Abstract: A counter comprising n one-bit cells receiving a clock signal (CK0) having a frequency f to be counted and a read transfer order (TO). The lower rank p cells operate at the frequency f and the n-p higher rank cells at a frequency f/2.sup.p. The lower rank p cells (51-53) directly receive the clock signal (CK0) at frequency f and, if necessary, the transfer order (TO) synchronized in correspondence with CK0. The higher rank n-p cells receive as a clock signal at frequency f/2.sup.p, a signal (CK1) delayed by at least two periods of said clock signal CK0 and at the most by (2p-2) pulses CK0 with respect to the counting signal of the highest rank cell among the lower rank p cells.