xTDC4

xTDC4

xTDC4: Our fastest common-start time to digital converter

Description
Downloads
FAQ

A classic common-start TDC featuring 4 stop channels with a bin size of 13ps.

The xTDC4 time interval analyzer is based on a classic common-start architecture yielding high data throughput. In a common-start scenario, the arrival times of pulses on the "stop"-inputs are measured relative to a signal on the "start"-input. The xTDC4 is ideally suited for a multitude of time-of-flight applications such as TOF mass spectrometry (TOF-MS), time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), and LIDAR.

The xTDC4's four-stop channels allow, for example, the use of segmented detectors or measure pulses from a single detector channel at multiple thresholds to obtain rudimentary pulse height information. Such features are beneficial in many TOF-MS applications and LIDAR light detection and ranging. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopes (FLIM) benefit strongly from the high timing resolution of the xTDC4.

The integration of an xTDC4 time interval meter into your data acquisition application is easy! The unit provides a stream of simple data structures as a ring buffer, containing a list of relative time stamps for all stop events. When you do not need information about the pulse shape for your measurement, in many cases we recommend using TDCs. These make it possible to measure the arrival time of the pulses with extreme precision, involving significantly lower costs per measurement channel and less load on the CPU than with ADCs.

‍Please note: Our single-shot resolution is quantization-limited, not jitter-limited.

cronologic will support you with drivers for Windows and Linux.

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The xTDC4 time-to-digital converter is available as PCIe card ( xTDC4-PCIe ) or as an external desktop unit ( xTDC4-TBT ). The latter can be connected to any Thunderbolt port as standard to read out data. Contact us for various mounting options.

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The occurring cycle-to-cycle jitter of the xTDC4 is significantly lower than the bin size of 13ps. Therefore you can expect an RMS error below 7ps for your measurements. Only 5 ns have to be between consecutive hits on the same input channel for them to be reliably recognized.

High precision

The occurring cycle-to-cycle jitter of the xTDC4 is significantly lower than the bin size of 13ps. Therefore you can expect an RMS error below 7ps for your measurements. Only 5 ns have to be between consecutive hits on the same input channel for them to be reliably recognized.
The threshold discriminators can handle positive and negative threshold settings with configurable levels. This allows you to use the xTDC4 with a wide range of detectors or constant fraction discriminators (CFD).

Bipolar

The threshold discriminators can handle positive and negative threshold settings with configurable levels. This allows you to use the xTDC4 with a wide range of detectors or constant fraction discriminators (CFD).
All inputs can also be used to output periodic pulse patterns for controlling external devices. The exact timing of the generated pulses is measured by the TDC. For more flexibility and different applications, each TiGer block can be triggered by an arbitrary combination of inputs, including an auto-trigger.

TiGer timing generator

All inputs can also be used to output periodic pulse patterns for controlling external devices. The exact timing of the generated pulses is measured by the TDC. For more flexibility and different applications, each TiGer block can be triggered by an arbitrary combination of inputs, including an auto-trigger.
This unit is available as external desktop device for connection to Thunderbolt ports.

Plug & Play

This unit is available as external desktop device for connection to Thunderbolt ports.

xTDC4

Technical Data

Optimized for
ADC channels
TDC channels
Gating channels
Connectors
Sample rate single channel
Sample rate multi channel
Resolution
Maximum bandwidth
TDC bin size
TDC double pulse resolution
Multihit
Dead time between groups
TDC readout rate
ADC readout rate
Timestamp range
Common start/stop
Number of boards that can be synced
Readout interface
Time base
On-board calibration data storage
Adjustable trigger windows
Continuous ADC recording, no dead time
Easy to use Windows C API
In-system firmware update
Linux support available
No items found.

xTDC4

- Data

Optimized for
common start
1 start & 4 stop channels
-
5x LEMO 00
13 ps
<<< bin size
5 ns
8000x per start event
parameter dependent
30 MHits/s total; 11.6 MHits/s per channel
218 µs / 14 ms extended
yes
yes / no
synchronization not supported
PCIe gen. 2 @ 400MB/s
10 ppb on board
TDC channels
Additional inputs
Connectors
bin size (single-shot resolution)
Single shot jitter
Double pulse resolution
Multihit
Dead time between groups
Readout rate
Timestamp range
Common start/stop
Number of boards that can be synced
Readout interface
Time base
Linux support available
low cost

Ndigo Crates

Our Ndigo Crates allow for using up to 8 PCIe-boards with a conventional PC. The external chassis is connected employing a PCIe2 x16-interface.

