AMC timing receiver and clock synthesizer module for the LLRF system

The new LLRF system architecture based on the ATCA platform was developed and tested at FLASH. The LLRF system require generation of highly stable clock and trigger signals for system operation and initiation of timing events. This paper describes the conception, design and performance test results of the AMC module designed to fulfill the LLRF system synchronization needs. This module contains three independent clock synthesizers that are able to generate LVDS clock signals in the range 10 MHz to 100 MHz. These signals are put to the AMC connector and can be distributed over the entire ATCA crate. The clock synthesizers can be synchronized either by an internal quartz oscillator or an external 1.3 GHz reference signal provided to the board either via the AMC connector or via a front panel junction. This assures flexibility when using the board for tests and for the LLRF system operation. Besides clock synthesizers the AMC card contains an optical receiver suited to convert and decode FLASH timing signals distributed in the FLASH accelerator system.