Clock Divider Resampling for Phase Coherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock signal generation systems face challenges in ensuring synchronized clock signals across multiple electronic components, particularly in large arrays, where maintaining phase coherence is crucial for proper function.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus comprising a central clock divider circuit and a series of synchronization circuits that resample clock signals to generate synchronized replicas, allowing for parallel generation of clock signals across multiple channels, ensuring phase coherence through a central clock divider and local resampling with high-speed clocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single divided clock signal is distributed to multiple electronic components, then the system complexity is reduced, but the phase coherence and synchronization accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides clock distribution into two segments: a central clock divider that generates the base divided clock signal, and local synchronization circuits at each electronic component that independently adjust the phase. This segmentation allows each component to maintain precise phase coherence while keeping the overall system architecture manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
A phase detection and feedback mechanism acts as an intermediary between the central clock divider and local synchronization circuits. This intermediary continuously monitors phase differences and adjusts local clock signals to maintain synchronization, resolving the contradiction between simplified distribution and precise phase coherence.
2Measurement precision
If multiple clock signals are generated independently for each electronic component, then the phase coherence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the clock generation function into a centralized clock divider while maintaining local synchronization capabilities. This combination allows multiple components to share a common clock source for simplicity while implementing local phase adjustment mechanisms to ensure precise phase coherence, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central clock divider is designed to serve multiple electronic components simultaneously, providing a universal clock source. Each component's synchronization circuit then adapts this universal signal to its specific timing requirements, achieving multi-functionality that reduces device complexity while maintaining phase coherence across all components.
3Measurement precision
If clock signals are distributed sequentially to ensure synchronization, then the phase coherence is maintained, but the productivity and speed of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary phase calibration during the initialization phase, establishing synchronized clock signals for all components before operation begins. Once calibrated, the system operates in parallel mode where all components receive synchronized clock signals simultaneously, maintaining phase coherence while achieving high-speed parallel operation and improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system implements periodic phase monitoring and adjustment at predetermined intervals during operation. This periodic action ensures phase coherence is maintained over time without requiring continuous sequential adjustment, allowing parallel operation to proceed at high speed while periodically reinforcing synchronization to prevent drift.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for generating synchronized clock signals is provided. The apparatus comprises a first circuit (110) comprising a clock divider circuit (120) configured to receive a first clock signal (101) and to generate a second clock signal (102) by frequency dividing the first clock signal. Further, the apparatus comprises one or more second circuits (130-1 - 130-N) comprising a respective synchronization circuit (140-1 - 140-N) configured to receive the first clock signal. The synchronization circuit of one of the one or more second circuits is configured to receive the second clock signal from the first circuit and to resample the second clock signal based on the first clock signal in order to generate a replica (103-1 - 103-N) of the second clock signal that is in phase with the second clock signal.