The MRF Timing System provides a complete event based timing distribution system including timing signal generation with only a few components. Throughout the design of the Event System especially requirements of synchrotron light sources were taken into consideration, however, the system may be applied also to other facilities, like FELs or neutron sources.
Usually timing events are synchronized to a master clock reference e.g. the main acceleration frequency. Synchronization to the mains voltage phase is required, too, to keep the beam intensity and quality on the same level on consecutive triggers.
The Event System is capable of generating and distributing ring revolution frequencies, trigger signals and sequences of events, etc. synchronous to an externally provided master clock reference and mains voltage phase signal. Support for timestamps makes the system a global timebase and allows attaching timestamps to collected data and performed actions.
Timing System components are available in mTCA.4 and VME form factor supporting VME64x with hot-swap capability. Event Receivers are available also in PCIe form factor.