Why do we need precision timing and synchronization in test & measurement applications?
Precision timing is very important in test and measurement applications because errors in timing translate directly into measurement error. The example below shows how timing errors transform directly into measurement errors. If the clock circuitry of a measurement device has jitter T, then the measurement can be either before or after the ideal time by ½ T, which results in a measurement error. In the case of Data Acquisition instruments, such timing errors can result in a significant loss of accuracy and increase in signal distortion. For example a 16-bit data acquisition device with a poorly controlled sample clock may not be as accurate as a 10- or 12-bit device with a well controlled clock. As such, a device’s clock performance (jitter) is one of the most important specifications to consider when selecting equipment. Synchronization of multiple instruments is essential when multiple devices are required to measure a given installation. It is very difficult to correlate measurement
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