Ndigo Crate

Connection to host
Bandwidth to host
Performance relative to
10 Gbps Thunderbolt link
PCIe2 16x slots with 8 lanes
PCIe2 16x slots with 4 lanes
PCI slots 5 V, 32 bit, 33 MHz
PCI slots 3.3 V, 32 bit, 66 MHz
Cable and link boards
Crate5
Crate3
Crate
PCIe3 x16
8 GByte/s
16x
2
3
2
0
included
PCIe3 x16
8 GByte/s
16x
2
3
0
2
included
PCIe2 x16
8 GByte/s
8x
0
8
0
0
included

Applications:

atomic clocks comparisons

two-way satellite time and frequency transfer, TWSTFT, coupling of atomic clocks
We are quite proud that our time to digital converters resolve so accurately that they are suitable for comparing atomic clocks.

FLIM

(fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy)
The decay time of an excited fluorophore is typically in the range of a few nanoseconds. In fluorescence lifetime imaging the exponential decay of a sample is determined requiring a timing resolution in the picosecond regime.

fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy

FLCS, FCS, fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy
Fluorescence-correlation-spectroscopy is a highly sensitive optical measurement method. Fluctuations in the fluorescence emission intensity over time are recorded, which are caused by individual fluorophores that pass through the detection volume.

LIDAR

also known as: LIDAR, LiDAR, and LADAR, "light detection and ranging", "laser imaging, detection, and ranging", "3-D laser scanning", "LIDAR mapping", "airborne laser scanning", ALS
LIDAR Systems emit ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared light to image objects and measuring the time-of-flight (TOF) of reflected photons. Such systems are used for object detection and tracking in many different fields, ranging from archaeology to agriculture, autonomous vehicles and robots etc.

OTDR

optical time-domain reflectometry, optical time-domain reflectometer, remote fiber testing
An optical time domain reflectometer is the optical equivalent of an electronic time domain reflectometer and is used for the non-destructive testing of optical fibers and systems. OTDR measurements are based on the transmission of a series of light pulses, usually by means of a laser.

phase shift measurements

frequency and phase shift measurements, phase-noise-analyzers
In phase measurements the phase of an incident signal is compared to the phase of a device's response signal. With increasing frequency, such phase shift measurements become more challenging. cronologic TDCs provide many features which help to address this difficult task.

quantum research

Quantum research affects many areas of modern science: quantum cryptography, quantum information science, quantum encryption, quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum electro dynamics (QED), quantum computing etc.
Quantum phenomena such as superposition, uncertainty, and entanglement are studied in quantum research with the goal that they can be safely fabricated when needed and made useful in various disciplines.

Quantum Sensing

see also: quantum metrology
Quantum sensing is an overall term that encompasses techniques and methods that use quantum mechanical phenomena to make precise measurements of physical quantities. Thereby, quantum mechanical states and effects are used to improve the measurement accuracy beyond the limits of classical sensors.

Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting

TCSPC, photon counting, time-correlated single photon counting, detection of individual photons, single-photon detectors (SPD), photosensors
Highly sensitive single-photon detectors (SPD) provide valuable signals whose temporal analysis offers unprecedented possibilities in astrophysics, materials science, quantum information technology, quantum encryption, medical imaging, DNA sequencing and fiber-optic communication.

Time Domain Reflectometry

TDR, distance-to-fault, DTF
TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) is an electronic measurement method that measures reflections along a conductor. It belongs to the category of Distance-to-Fault (DTF) measurements. TDR measurements provide meaningful information about the broadband behavior of transmission systems.

Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

TOF-SIMS (Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) is a high-resolution, if required, imaging analysis method for characterizing solid surfaces.

TOF mass spectrometry

ToF- & MASS- spectroscopy detectors, TOFMS
In many ToF-MS units cronologic TDCs are used to measure precisely the arrival of single ions. From the arrival time, the ion’s time-of-flight is deduced, from which the mass-to-charge ratio of the detected particle can be determined.

Here you find all current downloads for this product. Please contact us for further support on our ADCs and TDCs.

