January 24, 2017 -- ams AG, a provider of sensor solutions and analog ICs, has launched the TDC-GPX2 version of its time-to-digital converter (TDC). The TDC-GPX2 features standard low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) and serial peripheral (SPI) interfaces, and a 9mm x 9mm QFN64 package.
TDCs from ams, which can measure short time intervals with precision, are used in light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and laser-ranging devices, in positron emission tomography (PET) medical scanners, and in automated test equipment (ATE).
The TDC-GPX2 is an integrated four-channel converter IC offering single-measurement resolution of up to 20psrms per channel in normal mode. Operating in dual-channel high-resolution mode, it can achieve a maximum resolution of 10psrms with 5ns pulse-to-pulse spacing. The product uses between 60mW and 450mW in normal operation, and draws 60µA in stand-by mode.
ams has put particular emphasis on making the TDC-GPX2 easy to implement in end-product designs, providing standard interfaces and requiring few external components. The chip also includes a driver for a quartz reference clock, which can be used for automatic calibration alternatively to the reference input.
In addition, ams supplies an evaluation kit, the GPX2-EVA-KIT, which includes a programmer and GUI software for PCs, enabling users to configure and connect their Start and Stop signals and begin taking sample time measurements.
