Absolute Time-Stamped ADC Conversion for Low-Error Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication schemes face limitations in converting between analog and digital signals, leading to increased error rates and bandwidth constraints, as they rely on relative clock periods rather than absolute time references, which are not robust enough to handle extreme time spans and high precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high-resolution absolute reference time stamp using a 72-bit time stamp with 8 bits for interpolated clock phases, based on atomic clocking principles, to enable precise conversion between analog and digital domains, reducing communication errors and improving bandwidth by incorporating a defined starting point and cesium atomic resonance for timekeeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If relative clock periods are used for time reference in analog-to-digital conversion, then the system is simpler to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate over extreme time spans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an absolute reference time stamp as an intermediary element that mediates between the analog signal and digital conversion process. This time stamp serves as a universal reference that both the analog-to-digital converter and digital processing systems can use, eliminating the need for separate relative clock synchronization while maintaining high precision over extreme time spans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of time reference from relative clock periods to absolute time stamps. By using a defined starting point (epoch) and counting time units from that absolute reference, the system achieves both simplicity and high precision, as the absolute time stamp can be represented as a straightforward numerical value that maintains accuracy regardless of time span.
2Device complexity
If conventional analog-to-digital conversion methods are used, then the device complexity is lower, but the communication error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the analog-to-digital converter with the absolute reference time stamp before conversion begins. This pre-synchronization ensures that the converter is properly aligned with the reference frame, preventing timing errors and reducing communication errors during the actual conversion process without requiring complex error correction mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If high precision time reference is implemented using absolute time stamps, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absolute reference time stamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides timing synchronization, establishes a common reference frame for analog-to-digital conversion, and enables precise time stamping of converted signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate relative clock systems and synchronization mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces communication errors and enhances bandwidth by providing a robust and precise time reference, allowing for ultra-low error rates and improved signal integrity across various communication environments.
Implementation Method 1
The cesium oscillator can be used as a counter and can be aligned to the reference clock maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colo.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are disclosed with some embodiments including an analog and time to digital converter (ATDC) including a receiver, the receiver for receiving an analog channel input for conversion to a digital data, the digital data having at least one bit, and a defined absolute reference time stamp, the defined absolute reference time stamp representing an absolute reference time associated with conversion of the analog channel input to the digital data and an analog-to-digital converter, the converter converting the analog channel input to the digital data.