Frequently asked Questions

conflict minerals

Does cronologic use conflict minerals?

cronologic is committed to responsible and ethical sourcing. While we do not purchase minerals directly from mines or smelters, we require relevant suppliers to provide transparency regarding the origin of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold (3TG), to maintain due diligence processes, and to support internationally recognized responsible sourcing standards. Our approach is guided by the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and aims to ensure that materials used in our products do not contribute to human rights abuses or the financing of armed conflicts.

The complete Responsible Minerals Sourcing Policy is available for download here.

product choice

I have no idea whatsoever which unit is suitable for my application. Can you advise me on this?

We would be happy to assist you in selecting a board for your application.

For this purpose we need the following information:

How many measurement channels are needed?

What is the required time resolution?

Do you want to measure the area, intensity or shape of the pulse? Or is the time of occurrence sufficient?

Do you prefer a PCIe CEM card housed in a PC, or do you prefer an external device connected to a Thunderbolt / USB4 port?

Are you aiming for the most space-efficient data acquisition integration possible?

Regarding your timeframe, are you only interested in products that are available now, or are you also interested in upcoming products or custom solutions?

The best way would be for you to use one of our inquiry forms and fill it out completely.

USB4 cables

Which cables are suitable for connecting a cronologic desktop device to a computer?

cronologic desktop devices communicate with the connected computer via PCI Express (PCIe). Therefore, not every cable with USB-C connectors is suitable for data transmission. Many USB-C cables are primarily designed for charging and either do not transmit data at all or support only low data rates.

Our desktop devices use PCIe tunneling via USB4 and therefore place higher demands on the cable used. We recommend certified Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cables rated for 40 Gbit/s. Suitable cables can usually be identified by the ThunderboltTM symbol or clear USB4/40 Gbit/s labeling. A high power rating such as 100 W or 240 W, on the other hand, does not indicate that a cable is suitable for PCIe tunneling. Thunderbolt 4 is particularly useful as a guideline when selecting a cable, as ThunderboltTM certification defines mandatory requirements for data transmission and compatibility. Thunderbolt 4 supports connections at up to 40 Gbit/s and includes requirements for PCIe connectivity on computers.

At high data rates, cable quality also plays an important role. We therefore recommend using short, certified, high-quality cables whenever possible. As cable length increases, it becomes more difficult to maintain the required signal integrity with a purely passive cable. For longer connections, high-quality active cables may be required.

Very inexpensive cables with only general claims such as “40 Gbit/s compatible” should not be considered equivalent to an actually certified Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 40 Gbit/s cable.

Please also note that the USB-C port on the computer must support USB4 or ThunderboltTM with PCIe tunneling. The presence of a USB-C port alone does not guarantee this functionality.

If a cronologic desktop device is not detected or the connection is unreliable, the connection cable should be one of the first components to check.

Troubleshooting the cable connection

If the desktop device is not detected or is detected only intermittently, we recommend first replacing the cable with a short, certified Thunderbolt 4 cable.

When troubleshooting, initially avoid extension cables, adapters, hubs, and docking stations.

Especially for measurement systems where continuously reliable data transmission is important, we recommend using certified cables from established manufacturers.

You should also verify that the USB-C port used on the computer actually supports ThunderboltTM or USB4 with PCIe tunneling. The presence of a USB-C port alone is not sufficient to ensure this functionality.

Check your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. On some systems, particularly desktop PCs using Thunderbolt expansion cards, ThunderboltTM support and/or PCIe tunneling must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI for the operating system to detect the connected PCIe hardware. The available settings and their names vary depending on the motherboard and computer manufacturer.

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maximum input frequency

What is the maximum input frequency of a cronologic TDC?

A single maximum input frequency cannot be specified for a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC). Although this term is widely used, it does not adequately describe the performance of a TDC.

Unlike a frequency counter, a TDC does not measure periodic signals but records discrete events (hits or timestamps). Consequently, the event rates that a TDC can handle are not determined by a single parameter, but by the interaction of several technical characteristics.

For this reason, the technical specifications of our TDCs include several parameters, each describing a different aspect of the system's performance:

  • Minimum Pulse Width specifies the minimum pulse width required for an input pulse to be detected reliably.
  • Double Pulse Resolution defines the minimum time interval between two events on the same input channel that allows both events to be resolved reliably.
  • Readout Rate specifies the maximum event rate that the complete TDC system can process continuously and transfer to the host computer.
  • Multihit capability and the internal FIFO buffers determine how many closely spaced events can be temporarily buffered before they are processed and read out.

