Synchronization methods for the PAC RPC trigger system in the CMS experiment

The PAC (pattern comparator) is a dedicated muon trigger for the CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) experiment at the LHC (Large Hadron Collider). The PAC trigger processes signals provided by RPC (resistive plate chambers), a part of the CMS muon system. The goal of the PAC RPC trigger is to identify muons, measure their transverse momenta and select the best muon candidates for each proton bunch collision occurring every 25 ns. To perform this task it is necessary to deliver the information concerning each bunch crossing from many RPC chambers to the trigger logic at the same moment. Since the CMS detector is large (the muon hits are spread over 40 ns), and the data are transmitted through thousands of channels, special techniques are needed to assure proper synchronization of the data. In this paper methods developed for the RPC signal synchronization and synchronous transmission are presented. The methods were tested during the MTCC (magnet test and cosmic challenge). The performance of the synchronization methods is illustrated by the results of the tests.