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Q162ModerateDigital Instruments

The output frequency related to the sampling interval of a frequency counter as _____________

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: C. More precision with longer sampling interval
Quick explanation

A frequency counter estimates frequency by counting input cycles during a fixed gate/sampling interval. A longer interval counts more cycles and therefore improves frequency resolution and precision; the basic count-to-frequency relation is f = N/T_g.

fmeasured = N / Tg

Concept & Reasoning

If N complete cycles are counted during a gate interval T_g, the measured frequency is N/T_g. The ±1-count uncertainty corresponds to an approximate frequency resolution of 1/T_g. Thus increasing the sampling interval reduces the frequency quantization step and improves precision.

How to Solve It in the Exam

Longer gate time → finer frequency resolution.

Important Exam Point

Separate actual signal frequency from measurement resolution; the signal itself does not change when gate time changes.

Quick Trick

Longer gate time → finer frequency resolution.

Common Mistake

Interpreting a longer sampling interval as lowering the actual input frequency.

Solution diagram – The output frequency related to the sampling interval of a frequency counter…
Exam tipSeparate actual signal frequency from measurement resolution; the signal itself does not change when gate time changes.
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