These specifications complement one another and should not be considered independently.

A common misconception is that the Double Pulse Resolution directly defines the maximum input frequency. In reality, the Double Pulse Resolution describes only the temporal resolving capability of the input stage. It specifies how closely two events may occur on the same input channel while still being detected as separate events. It does not describe how many events per second can be processed continuously.

To accommodate short-term peaks in the event rate, cronologic TDCs employ multi-stage FIFO buffers. These buffers temporarily store bursts of high event density, effectively decoupling event acquisition from subsequent data processing. As a result, applications with highly fluctuating or pulsed event rates can be handled reliably.

Only when these buffers become full does the Readout Rate become the limiting factor. It determines the maximum event rate at which data can be processed continuously and transferred to the host computer. This is precisely why our technical specifications include both the Double Pulse Resolution and the Readout Rate.

When selecting a suitable TDC, both parameters should therefore always be considered:

  • The Double Pulse Resolution determines how closely two events may occur in time while still being resolved individually.
  • The Readout Rate determines how many of these events the complete system can process continuously.

In summary: The performance of a cronologic TDC cannot be characterized by a single maximum input frequency. Instead, it is determined by the combination of temporal resolution, event buffering, and sustained readout performance. Together, these parameters define the event rates that can be processed reliably in a given measurement application. An overview of these specifications can be found in the technical data of our TDC products.

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bin size, jitter and RMS

How are bin size, jitter and RMS error related?

The bin size, jitter, and RMS measurement error are all important parameters that play a role in the digital acquisition of time data.

  • The bin size refers to the width of the time windows into which the data is divided during the measurement. The smaller the bin size, the higher the temporal resolution of the measurement. However, if the bin size is too large, there may be an overlap of data between each time window, resulting in an inaccurate measurement.
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  • Jitter refers to the deviation in the time it takes for data to arrive at each time window. When jitter is high, data in a circuit can be erratic or inconsistent, resulting in an inaccurate measurement. Jitter is not directly related to bin size and therefore cannot be calculated directly from it. Jitter can be considered as the measure of the temporal variability of the acquired signal edges. There are TDCs on the market that offer good time resolution but have high jitter, so that the high time resolution initially impresses but is of no practical use. cronologic TDCs, on the other hand, have such a significantly low jitter that it can be safely ignored in relation to the bin size.
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  • The RMS measurement error refers to the average deviation between the actual values of the input data and the values generated by the measurement. The lower the RMS measurement error, the more accurate the measurement.

Please note: Our high-end TDCs, such as xHPTDC8 and xTDC4 are realized using dedicated ASICs that ensure a controlled and highly uniform bin size. Consequently, residual jitter contributions are substantially smaller than the inherent quantization error. For short time intervals, the measurement uncertainty is therefore predominantly governed by the bin size. Under these conditions, the maximum error approaches approximately half a bin, the root mean square (RMS) error amounts to about 0.8 bins, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) corresponds to roughly 2 bins.

On the other hand there are TDCs on the market that, unlike chronologic TDCs, are based on an FPGA-implemented carry chain design and therefore have a much higher jitter that is significantly above the digital resolution. In this case, the time jitter is the limiting factor for the usable resolution of the TDC.

For more detailed information on this topic, please also refer to this application note.

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TTL signals

Are cronologic TDCs able to generate TTL or similar signals to synchronize other devices such as lasers, switches, etc.?

All cronologic TDCs that have the "TiGer function" offer this option. You can find more detailed information on this in our user guide for the corresponding device.

specific connection formats

Are cronologic measurement boards also available with optical inputs, BNC/SMA or SMB connections or with additional converters?

For some of our major customers, we currently offer solutions with SMA connections as part of special developments. Depending on the desired measuring card, it might be quite easy to find such a solution for you as part of a custom design.

We can also implement other connection formats as part of custom designs for larger product volumes.

However, suitable adapter cables may also be available on the market.

Please let us know your exact requirements and the intended quantities so that we can take care of the matter.

PC configuration

Is there a recommended PC configuration for use with these measuring boards?

