This paper describes the innovative timing unit of a distributed, expandable, real-time, event-based control system for a nuclear fusion experiment. This system is being designed in a tree-type topology, based in VME and CAMAC format modules that produce the timing signals required for the safe operation of the experiment diagnostics and digitizers. It also performs the broadcasting, processing and recording of the occurrence of externally generated events for real-time control purposes. The timing unit has been implemented in a field programmable gate array, providing flexibility and the ability to upgrade the design. The timing signals can be defined with 32 bit resolution to produce signals from 100 ns width and to about 430 s maximum duration with 500 ns accuracy, and will provide the possibility of immediate event processing.
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