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Modern large-scale nuclear and particle physics experiments require front-end readout systems capable of handling high data throughput while guaranteeing sub-nanosecond time synchronization over widely distributed detector elements. This paper presents TD-Link, a custom optical link protocol developed by Nuclear Instruments and CAEN for the FERS (Front-End Readout System) architecture. TD-Link is specifically designed to provide simultaneous data transmission and deterministic timing synchronization over a single optical fiber.
Unlike conventional timing and data distribution solutions such as White Rabbit, TD-Link adopts a multidrop daisy-chain topology. A single optical fiber originates from a Data Concentrator, traverses sequentially up to 16 FERS front-end boards, and finally closes the loop back to the concentrator. This ring-based architecture significantly reduces cabling complexity and port count, making it particularly suitable for large detectors where front-end boards are spatially distributed over extended areas. A single Data Concentrator equipped with eight optical ports can therefore manage and synchronize up to 128 front-end boards, each hosting 64 to 128 acquisition channels, enabling scalable systems with thousands of channels.
TD-Link operates at a line rate of 3.25 Gb/s and integrates an embedded clock recovery and distribution mechanism on each front-end board. Experimental measurements demonstrate an inter-board synchronization resolution of 35 ps RMS, validated using independent FERS boards equipped with CERN PicoTDC devices and correlated signal injection. These results confirm TD-Link as a compact, scalable, and high-precision solution for next-generation real-time readout systems.
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