A novel ratio to digital converter (RDC)

A novel ratio-to-digital converter (RDC) that uses a new conversion method for its division circuit is introduced. The new ratio-to-time conversion used in the division circuit is a dynamic conversion method. The ratio-to-time response of a miniature delay chip is used in this dynamic conversion method. Majority of the methods used for the ratio-to-time conversion of conventional RDCs are static methods and start the conversion process after a long dead time for peak sensing of the signals. For the dynamic conversion method the ratio can be converted to time at any moment on leading edges of the input signals. Then, the dead time for the conversion method decreases at least five times in compare with the dead time of the static conversion method. A set of miniature delay chip, using this conversion method, is substituted for a conventional division circuit that includes many active elements. Since the miniature delay chip is a passive element, it is possible to install it within the position sensitive chambers. Using the new RDC, the signals of the Backgammon pattern in a SWPC were converted to position with a timing response of one nanosecond for one millimeter length. Position resolution about 2% of the detector length was achieved.