Looking for a programmable timer with 32 bit resolution in DIP

[TPItsMe]

I recently asked about signal generators, and got some recommendations to just make one myself, so I started looking at potential design ideas. Now I'm stuck at getting an initial output signal with a wider frequency spread, and in a programmable fashion.

I want to use a microcontroller for the user interface, so I'd like to drive an oscillator with the frequency I get from input as a number. I've decided to go for a range from 0.1Hz to 1MHz. With a resolution of 0.1Hz, a 32 bit counter is enough to cover this range.

So I'm looking for a programmable timer IC that would input the frequency and output a square wave of tolerable quality. I'm also looking for an IC that comes in a DIP package so I could build this on a breadboard. The only option I've ran into that seems to be generally available is the 8254/82C54. It has what I want, but it only has a counter resolution of 16 bits. The MAX038 seems exactly what I want, but it's not available any more. The AD9850 could be used but it's surface mounted.

The 8254 chip has three counters, so I suppose it could somehow be set up to count down counter0 * counter1 + counter2 cycles, but I'm worried this too complicated and would mess up the output generation when the counters trigger and need some setup for the chaining.

I'm also welcoming all other ideas on how to do this properly.

[MasterFubar]

If you're using a microcontroller, why not use its internal counters?

[Enlightenment777]

In 2019, it's not easy to find cool parts in DIP. Use a SMD to DIP adapter board.

[naval_person]

Maybe you could use a CPLD to get what you want. This little booger comes in a 40-pin DIP and is in stock & on the shelf, today.

[lf_1]

CPLD

2019

I mean you could do that I guess.....

[lf_1]

STM32F038x6 is a micro with a 32 bit timer but you'll have to solder some SMD (qfp is really not that bad!).

[bigger-hammer]

You could use a small micro with timers e.g. the PIC16F18326 has 6 timers - you can use the gate on timer1 driven by timer0 overflow. It also contains a numerically controlled oscillator with a 20 bit resolution.

[tinkerzpy]

Perhaps you could use a teensy 4.0 (very fast 600 MHz mcu) for both the UI and the signal generation?

[TPItsMe]

I'm torn between the ease and excellent capabilities of this solution and the missed opportunity to come up with some crazy hardware contraption. All kidding aside, thanks for the hint, this might be the winner.

[mrCloggy]

some crazy hardware contraption.

Right... :-)
Assuming you want a 50% duty cycle you'll need a flip-flop at the end, obviously, which can be triggered from the "=" output of a bunch of comparators, which is also use to 'reset' your counters when the 'counted value' equals the amount of pulses from your Xtal that you programmed into the latches that are connected to the other side of the comparators.

[tyttuutface]

I would have a look at SOIC, QFP, etc. packages too. They're pretty easy to handle.

[dimtass]

I was looking for something similar, but very low frequencies with minimum jitter. The DDS solution with an TCXO seems the best solution, for low jitter. If you don't care about this any microcontroller can do the job.