Time-to-Digital Converter comes in 5 x 5 mm QFN 32 package.
Press Release Summary:
Providing 50 psec resolution rms on 2 channels, GP2 time-to-digital converter (TDC) integrates fire-pulse generator, clock calibration unit, and temperature measurement unit. Internal clock calibration feature allows GP2's high-speed ceramic oscillator to be calibrated against its own 32.768 kHz clock, which provides compensation for temperature drift in applications with ultrasonic flow meters or heat meters. TDC is suited for instruments that rely on time-of-flight measurement.
Original Press Release:
Low-Cost TDC Offers up to 50-Picosecond Resolution RMS on Two Channels, with Integrated Fire-Pulse Generator, Temperature Measurement Unit, and SPI Interface
Ideal for ultrasonic flow meters and portable laser rangefinders, its 5x5mm size, QFN 32 package and low power consumption minimize footprint and battery consumption
Cincinnati, OH, October 2006 - The new GP2 time-to-digital converter (TDC) integrates a fire-pulse generator, clock calibration unit and temperature measurement unit into a 5x5mm QFN 32 package that provides 50-picosecond resolution rms on two channels. Designed as an engine for ultrasonic flow meters, laser rangefinders, topography scanners, magnetostrictive transducers and other instruments that rely on time-of-flight measurement, the GP2 is one-sixth the size of its predecessor (the GP1) and provides twice the resolution - all at significantly lower cost. Developed by Acam-Messelectronic GmbH and available in North America exclusively through Transducers Direct, the GP2 draws only a fraction of a micro-amp in quiescent mode, making it ideal for battery-driven binocular range finders, golf rangefinders, and other general-purpose laser measuring devices.
The GP2 offers two measurement ranges. Range one provides two channels with 65 picosecond resolution, 2 nanoseconds-1.8 µsec range, and 15-nanosecond pulse-pair resolution with fourfold multi-hit capability. Up to four events can be measured arbitrarily against each other. In range two the GPS provides one channel with 65-picosecond resolution, a measurement range of 500 nanoseconds to 4 msec and 500-nanosecond pulse-pair resolution with 3-fold multi-hit capability. For temperature measurement, the GP2 handles two or four sensor inputs, and provides resolution of 0.004°C.
The integrated fire-pulse generator allows a high level of customization for driving ceramic oscillators in ultrasonic flow meters. The fire-pulse generator has two outputs and is programmable for frequency, phase and number of pulses. The driver strength of each output is 48mA at 5V, or the two outputs can be paralleled for 96mA. Either output signal can also be inverted to double the signal amplitude.
An internal clock calibration feature allows the GP2's high-speed ceramic oscillator to be precisely calibrated against its own highly stable 32.768 kHz clock. This allows compensation for temperature drift in applications with ultrasonic flow meters or heat meters.
For more information, visit the web site www.transducersdirect.com or www.acam-usa.com
ACAM Messelectronic GmbH is a leading developer of integrated time-to-digital converters (TDC's) for ultra-precise measurement of time intervals in the picosecond range. Headquartered in Blankenloch, Germany, the company was founded in 1996. ACAM TDC's are widely used in nuclear and high-energy physics, laser rangefinders, ultrasonic position feedback devices and for measurement of capacitance, resistance frequency and phase.
Transducers Direct is a key supplier of transmitter, sensor, potentiometer, and transducer products to end users, OEM's, military, homeland defense, and Fortune 100 companies around the world. The company was founded by sensor-business insiders who recognized industry's need for an ultra-convenient, value-oriented channel of automation components including free technical/application assistance.
Technical Contact
Rob Matthes
Transducers Direct LLC
264 Center St.
P.O. Box 162
Miamiville, OH 45147
Tel: 513.583.9491
Rob_Matthes@Transducersdirect.com
www. transducersdirect.com
