Our photon counter is an example for measurement devices implemented with an FPGA. The 19" rack format device offers connections for up to 30 APD (avalanche photo diode) modules. All 30 measurement channels are integrated in the customer's system.

With a Microsemi ProASIC FPGA, constraints on the short and precisely defined signal runtime are met; jitter is kept below a few picoseconds. The photon counter sends precise information about the time and channel at which the event has occurred via the client-specific interface. Monitoring and safety shutdown can be implemented, since the APD modules are enabled and disabled by the device.