Multi-Oscilloscope PLL Synchronization Over BNC Daisy Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscilloscope synchronization solutions, such as TekLink, DPOACQSYNC, and UltraSync, are either too costly, complex, or lack sufficient synchronization accuracy for mid-range oscilloscopes, making it difficult for users to achieve high-channel data collection with synchronized sampling clocks and triggers.
Innovation Solution
The 'UltraSync Lite' system synchronizes multiple oscilloscopes using a master-slave configuration with a phase-locked loop architecture, where a master oscilloscope generates a master run clock that is distributed through a daisy-chain connection, ensuring synchronized sampling clocks and triggers across all connected oscilloscopes, utilizing standard BNC cables and existing AUX ports, and employing a zero-phase PLL architecture to minimize jitter and phase errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TekLink interface is used for synchronization, then device compatibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization system that uses a dedicated synchronization cable connected to specific ports on each oscilloscope. This intermediary mechanism transfers timing signals with high precision between instruments, resolving the contradiction by providing a specialized high-accuracy path separate from the general-purpose TekLink interface.
2Measurement precision
If DPOACQSYNC product or UltraSync architecture is used, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential synchronization function from complex proprietary systems and implements it through a simplified architecture. By removing unnecessary components and focusing only on the core timing signal distribution function, the system achieves high synchronization accuracy without the complexity and cost of full DPOACQSYNC or UltraSync implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective synchronization approach using standard cables and existing oscilloscope ports rather than expensive proprietary synchronization modules. This disposable-like approach uses readily available components to achieve the synchronization function without investing in costly specialized hardware.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple oscilloscopes are connected in daisy-chain configuration, then channel capacity is improved, but signal transmission distance increases causing potential timing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each oscilloscope in the daisy-chain receives synchronization signals and maintains timing alignment by referencing the master clock signal. This feedback loop compensates for cumulative timing drift that might occur over extended transmission distances, allowing scalable channel capacity without proportionally increasing timing errors.
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 provides accurate synchronization of multiple oscilloscopes at a lower cost and with simpler setup, allowing for increased channel capacity without significant impact on acquisition modes, while minimizing jitter and ensuring all channels operate as a single oscilloscope, thus enhancing data collection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
synchronizes a run clock of the at least one slave oscilloscope to the master run clock
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of oscilloscopes, each oscilloscope having an output port and an input port, a cable connecting the output port of an initial oscilloscope of the plurality of oscilloscopes to the input port of a second oscilloscope of the plurality of oscilloscopes, the initial oscilloscope having a processing element to generate a master run clock, the second oscilloscope having a processing element including a phase-locked loop to lock a slave run clock to the master run clock, wherein the processing element of one of the oscilloscopes executes code to cause the processing element to manipulate one of the run clocks to pass trigger information to another of the plurality of oscilloscopes. A method of synchronizing at least two oscilloscopes including a master oscilloscope and at least one slave oscilloscope includes connecting the at least two oscilloscopes together using output ports and input ports of the at least two oscilloscopes and at least one cable; sending a master run clock from the master oscilloscope to at least one slave oscilloscope; synchronizing a run clock of the at least one slave oscilloscope to the master run clock; recognizing a trigger event at a first oscilloscope of the at least two oscilloscopes; altering the run clock at the first oscilloscope to encode a trigger indication; and receiving the altered run clock at a second oscilloscope of the at least two oscilloscopes, wherein the trigger indication causes the second oscilloscope to recognize the trigger event.