As virtually all reasonably up-to-date PCs will run with our measurement cards, we do not provide any explicit details in this regard. Writing the memory contents to your PC does not require particularly high performance. Rather, the performance requirements of the computer used are determined by the application software used.

size of jitter

What size is the jitter of the cronologic TDCs?

Jitter refers to the deviation in the time it takes for data to arrive at each time window. It is often assumed that the jitter is at the FWMH value of 2 bins. This is not the case with our high-end TDCs, as here jitter is not the limiting factor. Our high-end TDCs, such as xHPTDC8 and xTDC4 for example are realized using dedicated ASICs that ensure a controlled and highly uniform bin size. Consequently, here residual jitter contributions are substantially smaller than the inherent quantization error. For short time intervals, the measurement uncertainty is therefore predominantly governed by the bin size. 

Double-pulse resolution is an important specification for most applications and is the limiting factor in terms of resolution. However, this is not directly related to the jitter of our measurement cards. Accordingly, the RMS error is so small that we do not consider it to be significant.
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Please note: There are TDCs on the market that, unlike chronologic TDCs, are based on an FPGA-implemented carry chain design and therefore have a much higher jitter that is significantly above the digital resolution. In this case, the time jitter is the limiting factor for the usable resolution of the TDC.

For more detailed information on this topic, please also refer to this application note.

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input level

In which level should the signals I use range, which I feed to the inputs of the measuring cards?

Please refer first and foremost to our information in the User Guide for the respective product. The following technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

  • Our standard TDCs are AC coupled. The DC base line can be between 0V and 5V for these devices. Short positive and negative pulses with an amplitude of up to 5V can be processed. The discriminator threshold can be set between -1.32V and 1.18V relative to the DC baseline, with a step size of 40 µV. In general, the threshold voltage should be set well above the noise level of the input signal.
  • The inputs of our standard ADCs are AC-coupled single-ended analog inputs. The maximum input voltage is 0.5 V (Ndigo5G-10) or 1 V (Ndigo6G-12) and the input impedance is 50 Ω. The analog offset can be between -0.25 and +0.25 V (Ndigo5G-10) or -0.5 and +0.5 V (Ndigo6G-12).

constant fraction discriminator

Do the cronologic measurement cards offer an integrated CFD (Constant Fraction Discriminator)?

Since our measurement boards are designed for a wide range of applications, we do not integrate CFDs into our standard models. In principle, however, it is of course possible to operate our boards with external CFDs, which is also done by many of our customers. The threshold function (threshold comparator) is in most cases already sufficient to pre-sort the pulses on the input side. This is because the digital threshold is adjustable for each input and can alternatively be configured for positive or negative pulses. Please refer to the operating instructions for more information.

In case extremely high demands are made regarding the comparator, an external device may be used.

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TDC integration

How can I integrate cronologic TDCs into my measurement setup in a reasonable way?

With the TimeTaggers as an alternative to using the PCIe interfaces of our measurement cards is to integrate a TDC module. The TDC modules are connected to your circuit board via board-to-board connectors, using differential input signals for the analog front end you have developed. We will be happy to provide you with detailed information in this regard.

Alternatively, before purchasing an  xTDC4, xHPTDC8, or TimeTagger, you may wish to consider the “-TBT” device version, which enables data transfer via USB4 using conventional ThunderboltTM cables.

xTDC4 dead time

What has to be considered with regard to the dead time respectively the input frequency for the xTDC4?

The term dead time refers to the time lag or time offset that can occur when measuring with a TDC. The dead time specified in the technical data of TDCs and the input frequency refer to the same parameter and are directly dependent on each other. An input frequency of 200 MHz, for example, corresponds to a double pulse resolution of 1/5 ns.

The extent to which this value is relevant for your measurement depends on the sensors used. Only in case the dead time of your sensors is extremely small and a high resolution is required, this value will be relevant for you.

On each channel, about 5 ns after a previous hit, the xTDC4 is ready to measure a new hit with full temporal resolution. If the hits are closer together, the second hit is measured with a lower resolution (of 833ps). The start at the xTDC4 can come at arbitrary times as long as the distance to the previous start is at least ~300 ns.

common start

What is the key feature of a common-start TDC?

Common -Start TDCs, such as our TimeTagger or the xTDC4 provide a list of time stamps relative to a common start signal. This means the timestamps reflect the time difference between the start signal and the pulse measured on another TDC channel. The start signal must temporally precede the pulses being measured.

