DAMC-X3TIMER
Board Description
The DAMC-X3TIMER is a MicroTCA.4 module developed at DESY to provide high-precision timing and synchronization. It plays a central role in distributing reference signals and timing events within large accelerator facilities, where stable and deterministic synchronization is essential for beam quality.
As a double-width AMC with RTM support, the DAMC-X3TIMER integrates into the MTCA.4 standard, enabling reliable operation in modern modular control infrastructures. It receives the facility’s main oscillator reference clock and event information, then generates and distributes phase-aligned clocks, triggers, and time stamps to other AMC modules inside the crate. In this way, it ensures that all accelerator components operate coherently to the accelerator RF system.
Key features
- Versatile Operation: Functions as a transmitter, repeater, or receiver for timing distribution.
- High-Precision Timing: Generates and recovers clock and trigger signals with clock data recovery (CDR) and dual-loop clock cleaning to minimize jitter.
- Support for deterministic latency across multiple channels.
- Drift Compensation: Maintains stable propagation delays despite environmental changes via hardware-based phase correction.
- Modular Design: Optional daughter module for drift compensation and RTM (Rear Transmission Module) variants for custom applications.
- Advanced Connectivity: Features PCIe interface for configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates, along with MTCA backplane and front-panel I/O for signal distribution.
The DAMC-X3TIMER is part of the broader MTCA-based ecosystem at DESY, It ensures high reliability, precision, and scalability, making it a critical component for modern accelerator control systems.
Files
Licensing
This board is currently not licensed. If you’re interested in learning more or purchasing the board, feel free to reach out to us for further details!