Performance evaluation of a high-bandwidth timing module

The ability to generate highly precise timing signals is essential for the operation of particle accelerators, particularly so in future linear colliders. As a tool to generate precise fixed delays, a module called TD-2.1 has been developed for use at the ATF (Accelerator Test Facility). TD-2.1 is an improved version of a previous module called TD-2, developed for the TRISTAN accelerator. The new version can be used at clock frequencies of up to 1.5 GHz, almost three times the bandwidth of the previous version. Since TD-2.1 is applied in many places to synchronize the ATF accelerator operation, high reliability and stability (low jitter) are essential. The long-term stability and timing jitter of the module were evaluated. The jitter was found to be around 5 ps within the operating range. Stable operation of the module was verified in long-term tests. (author)