Delay line system for detecting fast transient signals - uses gated diode detectors along line to drive two-way counters

摘要

The delay-line system is for detecting non-repetitive signals in the nano-second region. It uses a multi-tapped delay line in which sensitivity and accuracy of measurement is unaffected by error signals normally associated with such methods. The signal source (US) is connected to the trigger input of a delay line (2). The line is tapped at intervals by diode detectors (At) controlled by pulse generators (3). The detector outputs are amplified (4) and converted to digital form (5) in order to drive up-down counters (6). The trigger pulse controls the gating of the diodes and the counters. The counters are driven first in one direction, and then in the other, i.e. both when a signal is present and when it is not. The difference between the two counts thus provides an error-compensated output value.