Energy conserving counter using terminal count value and method therefor

Abstract

Structure and method for counting a predetermined number of counts is provided. A count end value is identified which is greater than or equal to (not less than) the predetermined number of counts. The count end value is chosen such that it is representable by n symbols (designated n-1, n-2, . . . , m, m-1, . . . , 1, 0) where the most significant n-1 through m symbols are a first binary symbol and the least significant m-1 through 0 symbols are a different second binary symbol, for example '1'0 and '0'. An n-symbol current count value (also representable by n-1, n-2, . . . , m, m-1, . . . , 1, 0 symbols) is initialized to a count start value which is equal to the count end value minus the predetermined number of counts, then as the counter counts, the current count value is incremented by one (or some other count increment) for each count or cycle of the counter. After each iteration (or before the next iteration of the counter cycle) each of the n-1, . . . , m symbols are compared with the first binary symbol. If the n-1, . . . , m symbols match, a count completed indicator is generated signifying that the desired count has been reached. Due to the manner in which the count values are chosen, it is not necessary to examine or compare the other m-1, . . . , 0 symbols. A counter structure, including an electronic counter, a mechanical counter, and a method for designing a counter are also provided.