
% ===============================================================================
% Purpose: introduction to AIDA mini-TLU
% Author: Alvaro Dosil
% Created on: 2013-03-12
% ===============================================================================

\section{Introduction}
\label{sec:Introduction}

The AIDA mini-TLU provides timing and synchronization signals to test-beam
readout hardware. It can either provide or accept a system clock. 
It accepts the asynchronous trigger signals from an external source, such as beam-scintillators 
and generate synchronous signals to send to the devices, triggers or other control signals.
It also accepts busy signals or other veto signals from DUTs. 
Also, the mini-TLU records a time-stamp of incoming signals.\\
The configuration parameters and data are sent and received via the IPbus. 
IPbus is a simple way to control and communicate μTCA-based hardware via the IPbus
protocol.
