Sampling device utilizing time-interleaved optical timing

Abstract

A sampling device (2) comprising a first input port (4) and a second input port (5), wherein an input-signal is fed to the first input port (4) and wherein an optical clock signal is fed to the second input port (5). The sampling device (2) comprises a plurality of track and hold units (7 1 , 7 2 , 7 N ), wherein each of the plurality of track and hold units (7 1 , 7 2 , 7 N ) is connected to the first input port (4). The plurality of the track and hold units (7 1 , 7 2 , 7 N ) is further connected to the second input port (5) through an optical waveguide (11) in such a manner that the plurality of tack and hold units (7 1 , 7 2 , 7 N ) operate in a time-interleaved mode.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a sampling device comprising a plurality of track-and-hold units operating in a time-staggered mode. Background technique [0002] The increasing need for broadband communication systems is driving an increase in the need for suitable measurement systems. To analyze those communication systems, the measurement system needs really high bandwidth and good jitter performance. In order to obtain a measurement system with such good jitter performance, the entire clock tree must be stable. [0003] The publication "Optically clocked track-and-hold for high-speed, high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion" by E.W Jacobs et al. (IEEE MWP, April 2004, pp. 190-192) describes a possible A track-and-hold unit used in an analog-to-digital converter, wherein the track-and-hold unit receives an optical clock. Therefore, the track-and-hold unit includes two photodiodes for generating a current that is fed into the diode circuit, switchin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] The disadvantage of this publication is that the sampling rate is limited since the necessary hold time for the A / D converter can no longer be reduced

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