Single and Dual Preset Counters for Industrial Automation

ATC Diversified Electronics offers the 376B Series Digital Counter for industrial applications requiring accurate event counting, preset control, batch counting, totalizing, or high-speed pulse counting. The 376B is available in single preset and dual preset configurations, allowing the counter to be matched to the control sequence required by the machine or process.

The 376B combines a clear digital count display with programmable presets, multiple counting modes, adjustable input scaling, remote reset capability, and relay or transistor output options. Applications can include packaging equipment, conveyors, production machinery, material handling, batching, cut-to-length processes, machine-cycle counting, and other industrial systems that must count events and initiate an output when a programmed value is reached.

Single preset versions can count at frequencies up to 10 kHz in supported configurations, while an optional debounce function can reduce the accepted count rate to 100 Hz for slower electromechanical or contact-based inputs. Both single and dual preset versions also include an internal totalizing counter for accumulating counts across multiple operating cycles.

Why Choose the ATC 376B Digital Counter?

Single or Dual Preset Control: Select a single preset for applications requiring one programmed switching point or a dual preset configuration when two independently programmed count points are required.

Batch Counting: The dual preset version can be configured for batch counting, allowing the controller to manage individual counts within a larger production or process batch.

High-Speed Counting: The single preset 376B can count at frequencies up to 10 kHz in count-up mode, supporting compatible high-speed pulse sources such as sensors, encoders, and electronic control signals.

Internal Totalizer: An internal totalizing counter can accumulate counts across multiple cycles, providing a running total in addition to the active preset-counting function.

Multiple Count Modes: Available operating modes include bidirectional counting, quadrature counting, count with inhibit, and interval counting with a separate start input.

Programmable Scaling: The 376B provides an adjustable scale factor from 0.00001 to 9.99999, allowing incoming pulses to be converted into meaningful engineering or production units.

Flexible Input Compatibility: The counter supports sinking, sourcing, and TTL-compatible count inputs, making it adaptable to a variety of industrial sensors and control devices.

Relay or Transistor Outputs: Models are available with electromechanical relay outputs or NPN current-sinking transistor outputs to match different control-system requirements.

Plug-In 72mm Housing: The 376B uses a plug-in 72mm square panel housing designed for quick replacement and a fully gasketed, dust- and water-resistant installation.

Single Preset Counter Operation

A single preset counter compares the accumulated count to one programmed preset value. When that value is reached, the 376B can operate its selected output according to the configured counting and output behavior.

Preset values can be programmed from 1 to 999,999, making the counter suitable for applications ranging from short repetitive machine cycles to larger production quantities.

Dual Preset and Batch Counting

The dual preset 376B provides two programmable count setpoints and can also be configured for batch-counting applications. This allows one counter to manage more complex sequences where one count value initiates an intermediate action and another represents the completed cycle or batch.

Both preset configurations also include an internal totalizer, allowing cumulative production or machine-cycle information to be retained separately from the active preset count.

High-Speed Industrial Counting

The 376B supports high-speed electronic counting for applications using compatible proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, encoders, or other pulse-producing devices. The single preset version can operate at up to 10 kHz in count-up mode.

A debounce circuit can also be enabled to limit one count input to 100 Hz. This is useful when the input signal comes from a mechanical contact or another device where contact bounce could otherwise create unwanted additional counts.

Bidirectional and Quadrature Counting

The 376B supports bidirectional counting as well as quadrature X1, X2, and X4 modes. These functions allow the counter to work with compatible directional pulse sources where both count magnitude and direction must be tracked.

Depending on the selected mode, the counter can count upward, downward, or respond to phase-related pulse inputs from compatible encoders and sensing devices.

Interval Counting and Count Inhibit

The 376B also supports interval counting with a separate start input. This allows counting to occur within a defined operating interval initiated by an external signal.

Count-with-inhibit operation provides another level of control by allowing the counting process to be temporarily prevented according to the configured control input.

Programmable Scaling and Decimal Position

A programmable scale factor from 0.00001 to 9.99999 allows the 376B to translate raw incoming pulses into a useful displayed quantity. Six selectable decimal-point positions provide additional flexibility when displaying scaled measurements or production values.

This can be useful when one sensor pulse does not directly correspond to one finished part, unit of length, machine cycle, or other quantity being monitored.

Relay and Transistor Output Options

The 376B can be ordered with either relay or NPN transistor outputs. Relay-output models provide contacts rated up to 7 amps at 30 VDC or 250 VAC for compatible loads, while the transistor version provides a current-sinking electronic output for compatible DC control circuits.

Output type should be selected according to the PLC, relay, contactor, machine-control input, or other equipment that will receive the counter's output signal.

Find the Right 376B Counter Configuration

Selecting the right single or dual preset industrial counter depends on the number of required presets, count direction, pulse frequency, batch-counting needs, input type, scale factor, output type, reset method, power supply, and whether totalized production counts must also be retained.

Explore the 376B Series above to compare single preset, dual preset, batch, relay-output, and transistor-output configurations for industrial counting, production monitoring, machine control, and automation applications.