is not the clock frequency; rather, it is data whose value changes once per count event.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Hook Q lines to a binary display or microcontroller port; readings match the instantaneous count value (subject to propagation delay for ripple types).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Clock frequency is a property of the input clock, not the parallel outputs.

Counter modulus is a design parameter (maximum states), not what the outputs directly present.

“Clock count” is vague; the precise term is the present count value as a data word.

Common Pitfalls:

Sampling ripple counters during transitions; ignoring encoding differences (BCD vs binary).

Final Answer:

parallel data word