Hardware Synchronization of High-Speed ADC and Custom Low-Cost FPGA for Phase Meter of Small Displacement Heterodyne Interferometry
摘要
In recent years, integrating high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) has driven the development of high-resolution phase measurement systems in displacement and distance interferometry. FPGAs provide high-speed processing, low latency, and wide signal bandwidth using internal resources such as gigabit transceivers, serializers/deserializers, and clock managers. However, achieving reliable hardware synchronization between ADCs and FPGAs often faces practical challenges. Expensive commercial boards with fixed interfaces and difficulty routing clock and frame signals to clock-capable I/O ports limit design flexibility and increase costs. This paper presents a novel approach for constructing a phase meter using a low-cost custom FPGA paired with a high-speed ADC. The system generates and reconstructs synchronization signals internally, enabling seamless data reception via FPGA Mezzanine Card–Low Pin Count (FMC-LPC) ports. It also supports real-time execution of algorithms such as a phase-locked loop (PLL) for phase processing. Experimental validation with a Kintex-7 FPGA (XC7K325T) and an AFE7225 ADC demonstrates stable operation at 125 MSPS and cost savings up to 60% compared to conventional systems. The use of affordable hardware components and minimal dependence on proprietary platforms paves the way for broader adoption, easier integration, and scalable, independent deployment in future applications.