Journal Article

PUBDB-2020-04643

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A White Rabbit-Synchronized Accurate Time-Stamping Solution for the Small-Sized Cameras of the Cherenkov Telescope Array

Sanchez-Garrido, J. (Corresponding author) ; Jurado, A. ; Jimenez-Lopez, M. ; Balzer, A.Extern* ; Prokoph, H.DESY* ; Stephan, M. ; Berge, D.DESY* ; Rodriguez-Alvarez, M. ; Diaz, J.

2021
IEEE New York, NY

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1109/TIM.2020.3013343

Abstract: This article presents the Zynq-embedded node for the Cherenkov telescope array (ZEN-CTA) node, a programmable system-on-chip (SoC) with White Rabbit (WR)-synchronization capability. It targets a solution for the uniform clock and trigger time-stamping module of the small-sized telescopes in the CTA. This module is tasked as a distributed acquisition device with a focus on obtaining time stamps for candidate Cherenkov events, which could be generated at potentially high rates from very-high-energy gamma rays and their subsequent distribution over Ethernet. In this context, the customized design of the ZEN-CTA node is examined thoroughly, including its generic implementation aspects and its main functional blocks. The design of the WR-assisted time-to-digital converters (TDCs) for time-stamping analog triggers is presented in detail alongside the implementation of an upgraded high-speed data path (1 Gb/s) for the WR-compatible Ethernet interfaces of the node. The new data path will feature a direct memory access engine for direct software transmissions and a hardware description language (HDL) coprocessor for high-speed forwarding. Next, the time-stamping accuracy of the WR-enhanced TDCs will be characterized alongside the forwarding efficiency of the new data path. Finally, conclusions are drawn, and the main contributions of this research are enumerated, a potential deployment within the CTA infrastructure to support the acquisition of Cherenkov light is considered, and additional use cases are mentioned.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Cherenkov Telescope Array (ZEU-CTA)

Research Program(s):

1. 613 - Matter and Radiation from the Universe (POF4-613) (POF4-613)

Experiment(s):

1. Cherenkov Telescope Array

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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