Time Synchronization and Controlled Asynchronization of Remote Analog Signals with sub nanosecond resolution
Robert H. Flake, Aparna Sripada, Jules Campbell · 2014
This paper describes recent advances in resolution of the Time Synchronization and Controlled Asynchronization of Remote Analog Signals (TSCA). Measurements using a pair of cables of different lengths, ∼150m and ∼300m are synchronized with sub nanosecond resolution. In addition, output signals from these cables were asynchronized with the same resolution, to target values ranging from −3000ns to +3000ns. This synchronization and asynchronization was accomplished by controlling the relative delay of these two signals, when generated by a dual channel Arbitrary Function Generator. The advancement in resolution was achieved using a highly enhanced resolution Time Domain Reflectometer (e-TDR), having the capability to accurately control the speed of the e-TDR signal in the cables. This advance in resolution was obtained because a recently discovered signal, that has the property of distortionless propagation in lossy cables, was used as the e-TDR pulse. The system was implemented as a Virtual Instrument (VI) in LabVIEW, using a two channel Arbitrary Waveform Generator (ARB) and a Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (DPO). The resulting errors were less than +/− 0.26ns.