FPGA based phase detection technique for electron density measurement in SST-1 tokamak

A multi-channel signal-conditioning and phase-detection concept is implemented in the prototype design using the high-precision OPAMP, high-speed comparators, high Q filters, high-density FPGA (Field Programmable Gate array), 10 MHz parallel-multiplying DACs (Digital to Analog Converter), etc. The complete digital-logic for the phase-detection is implemented inside the logic cells of FPGA using VHDL code, with high speed 100 MHz clock generated from Digital Clock Manager (DCM), which is used to measure the time elapsed between zero crossings of the two signals coming from reference and probe paths of the diagnostics. The logic is implemented to measure either leading or lagging phase and also to accumulate the total phase difference throughout the shot duration with the maximum value of accumulated phase of 5760 (16 cycles × 360°) degree and a resolution of 3.6 °. A precision high speed and high bandwidth (80 MHz) operational amplifiers are used as the front end-electronics component for conditioning the high-frequency (1 MHz) and low amplitude signal (μV). The hardware detail, implementation concept in FPGA and testing results will be presented in the paper.