High performance I/O processors for real-time pulse handling

Abstract

Two peripheral processor LSIs, the FM (Fast Timed Input port) and the FTO (Fast Timed Output port), have been developed for real-time pulse handling. By using the time-wheel scheme, these processors provide a high-level command interface with the host CPU. thus alleviating the CPU load. New features, such as time difference measurement between channels and user reprogrammability during operation have been realized by this novel approach. The prototypes of both F M and FTO were designed and fabricated using a 1 . 5~ CMOS Sea-of-Gates technology, and proved the effectiveness of the time-wheel scheme.