高精度时间间隔测量技术与方法

时间间隔测量技术,尤其是高精度的时间间隔测量技术意义重大。不论是电信通讯、芯片设计等工程实践,还是原子物理、天文观测实验等理论研究,以及激光测距、卫星定位等航天军事技术,都离不开高精度的时间间隔测量技术。经过几十年的研究,目前已经有多种测量方法。在阐明插值原理之后,依次介绍了直接计数法、扩展法、时间幅度转换法、游标法、抽头延迟线法和差分延迟线法等主要方法。然后对影响测量的几个因素,包括非线性和不定态作了讨论。针对这些不良影响,还探讨了一些提高精度和稳定度的方法,比如非线性校正、PLL(Phase Lock Loop)和DLL (Delay Lock Loop)技术。最后,对时间间隔测量技术的前景作了展望。

High-Precision Time-Interval Measurement Techniques and Methods

This is a review of time-interval measurement methods and techniques. The paper begins with the definition of TDC or Time to Digit Converter. The interpolating principle, which modern TDC with high resolution and large dynamic range bases on, is introduced in the following. The mainstream time-interval measurement methods, including the direct counter method, TI stretching method, time-to-amplitude method, Vernier method, tapped delay line method and differential delay line method are described in detail. Detrimental factors, such as nonlinearity and metasabilty, which undermine the high precision, are also presented. To minimize these effects, the nonlinearity correction method, PLL and DLL techniques are given. In addition, the future for time-interval measurement is prospected.