.. currentmodule:: sardana.pool .. _sardana-countertimer-overview: ======================= Counter/timer overview ======================= The counter/timer is one of the most used elements in Sardana. A counter/timer represents an experimental channel which acquisition result is a scalar value. As indicates its name it is foreseen to interface hardware couters or timers but it also fits well with other hardware like :term:`ADC` or electrometer. The acquisition operation on a counter/timer is executed over the integration time specified by the user. Counter/timer can be controlled by either software or hardware synchronization (:ref:`Trigger/Gate `) and multiple repetitions, also specified by the user are, are possible within the same acquisition operation. .. seealso:: :ref:`sardana-countertimer-api` the counter/timer :term:`API` :class:`~sardana.tango.pool.CTExpChannel.CTExpChannel` the counter/timer tango device :term:`API`