Device and Method for Determining Sampling Points of a Signal Pulse

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an apparatus and method to determine the precise arrival time of an electrical signal pulse, such as those generated by detectors in physics experiments. The system uses a comparison device that monitors when the signal crosses multiple reference voltages and measures the time intervals between these crossings. By analyzing these times, it can accurately calculate the signal's arrival time in a relatively simple and technically efficient manner.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Particle detection timing in high-energy physics experiments
• Time-of-flight measurements for sensors and detectors
• Triggering and synchronization in scientific instruments
• Pulse analysis in medical devices such as EEG or ECG systems
• Event timing in nuclear or radiation detection
• Industrial process monitoring where precise pulse timing is required

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Accurate determination of signal arrival time
• Technically simple and cost-effective implementation
• Reduced hardware complexity compared to prior methods
• Flexibility to use multiple reference points for greater precision
• Improved detection even for non-linear or complex pulse shapes
• Can be used with standard detectors and time-to-digital converters

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for determining an arrival time of a signal pulse using a comparison device which is designed in such a way that it compares the time curve of a signal pulse (V(t)) with two reference values (V1, V2) and which triggers a time analysis device (TDC) of the apparatus if the signal pulse (V(t)) reaches a reference value (V1, V2), wherein the time analysis device (TDC) is designed such that it ascertains the time between the first and the second trigger, and wherein the apparatus is designed such that it determines an arrival time of the signal pulse by means of the ascertained time and by means of the reference values (V1, V2). The apparatus is able to ascertain an arrival time of a signal pulse in a technically simple way. The invention also relates to a method for ascertaining an arrival time.