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Scaleable multichannel square-wave sequence generator based on the RP2040 microcontroller
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  • Martin Weber,
  • Jere Hyvönen,
  • Dmitry Nikolaev,
  • Edward Hæggström,
  • Ari Salmi
Martin Weber
University of Helsinki

Corresponding Author:martin.weber@helsinki.fi

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Jere Hyvönen
University of Helsinki
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Dmitry Nikolaev
University of Helsinki
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Edward Hæggström
University of Helsinki
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Ari Salmi
University of Helsinki
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Abstract

Multichannel signal generators are used in many fields of science. For example, they are used to provide signals for ultrasonic phased arrays and usually depend on costly FPGAs or DSPs. We present a design based on the synchronization of multiple low-cost RP2040 microcontrollers to generate digital square wave signals (PWM) and a granularity of 4 ns. It can be scaled up for high output counts. The CPU clocks are synchronized, and PIO modules are used to generate synchronized interrupts across the system. This ensures a stable phase relation of all output signals with a remaining jitter of 0.17 ns. We demonstrate the generation of chirp signals by utilizing the DMA for hardware-level data transfer. This signal generator can utilized to control ultrasonic phased arrays and generate arbitrary test patterns for digital circuits.
27 Sep 2024Submitted to The Journal of Engineering
30 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
30 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Nov 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Nov 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
13 Dec 20241st Revision Received
16 Dec 2024Submission Checks Completed
16 Dec 2024Assigned to Editor
16 Dec 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned