Author: Narciso, S.J.
Paper Title Page
TUPC143 New Techniques in the Synchronization of High-frequency Multichannel Acquisition Systems 1359
 
  • R.A.J. Soden, Y.A. Maumary, C. Zaretti
    Agilent Technologies SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
  • S.J. Narciso, J.L. Richard
    Agilent Technologies Inc., Loveland, USA
 
  Today, high-speed digitizer systems operating at well above 100 MSa/s are being used in a diverse range of applications including operation of single-pulse linear induction accelerators for flash radiographic facilities, neutron energy measurement through time-of-flight, and propulsion research. A growing number of such applications require simultaneous measurement of high-frequency signals over many channels. Most of today’s high-speed digitizers or oscilloscopes feature a maximum of only four channels. For applications requiring more than four channels, and needing very precise time correlation between channels or accurate phase of continuous signals, it is necessary to synchronize the sampling clocks of the multiple instruments within the system. This paper presents methods of synchronization, with reference to large-scale multichannel data acquisition requirements in particle acceleration applications using modular instrumentation. A range of system architectures are presented, and advantages and disadvantages of each scheme are discussed.