The length of the up/down K-counter is digitally programmable according to the K-counter function table. With A, B, C and D all LOW, the K-counter is disabled. With A HIGH and B, C and D LOW, the K-counter is only three stages long, which widens the bandwidth or capture range and shortens the lock time of the loop. When A, B, C and D are all programmed HIGH, the K-counter becomes seventeen stages long, which narrows the bandwidth or capture range and lengthens the lock time. Real-time control of loop bandwidth by manipulating the A to D inputs can maximize the overall performance of the digital phase-locked-loop.