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Introduction

TimestampGeneratorESS provides a 64-bit timestamp synchronized to the European Spallation Source (ESS) facility timing system.

Unlike the standard TimestampGenerator which uses a local counter, this block extracts the timestamp directly from the ESS optical timing link, ensuring all instruments at the facility share a common, synchronized time reference.

The ESS timestamp is essential for:

  • Correlating neutron events across multiple detector systems
  • Synchronizing data acquisition with the proton pulse structure
  • Enabling time-of-flight measurements with facility-wide precision

Pin Description

TIMESTAMP Output 64 bit BIT VECTOR
64-bit ESS timestamp output. Contains the facility-synchronized timestamp extracted from the ESS optical timing link. This value is common across all ESS instruments connected to the timing distribution system.

Usage

Functional overview

TimestampGeneratorESS is a simplified block that directly outputs the ESS facility timestamp received via the optical timing distribution system.

Feature Value
Output Width 64 bits (fixed)
Clock Source ESS Timing System
Synchronization Facility-wide

ESS Timing System

The European Spallation Source uses a distributed timing system based on optical links to synchronize all instruments to the proton accelerator. The timing system provides:

  • Pulse ID: Identifies each proton pulse
  • Timestamp: 64-bit nanosecond-resolution time
  • Event codes: Trigger signals for specific events

This block extracts the ESS_TIMESTAMP signal from the board’s timing interface and makes it available for use in SCI-Compiler designs.

Architecture 

flowchart TD
  LINK("ESS Optical Link<br/>(Timing Distribution System)") --> ESS(["ESS_TIMESTAMP (64-bit)<br/>(Board Signal)"])
  subgraph BLK["TimestampGeneratorESS Block"]
    TSOUT(["TIMESTAMP[63:0]"])
  end
  ESS -->|"ESS_TIMESTAMP"| TSOUT

Use Cases

  • Neutron scattering experiments: Correlate detector events with proton pulse timing for time-of-flight measurements
  • Multi-detector systems: Synchronize multiple detector modules across the facility
  • Event timestamping: Provide nanosecond-precision timestamps for all acquired data

Compatibility

This block is specifically designed for ESS instruments and requires:

  • Hardware with ESS timing link interface
  • ESS timing distribution network connection
  • Proper timing system configuration