Time-to-Amplitude Converters (TAC)

Converts time intervals into proportional voltage (amplitude signals) for analysis
Enables high-resolution timing measurements from picoseconds to microseconds
Ideal for time-of-flight (TOF), coincidence, and lifetime measurements
Measures time between Start and Stop pulses with extreme precision
Time range: ~10 ns to 2 ms (model dependent)
Excellent timing resolution: down to picosecond-level accuracy
Generates analog output compatible with MCA for time spectrum analysis
Models available:

• Model 566 TAC
• Model 567 TAC + Single Channel Analyzer (SCA)
• Model 462 Time Calibrator (for system calibration)
• NIM-standard modules for integration into nuclear electronics systems

Time-to-Amplitude Converters (TAC) are advanced electronic instruments used in radiation detection and nuclear physics systems to measure extremely short time intervals between two events.

The TAC operates by receiving two input signals:

Start signal → begins timing
Stop signal → ends timing

The system then converts this time difference into an analog voltage pulse, where the amplitude is directly proportional to the measured time interval.

This analog output is typically sent to a Multichannel Analyzer (MCA), which builds a time spectrum (histogram) of events, enabling detailed analysis of timing distributions.

The internal working principle is based on constant-current charging of a capacitor, where the voltage increases linearly with time until the stop signal arrives. This allows TAC systems to achieve extremely high timing precision, even at picosecond scales.

ORTEC TAC systems are designed for flexibility and precision:

Model 566 TAC
→ High-performance standalone TAC for time spectroscopy
Model 567 TAC + SCA
→ Combines TAC with built-in signal selection (windowing) for advanced experiments
Model 462 Time Calibrator
→ Provides precise calibration of timing systems with accuracy down to ±10 ps

These systems support advanced features such as coincidence gating, event selection, adjustable delay, and synchronization with external signals, making them ideal for complex timing experiments.

Product Type: Time-to-Amplitude Converter (NIM module)
Function:

• Measure time interval (Start → Stop)
• Convert time → voltage (analog output)

Time Range: ~10 ns to 2 ms (selectable ranges)
Timing Resolution: Picosecond to nanosecond level (e.g., ≤5 ps + 0.01% FS)
Output Signal: Analog pulse (0 to ~10 V proportional to time)
Input Signals:

• Start / Stop pulses (NIM standard)
• Positive or negative polarity selectable

Linearity:

• Integral nonlinearity ≤ ±0.1%
• Differential nonlinearity typically <1%

Maximum Count Rate: 30 MHz (model-dependent)
Additional Features (Model Dependent):

• Coincidence / anticoincidence gating
• Adjustable delay and output width
• Built-in SCA (Model 567)
• External strobe synchronization

Form Factor: NIM modular electronics

• Time-of-flight (TOF) measurements
• Lifetime spectroscopy (fluorescence, nuclear decay)
• Coincidence timing experiments
• Particle and nuclear physics research
• Photon counting and TCSPC (Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting)
• Accelerator and beamline diagnostics
• High-speed event timing systems