A hybrid counter array device for counting events with interrupt
indication includes a first counter portion comprising N counter devices,
each for counting signals representing event occurrences and providing a
first count value representing lower order bits. An overflow bit device
associated with each respective counter device is additionally set in
response to an overflow condition. The hybrid counter array includes a
second counter portion comprising a memory array device having N
addressable memory locations in correspondence with the N counter
devices, each addressable memory location for storing a second count
value representing higher order bits. An operatively coupled control
device monitors each associated overflow bit device and initiates
incrementing a second count value stored at a corresponding memory
location in response to a respective overflow bit being set. The
incremented second count value is compared to an interrupt threshold
value stored in a threshold register, and, when the second counter value
is equal to the interrupt threshold value, a corresponding "interrupt
arm" bit is set to enable a fast interrupt indication. On a subsequent
roll-over of the lower bits of that counter, the interrupt will be fired.