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delay function

What are the capabilities of the delay function of the TimeTagger's input signals?

The user can implement user-defined delays on the measured time stamps in the software of the TimeTaggers. The input signals can be shifted with 200ps resolution in a range of approx. 200ns.

The xTDC4-PCIe features no input delays. However, after the common-start group has been formed by the hardware, your software can implement any delays for the events present in the group.

multiple TDC channels

How does the use of multiple input channels affect the performance of my TDC?

The data acquisition of our TDCs is based on PCIe DMA. Thereby the maximum utilization of the data rate will in some cases only be reached if solely one measuring channel is used. In our technical data you will find the readout rate, which describes the maximum value and also the readout rate for the use of individual channels.

You are welcome to explain your application to us in detail, so that we can work out together how you can exploit the performance of our product to the maximum.

pulse width measurement

Do TDCs only provide the arrival time of incoming pulses or also the pulse width?

Since the pulse amplitude is not measured when using TDCs, in many applications a derivation of the pulse intensity from the pulse width comes into question. In these cases, it may be useful to measure the pulse width as well as the arrival time of the pulse. For the acquisition of single photons, however, this is usually not necessary.

The measurement of pulse widths (i.e., a simultaneous measurement of falling and rising pulse edges) is feasible in most cases, but the specifics depend on the type of card in use.

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  • The cronologic TimeTaggers are optimally suited for capturing the arrival time in conjunction with the pulse width. They provide (if enabled) timestamps of both the rising and falling edges of the measured pulse. The time difference corresponds to the pulse width.
  • Pulse width measurement is also possible with the xTDC4-PCIe, though it is more involved.
  • The integrated TDCs of the Ndigo5G-10 and the Ndigo6G-12 are also capable of capturing both edges of the pulse.
  • The xHPTDC8-PCIe captures only one edge per pulse, so the pulse width cannot be obtained with this device.

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TiGer

What exactly is the function of the TiGer (timing generator)?

To use inputs to output arbitrary periodic pulse patterns for controlling your setup, you can write your own software that allows exact measurement of the timing of these patterns with the TDC. The TiGer can be used to measure exact timing differences between the generated output signals and various input signals on other channels. This is useful for a variety of applications.

The TiGer functionality can be configured independently for each port. Each TiGer may connect its output to the corresponding LEMO port. This turns the port into an output. The TiGer is DC-coupled to the connector. Connected hardware must not pass signals to the ports used as outputs, as this could damage both the TDC and the external hardware.

For this purpose, each digital LEMO-00 input can be used as an AC-coupled trigger output, whereby the TiGer functionality can be configured independently for each connection. This converts the relevant connection into an output. A bidirectional mode allows this output to be used consistently as a measurement channel if required. Unipolar or bipolar pulses may be used.

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firmware updates

Is it possible to update the firmware of my cronologic product by myself?

Yes, a corresponding program for updating the firmware is part of the driver package for our products.

Caution: Each firmware update requires a new calibration of the product using the provided calibration software. In some cases, it is necessary to provide appropriate input signals for this purpose.

driver download

Where can I find the appropriate driver for my cronologic product?

On the pages containing product information, there is a corresponding tab. Plus on this website, all downloads for our products are listed. This also applies to products that are no longer in our current range.

For Linux support please use this page.

developer platform

Is there a developer platform for cronologic devices?

Yes, you can find our development platform here.

Julia

Is it possible to use the cronologic DAQ products with Julia based software?

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We provide a C API that can be used to receive a stream of timestamps in almost any programming language. Histogramming and other analysis of the timestamps can be programmed by the user in a few lines of code.

We do not provide a separate interface to Julia. Basically, our drivers are intended to be used either directly in C/C++ programs or, when used in other languages, with a C/C++ wrapper that provides the driver's functions in the respective language and converts the data to the respective data format.

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LabView

Is it possible to use the cronologic DAQ products with LabView based software?

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We provide a C API that can be used to receive a stream of timestamps in almost any programming language. Histogramming and other analysis of the timestamps can be programmed by the user in a few lines of code.

We do not provide a separate interface to Lab View. Basically, our drivers are intended to be used either directly in C/C++ programs or, when used in other languages, with a C/C++ wrapper that provides the driver's functions in the respective language and converts the data to the respective data format.

