Asynchronous Data Communication with Analog Filtering in Noisy Environments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems face challenges in synchronizing clocks across independent devices separated by long distances, especially in noisy environments like hydrocarbon formations, where electromagnetic interference can degrade signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A system for asynchronous communication in noisy environments, comprising peripheral devices with quantizers and asynchronous clocks, and a processing device with an analog continuous time filter and an analog-to-digital converter, which filters and resynchronizes data signals without requiring clock synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clock synchronization techniques are used to resynchronize clocks between remotely located devices, then data communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing time are increased due to complex clock recovery techniques requiring long acquisition times and being susceptible to cycle slips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock synchronization requirement entirely from the system. Instead of attempting to synchronize clocks between remotely located devices, the invention processes data signals asynchronously, eliminating the need for complex clock recovery mechanisms and their associated complexity and acquisition times.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than synchronizing clocks to enable data processing, the patent inverts the approach by processing data without clock synchronization. The system accepts asynchronous data signals and processes them directly, reversing the conventional wisdom that synchronization is prerequisites for reliable data communication.
2Productivity
If electromagnetic energy is applied to heat hydrocarbons in noisy environments, then hydrocarbon extraction efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference degrades signal quality and introduces noise to data communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electromagnetic interference into a manageable condition by designing an asynchronous processing system that does not rely on precise timing. The system is specifically designed to handle noisy environments where electromagnetic interference is present, transforming what would be a critical failure mode into a tolerable operating condition.
3Productivity
If multiple devices transmit data simultaneously to a common receiver, then data collection efficiency is improved, but clock synchronization becomes further complicated and more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal processing system that can handle data from multiple asynchronous sources simultaneously. The common receiver is designed to process data signals from multiple devices without requiring their clocks to be synchronized, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various data sources with different timing characteristics.
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 solution enables robust and efficient data communication in noisy environments by eliminating the need for complex clock recovery techniques, reducing processing complexity, and preventing signal aliasing.
Implementation Method 1
The analog continuous time filter filters one or more quantized signals generated by the one or more peripheral devices to generate one or more filtered signals. The analog continuous time filter has a filter bandwidth corresponding to a signal bandwidth of one or more analog time varying signals represented by the one or more quantized signals.
Implementation Method 2
The analog-to-digital converter generates one or more converted signals by sampling the one or more filtered signals based on the processor clock signal. Each converted signal represents an interpolation of one of the one or more analog time varying signals that is synchronized with the processor clock signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for asynchronous data communication are disclosed. The system includes one or more peripheral devices, a processing device, and one or more communication channels. Each peripheral device includes a peripheral clock and a quantizer. The processing device is remotely located from each peripheral device and includes a processor clock that is asynchronous with at least one peripheral clock, an analog continuous time filter, and an analog-to-digital converter. The analog continuous time filter filters one or more quantized signals generated by the one or more peripheral devices to generate one or more filtered signals. The analog continuous time filter has a filter bandwidth corresponding to a signal bandwidth of one or more analog time varying signals represented by the one or more quantized signals. The analog-to-digital converter generates one or more converted signals by sampling the one or more filtered signals based on a processor clock signal.