The Synchronizer is the part of the instrument chain which ensures that all devices (lasers, LEDs, cameras, etc.) are synchronized correctly, and that these devices perform their individual tasks at the right time. To match different synchronization needs we have two series:
- Performance Synchronizer series for high-end systems
- Mini Synchronizer series for entry-level systems
In addition, we offer precise, deterministic, and traceable time synchronization with this device:
- IRIG-B Time Stamp Unit
Performance Synchronizer series
With our high-end Performance synchronizer series, it is easy to combine cameras, lasers, and intensifier with different timing needs.
Improved PIV accuracy in high velocity applications is achieved by online laser pulse time stamping with 1ns resolution (TrueTime option). With nanosecond precision, complex pulse trains can be generated for timing of simultaneous PIV and LIF measurements.
Cameras with different trigger rates than the laser can now be easily combined, increasing the flexibility. One camera can be triggered at each second laser pulse, another camera at each third pulse, and yet another at each fifth pulse.
It is easy to warm up the laser with a known number of Flash pulses and Q-switch pulses before starting acquisition.
High Performance Synchronizer
With a time resolution ≤ 1ns this device can handle the most challenging timing tasks e.g. for combined PIV and LIF measurements and for gating of intensifiers to image very high speed phenomena or to capture weak and short fluorescence signals.
Performance Synchronizer
This device can handle nearly all synchronization needs in an imaging setup. With a time resolution ≤ 8ns it matches the demands of difficult applications such as PIV and Volumetric Velocimetry (VV). In applications where many cameras are involved (such as VV), each device can be triggered with independent synchronization outputs. Additionally, this allows different camera types to be combined.
Key benefits
- Synchronizes multiple devices with 32 independent outputs
- 4 external trigger inputs
- 4 analog outputs and 2 analog inputs
- High temporal resolution, nanosecond (ns) level
- High timing accuracy
- Complex output timing pulse patterns
- Advanced triggering modes
- High velocity accuracy with 1ns precision laser-pulse time stamping (TrueTime option)
- Synchronization to cyclic phenomena (optional)
- Easy installation via software-controlled plug and play detection
- USB and Ethernet interface
True-Time, High accuracy laser pulse time stamping (Optional)
The Performance synchronizer series can acquire online measurements of the delay between the trigger pulse to the laser and the light pulse from the laser (Q-Switch activation delay). With a resolution of 1ns, this allows for a high-accuracy laser and image exposure.
For PIV this means an increased velocity accuracy as that the time-between laser pulses (TBP) is no longer influenced by systematic laser timing errors (“jitter”).
For LIF applications, this feature gives precise control in measurements of fluorescence life-time, gating of intensifiers, and advanced triggering.
Cyclic synchronization (Optional)
For applications when synchronization to cyclic phenomena is required such as measurements with engines, propellers or turbomachinery, an optional encoder input is available.
Mini Synchronizer series
Our new Mini Synchronizer series is the perfect choice for entry level imaging systems. For applications such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Shadow imaging or Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS), the Mini Synchronizer makes the work easy and affordable.
Two versions are available, Mini Synchronizer 3 with three and Mini Synchronizer 6 with six independent outputs for synchronization. Each version comes with one external trigger input to synchronize measurements with external events.
Mini Synchronizer 3
The Mini Synchronizer 3 provides one (1) trigger input channel and three (3) output channels for synchronization of devices. It allows users to synchronize a pulsed light source (e.g. LED or CW laser) with two (2) additional triggers for cameras. It is suitable for applications with low velocities and only a few connected devices. Ideal for PIV, stereo PIV, Shadow imaging and Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS).
Mini Synchronizer 6
The Mini Synchronizer 6 provides one (1) trigger input channel and six (6) output channels for synchronization of devices. It allows users to synchronize a double pulsed laser (e.g. a flash lamp pumped Nd-YAG laser) with two (2) additional triggers for cameras. Ideal for stereo PIV, shadow or LIF systems with double pulsed lasers as illumination source.
IRIG-B Time Stamp Unit
IRIG-B (Inter-Range Instrumentation Group Time Code Format B) is a widely adopted, standardized time code used to distribute precise time-of-day information. It is often used across different measurement platforms to visualize and compare results at precise comparable time instances.
The IRIG-B Time Stamp Unit provides microsecond-level timing accuracy.
Key benefits
- 1 input channel for external trigger
- 3 outputs: ideal for a pulsed light source (e.g. LED or CW laser) with two (2) additional triggers for cameras
- 6 outputs: ideal for a double pulsed laser with 2 additional triggers for cameras
- Easy upgrade from the 3 channel to the 6 channel version
- LED signal indicators to guide the user to connect correctly
- Power from USB – no extra power cable