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golang

Is it possible to use the cronologic DAQ produts with Go based software?

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We provide a C API that can be used to receive a stream of timestamps in almost any programming language. Histogramming and other analysis of the timestamps can be programmed by the user in a few lines of code.

We do not provide a separate interface to Go / Golang. Basically, our drivers are intended to be used either directly in C/C++ programs or, when used in other languages, with a C/C++ wrapper that provides the driver's functions in the respective language and converts the data to the respective data format.

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Rust

Is it possible to use the cronologic DAQ boards with Rust based software?

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We provide a C API that can be used to receive a stream of timestamps in almost any programming language. Histogramming and other analysis of the timestamps can be programmed by the user in a few lines of code.

We do not provide a separate interface to Rust. Basically, our drivers are intended to be used either directly in C/C++ programs or, when used in other languages, with a C/C++ wrapper that provides the driver's functions in the respective language and converts the data to the respective data format. Wolfgang Löffler has created Rust bindings for our drivers. He has published code on GitHub under the Mozilla Public License that shows how to use TimeTagger4 and HPTDC8 with Rust. It should be easy to port this code to the xTDC4 and xHPTDC8 in case.

Linux

How can I use cronologic hardware most efficiently in Linux environment?

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Our Linux-Supportweb page provides drivers and support for GNU/Linux based applications. ‍Please provide us with information about your application and the driver requirements for your Linux distribution and kernel version. Please note that only kernel versions from 5.0 (March 2019) are supported.

Python

Is it possible to use the cronologic DAQ boards with Python based software?

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We provide a C API that may be used to receive a stream of timestamps in almost any programming language. Histogramming and other analysis of the timestamps can be programmed by the user in a few lines of code.

In principle, the use of Python based software is possible along with wrappers. Our customers write their own wrappers suitable for their particular application. For example, there is a Python wrapper for the HPTDC8.

Regardless of this, Python has an abstraction layer above C and will therefore always be slower than C, no matter how sophisticated your code is. Depending on the application, this may result in limitations.

non-sequential signals

Are cronologic TDCs also able to detect non-sequential or non-synchronized signals (i.e. random or emission signals detected by SPAD and not triggered by pulsed excitation), or can these boards only detect synchronized signals with an external source such as a pulsed laser?

Yes, such signals can also be detected. If this is not desired, the config.tdc_mode parameter can be used to switch between grouped and continuous measurement.

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trigger

My product development respectively my experiment requires a trigger that I want to use as a start signal. Which TDC is best for me?

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In this case, we recommend one of our Common Start TDCs, such as the xTDC4, TDC modules or one of our TimeTaggers.

infinite stream of timestamps

I want to capture an infinite stream of timestamps instead of time differences related to a common-start signal. How can this be performed?

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This function is not supported by the xTDC4-PCIe. Therefore, in this case we recommend using our xHPTDC8-PCIe, which has been optimized for this application. Our TimeTaggers and TDC modules offer a continuous mode, which allows continuous data recording.

defense

The company I work for is also closely associated with suppliers operating in the defense sector, or we produce military products ourselves. Is cronologic willing to supply us?

As part of our own sales policy, we would like to ensure that our products are not used in weapons systems. If you are considering purchasing our ADCs or TDCs, please let us know how you can ensure that the use of our products for military purposes can be reliably excluded.

shipping insurance

Are the goods covered by insurance when they are shipped ?

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We ship fully covered unless you specifically tell us that you have your own insurance and therefore would not like us to do so.

shipments

How do we ship your goods?

As standard, we ship your goods via FedEx or UPS using your account. Thus you have full control over the shipping costs and can use your own conditions with the shipping company.

In case you do not have a FedEx or UPS account, we will ship your order via DHL-Express or our own UPS account and show the shipping costs separately on your invoice or within our offer. Please note that this procedure usually leads to significantly higher shipping costs. It is financially more worthwhile for you to open a new FedEx or UPS customer account - especially because you can then take advantage of the new customer offers of these shipping companies.

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reseller

We are resellers and need sufficient margin for our services. Can cronologic help us with this?

Yes, as a matter of principle, this is possible. In the run-up to our collaboration with companies that consider themselves resellers, we examine their business model in detail. This will take some time. Please provide us with comprehensive information about your company respectively your corporate group, your customers and the complete scope of your product range.

