A Time Interval Measurement Technique Based on Time - Space Relationship Processing

Because of the development of the frequency standard technique, the higher precision request to the measurement techniques is necessary. For enhancing measurement precision and reducing measurement cost, we developed a time interval measurement technique based on time-space relationship. The high-resolution coincidence detection is very important because it is basic condition for getting high precision. More stable measurement circuits and other processing approaches can reach even higher resolution. The start signal of the measured time interval passes the delay line. According to time transmission delay of signals in the line and the measuring resolution required, the line is divided into many small subsections. And at the end of every subsection, the coincidence state of start signals that have been delayed and stop signals that have not been delayed is detected. The start signal and stop signal of the measured time interval are reshaped into very narrow pulse. The time interval measured is exactly equal to the time of transmission delay that the start signal has passed through when the coincidence is detected. This method also has self adapting technique. That means the accuracy variation of delay lines is calibrated according to the relation of the period time of signals and the length of delay. This paper also shows how to use this method to measure ultra-high frequency