Reconfigurable Time Controller for Low Latency Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for detecting and generating signals for super-events in quantum optics and other research applications lack the capability to achieve high temporal resolution, low latency, and reconfigurability simultaneously, leading to interoperability and latency issues in experimental setups.
Innovation Solution
A combined synchronous and asynchronous system comprising a Time to Digital Converter (TDC), a programmable logic unit, and a Time and Event Generation device, with interfaces to manage data flow and timing, enabling accurate detection and reconfigurable generation of signals with low latency and high temporal precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete electrical components are used for detecting super-events, then temporal precision is improved, but reconfigurability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges discrete electrical components (for high temporal precision) with programmable logic (for reconfigurability) into a single integrated device. The TDC provides picosecond-resolution timing measurements, while the FPGA enables flexible configuration of detection logic, combining both advantages in one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it detects events with picosecond precision using the TDC, configures detection logic through the FPGA, generates delayed signals, and interfaces with external systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate discrete components while maintaining both precision and reconfigurability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for event detection and signal generation, then temporal accuracy is improved, but device complexity and interoperability issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices (TDC for timing, FPGA for logic, delay generator for signal generation) into a single integrated apparatus. This eliminates interoperability issues between separate devices while maintaining the high temporal accuracy of the TDC through internal synchronization and shared timing resources.
3Measurement precision
If asynchronous apparatus is used for event detection, then temporal resolution is improved, but latency in signal generation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The FPGA acts as an intermediary between the asynchronous TDC (high temporal resolution) and the signal generation system. It buffers and processes events from the TDC, enabling low-latency response while preserving the picosecond resolution capabilities of the asynchronous timing measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reconfigurable and timely accurate method of generating, with a low latency, an output signal in response to multiple input signals, wherein said input signals occur at independent times, and wherein the occurrence of several input signals according to predetermined pattern is interpreted as a Super Event (SE) and wherein a detected Super Event triggers the production of a specific output signal heralding this SE, characterized in that said method comprises a first step (310) of time acquisition of the occurrence of said input signals, a second step (320) of adaptation of the acquisition data flow to the clock of the reconfigurable processing unit, a third step (330) of determining the occurrence of a Super Event (SE) by comparing the events pattern to the super event definition, a fourth step (340) identifying the Super Event and generating at least one event/signal corresponding to at least one trigger signal, a fifth step (350) of adaptation of the generation data flow to the asynchronous generation device, a sixth step (360) of applying a predefined delay for the issue of the at least one trigger signal, and an seventh step (370) of outputting at least one output signal representing a trigger signal and sending it to a downstream unit.