As a reseller, you provide us with the details of your respective customer (company, address, contact person, and area of responsibility) for each purchase. This means you can rest assured that we will only serve your customers via your account.


We receive forecasts of required items from all resellers several times a year. In most cases, it is sufficient for these forecasts to include the binding order quantity for the first six months and the planned purchase quantity for the next twelve months. The forecasts are then updated every six months. Goods ordered in advance are not covered by the agreement, nor are agreements made in the past.
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All agreements with our resellers relate exclusively to the delivery of goods and do not include freight costs, development services, or other services.

ordering process

How exactly does the ordering process work at cronologic?

  • Usually, you will receive an informal message from us in advance of your order with the current prices of the requested items. Please refer to the postscript of that message if you would like to receive an official quote.
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  • In case of interest, we will provide you with an official quote, in which any freight costs or insurance costs, etc. are also taken into account. If the desired item is in stock, we will schedule two weeks for final quality control, calibration, and preparation for dispatch.
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  • As soon as we have received your order, we will send you an order confirmation. The item is thereby reserved for you. Please note: We observe international embargoes concerning individual countries, institutions and persons and reserve the right to carry out an export assessment in advance for each individual order, which may delay or prevent the implementation of the delivery.
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  • In the next step, we carry out a final in-house check and calibrate the product.
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  • Your invoice will only be issued when the goods are dispatched and your payment term is 14 days as standard. Depending on the selected shipping method, payment is therefore also possible after receipt of the goods.
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  • You will receive your invoice by email and also with the shipment. Together with the invoice, you will receive the consignment note with the tracking number, which you can use to track the shipment if required.
  • Advice for urgent orders: Specifying the exact person who is to receive the goods can be helpful to ensure that the receipt of your goods is registered promptly. We will take this information into account when sending the goods.

formal quote

What do I need to do to get a formal quote?

Please provide us with the following information:

  • Details of the quantity of the desired cronologic products
  • if necessary, information about the desired delivery date
  • Your complete billing address and delivery address including the telephone number of your head office
  • If your billing address is in the European Union: Your VAT number
  • Your FedEx or UPS customer number. Please inform us immediately if you do not have one.
  • Information about your transport insurance. Please inform us immediately if you do not have one.

FCA incoterms

What does shipping to FCA Incoterms mean?

The International Commercial Terms are clauses for the interpretation of commercial contract standards. FCA (Free CArrier) is one of the clauses, which exclude the assumption of the costs for the main transport by the seller. In this case, cronologic takes over the handover to the carrier and, if necessary, also the customs declaration.

delivery restrictions

Are there any restrictions regarding the delivery of conologic products to certain countries?

Our ADCs are classified as so-called dual-use goods, as they could be used for military purposes in addition to civilian applications. TDCs are not affected by these restrictions.

Regardless of the fact that we at cronologic want to exclude the use of our products for military purposes, the laws of the EU and many other countries restrict exports. Since we have to apply for a General Export Permit for these countries, delivery processes may be delayed or delivery to certain countries may become impossible.

For the application of this export license we need the following documents from you:

  • Exporter declaration
  • Company profile
  • Gegbf. import license (country dependent)

There are countries for which a general export license can be used for the export of dual-use goods. In this case we need documents from you and there will be no further delay:

These include:

  • Australia
  • Japan
  • Canada
  • Liechtenstein
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Switzerland
  • Singapore
  • USA

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goods dispatch

How long does it take to receive my ordered goods?

Provided that the ordered goods are products from our standard portfolio and are in stock, it can usually be assumed that the delivery will be dispatched within 14 days after receipt of the order. During this time, the item is subjected to a further detailed calibration and final inspection, packed and made ready for dispatch. Of course, it is always a requirement that all details regarding customs and shipping have been clarified in advance.

import permit

For which purpose is an import permit required and where can I get it?

Governments may impose certain restrictions on the imported goods as well as on their quantity. As a result, import licenses may be required. Such an import license is a document issued by a national government that allows certain goods to be imported into its territory. This is the international import document IC, which you may need to apply for at your customs office. Each import license specifies the quantity of imports allowed, and the total quantity allowed should not exceed the quota.

You need our export declaration to apply for an import permit.

Please find more information on the WTO website.