Multiple phase time counter for use in a usage parameter control device for an asynchronous transfer mode system

The following invention relates generally to the improved operation of a usage parameter control (UPC) device for asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) communications systems, and in particular, to a multiple phase time counter which allows virtual connection audits to be performed on a staggered basis rather than all at once so as not to cause excessive delay to the overall cell processing of the system. In a usage parameter control device for an asynchronous transfer mode communications system, a time counter is divided into multiple phases to enable audits of each of the virtual connections being handled by the system to be performed on a staggered group-by-group basis rather than all at once, thereby avoiding excessive delays in cell processing.