Patent ID: 6369563
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
A method for measuring a time interval corresponding to a position of a magnet associated with a magnetostrictive device, the method comprising the steps of:a. generating a start pulse from a SARA system; b. transmitting the start pulse to the magnetostrictive device; c. receiving at the SARA System an input signal from the magnetostrictive device; d. comparing said input signal to a threshold voltage to form a stop pulse; e. storing a coarse count generated by a coarse clock and a fine count generated by a fine clock at the occurrence of the stop pulse; f. adding the coarse count and fine count to form a resultant time interval having a resolution of less than about 280 ps; and g. converting the interval into the position of the magnet associated with the magnetostrictive device.