Binary Counter

This 4-bit binary counter is part of a 4-bit binary computer that I am building on breadboards using individual transistors. An astable multivibrator is used as the clock of the computer and counter.

The first bit of the counter is the output of the astable multivibrator. For the second and third bits, an edge trigger data flip flop is used. Each trigger is made with an AND gate and 7 inverters.

The final bit is made with a master-slave JK flip-flop. This circuit does not require a trigger but does require two JK flip-flops.

Often times binary counters are built with 4 data flip flops or 4 JK flip flops. This is a unique circuit design that uses multiple circuit types to build the counter. Each flip-flop acts as a frequency divider or a divide by two circuits. This circuit is incredible which is why I call it the magic counter.