A low-cost frequency multiplier for synchronous sampling of periodic signals

The theory of digital signal processing indicates clearly that the measurements performed on periodic signals by means of digital techniques are affected by an error due to the nonsynchronization between the sampling frequency and the signal frequency. The authors present a low-cost device, based on a frequency multiplier, that allows the generation of sampling pulses synchronized with the signal frequency. The behavior of this device is analyzed in order to assure its ability to work with input signals in the frequency range typical of the mains. As an example of the application of this device, the results of the Fourier analysis of a multifrequency signal are given, showing the high accuracy that can be attained