How are counters generally characterized in digital systems?

Counters in digital systems are primarily characterized as interconnections of flip-flops designed for binary counting. Flip-flops are essential building blocks in digital electronics, functioning as memory elements that store a single bit of information. When connected in a specific configuration, these flip-flops enable the implementation of counters that can count pulses or events in binary form.

As a counting mechanism, these configurations allow for the accumulation of counts, typically increasing the output value with each clock pulse received. Each flip-flop in the configuration represents a single bit; for instance, two flip-flops can count up to four (00, 01, 10, 11), effectively allowing for binary representation of numbers.

While the other options touch on various aspects of digital systems, they do not correctly describe the fundamental nature of counters. Wired logic configurations are more associated with combinational logic circuits rather than specific counting functions. Microprocessors encompass a broader range of functionalities, including processing and controlling digital systems, but do not specifically define counters. Analog to digital converters serve a different purpose, focusing on converting continuous signals into discrete digital values rather than counting in binary form.