Design of timing system based on high accurate pulse generator

Background The Soft X-ray Free-Electron Laser (SXFEL) is the fourth generation light source. The timing system is the key subsystem of the accelerator which can provide accurate timing trigger signal for the devices. [Purpose] This study aims to design a timing system which can totally meet the requirements of SXFEL facility operation. [Methods] According to the physical requirements and system physical equipments allocation of SXFEL, the hardware design of the timing system was based on the high precision pulse generator to realize high precision timing signals. The machine protection system (MPS) interface circuit and photoelectric converter for long distance transmission were developed as well. Experimental Physics and Industrial Control Systems (EPICS) was employed to perform the network-based distributed remote control system. [Results and Conclusions] The system works stably and reliably during the on line operation. The test results show that the jitter time is less than 150 ps, satisfying accelerator's requirements for timing system. (authors)