Time Interval Measurement in the Picosecond Accuracy

Abstract

A model and a laboratory method were developed for determining the major systematic errors affecting time interval measurement (TIM) accuracy. The laboratory method investigates the optimum trigger level for the high slew rate timing pulses that achieves the highest TIM accuracy. The overall errors due to the measurement setup and the trigger level, at which the measurements are executed, are the most considerable sources of systematic errors. Previously these error sources were modeled. In this study the model was modified for estimating more precisely the systematic errors contributed by the measurement setup. Also a laboratory method was experienced to determine the optimum trigger level for the timing pulses. Applying these methods achieve a TIM accuracy in the picosecond range.