Fractional output frequency-dividing apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for dividing the pulse repetition frequency of an input pulse sequence in accordance with a rational fraction comprising a plurality of pulse repetition frequency-dividing means each having an input and an output and each providing a pulse at its output in response to receiving a number of pulses at its input equal to its division constant, and gating means associated with said output of each of said plurality of frequency-dividing means except the last one of said plurality, each said gating means having first and second inputs and an output, said pulse repetition frequency-dividing means and said gating means being concatenated in alternating fashion with said output of each said frequency dividing means, except said last one, coupled to said first input of the next following gating means and said output of each said gating means coupled to said input of said next following frequency-dividing means so that said input pulse sequence is applied directly to a first one of said pulse repetition frequency-dividing means and through respective associated gates to each of said other pulse repetition frequency-dividing means, the division constant of said first frequency-dividing means being greater than two, each of said gating means including means for coupling said input pulse sequence in common to said gating means at said second input thereof for continuous passage of said input pulses therethrough except during those times when said output pulse of a preceding frequency-dividing means is received whereby said gates are inhibited from operation during the presence of said preceding frequency-dividing means output, the pulses from the last dividing means in said concatenated arrangement providing said input pulse sequence with pulse repetition frequency-divided in accordance with said rational fraction.