A pico-second resolution arbitrary timing generator based on time folding and time interpolating

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Instrumentation
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Accurate timing generation is crucial for many scientific and engineering applications.
• Existing arbitrary timing generators face limitations in time resolution and output linearity.
• Field-programmable-gate-arrays (FPGAs) offer a flexible platform for implementing complex digital systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-resolution arbitrary timing generator with pico-second resolution.
• To improve the time resolution and output linearity of arbitrary timing generators.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of the time folding method in timing generation.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an arbitrary timing generator using a field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA).
• Utilizing a time folding method combined with a delay chain for fine time interpolation.
• Integration of the timing generator onto a printed-circuit board (PCB).

Main Results:

• Achieved a time resolution of 5 picoseconds (ps).
• Demonstrated enhanced output linearity of the generated timing pulses.
• Established a dynamic output pulse range from 5 nanoseconds (ns) to 10 seconds (s).

Conclusions:

• The time folding method effectively overcomes the limitations of minimum chain cell delay, enhancing sequence time resolution and chain linearity.
• The developed FPGA-based arbitrary timing generator provides high performance for applications requiring precise timing sequences.
• This technology holds significant potential for advanced applications in scientific research and engineering.