TIMER

A timer is a specialized type of clock for measuring time intervals. A timer which counts
upwards from zero for measuring elapsed time is often called a stopwatch, a device
which counts down from a specified time interval is more usually called a timer. A
simple example is an hourglass. Some timers sound an audible indication that the time
interval has expired. Times switches, timing mechanisms which activate a switch, are
sometimes called timers.
Timers and time switches may be free-standing or incorporated into appliances and
machines. Their operating mechanism may be mechanical, electromechanical, or
purely electronic (counting cycles of an. Timing functionality can be provided
by software, typically in a computer, the program is often called a "timer".


Counter

Counter is a device which stores the number of times a particular event or process has
occurred, often in relationship to a clock signal. In electronics, counters can be
implemented quite easily using register-type circuits such as the flip-flop, example:
Asynchronous (ripple) counter, Synchronous counter, Decade counter, Up/down
counter, Ring counter, Johnson counter, Cascaded counter and modulus counter. Each
is useful for different applications. Usually, counter circuits are digital in nature, and
count in natural binary. Many types of counter circuits are available as digital building
blocks.

Occasionally there are advantages to using a counting sequence other than the natural
binary sequencesuch as the binary coded decimal counter, a linear feedback shift
register counter, or a Gray-code counter. Counters are useful for digital clocks and
timers, and in oven timers.