A fully-adjustable picosecond resolution arbitrary timing generator based on multi-stage time interpolation

Area of Science:

• Electronics
• Signal Processing
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Precise timing control is critical in various scientific and engineering fields.
• Existing arbitrary timing generators often lack sufficient adjustability or precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fully adjustable arbitrary timing generator (ATG) with high timing resolution.
• To achieve adjustable output signal amplitude for versatile applications.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a multistage time interpolation method, specifically a three-stage module, for fine timing adjustments.
• Designed a current-controlled output module to regulate the driver circuit's output voltage.
• Utilized a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) for the core logic implementation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a timing adjustment resolution of 3 picoseconds (ps).
• Demonstrated a short-term jitter of 3.2 ps.
• Obtained a wide pulse width dynamic range from 6.25 nanoseconds (ns) to 5 seconds (s).
• Specified an output voltage range from -1 V to +5 V.

Conclusions:

• The developed arbitrary timing generator offers high precision timing control.
• Its adjustable output capacity makes it suitable for applications requiring flexible signal generation.