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A novel time stamping technique for distributed data acquisition systems
1Inter University Accelerator Centre, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|January 3, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a novel synchronizing technique for data acquisition systems, enabling precise time-stamping and synchronization using standard local area network cables for distributed event acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Physics
Background:
- Distributed data acquisition systems often face challenges in synchronizing data from independent modules.
- Existing synchronization methods can be complex or require specialized hardware.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement a cost-effective synchronization technique for heterogeneous data acquisition modules.
- To achieve high-resolution time-stamping and precise synchronization over standard network infrastructure.
Main Methods:
- Development of a synchronization protocol utilizing standard local area network (LAN) cables.
- Implementation of a time-stamping mechanism with 10 ns resolution and ± 5 ns synchronization accuracy.
- Testing the system with self-triggered digital signal processing (DSP) based data acquisition engines.
Main Results:
- The technique successfully synchronizes independent data acquisition modules.
- Achieved time-stamp range of up to 32 days.
- Demonstrated synchronization accuracy within ± 5 ns.
Conclusions:
- The proposed technique offers an effective and economical solution for synchronizing distributed data acquisition systems.
- Standard LAN cables can be leveraged for high-precision time synchronization in complex experimental setups.
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