Programmable System on Chip for controlling an atomic physics experiment

TL;DR

This paper presents a versatile, open-source programmable system on chip (PSoC) designed to control atomic physics experiments, offering enhanced flexibility and synchronization capabilities compared to traditional digital pattern generators.

Contribution

The paper introduces a robust, expandable PSoC-based clock and pattern generator tailored for atomic physics experiments, leveraging recent open-source development tools.

Findings

Designed a flexible PSoC-based pattern generator

Provided a hardware carrier and firmware for customization

Demonstrated potential for broader experimental control applications

Abstract

Most atomic physics experiments are controlled by a digital pattern generator used to synchronize all equipment by providing triggers and clocks. Recently, the availability of well-documented open-source development tools has lifted the barriers to using programmable systems on chip (PSoC), making them a convenient and versatile tool for synthesizing digital patterns. Here, we take advantage of these advancements in the design of a versatile clock and pattern generator using a PSoC. We present our design with the intent of highlighting the new possibilities that PSoCs have to offer in terms of flexibility. We provide a robust hardware carrier and basic firmware implementation that can be expanded and modified for other uses.