Time interval measurement technique based on the transformation of the reference oscillation amplitude to time

Abstract

An original short time interval measurement technique, based on the conversion of the amplitude of the reference oscillation to time, is proposed. The technique consists of the method of converting the measured values of the reference oscillation into oscillation phase between the investigated start-stop events, and the device calculating the time interval corresponding to the phase. An example of the use of the proposed technique in the device for forming the equivalent time-base of the digital oscilloscope is presented in the paper. The accuracy, stability and minimizing jitter possibility of the proposed technique were analyzed. The possibility of practical implementation of the meter of short time intervals, using the components available in the modern market, was carried out. Simulation of the measurement algorithm was made. The prototype of the meter was manufactured and tested. Recommendations on the choice of the optimum frequency of the reference oscillation and the number of periods for averaging were derived.