Master-Standby Clock Phase Alignment for Reliable Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In synchronous digital communication networks, phase differences between master and slave clocks can cause service interruptions and code errors during switching, and existing solutions require costly devices to achieve precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that lock the phase of the master clock, measure the phase difference between the master and slave clocks, and adjust the slave clock's phase output to align with the master clock's phase, using a phase-shift unit and sampling to determine alignment without increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single clock chip is used to lock the slave clock to the master clock, then the device cost is low, but the phase alignment precision is insufficient causing service interruptions and code errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase alignment process into two independent stages: frequency locking (using a single clock chip) and phase alignment (using separate phase difference measurement and adjustment circuits). This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving high phase alignment precision without requiring expensive high-performance devices for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate measurement circuits (phase difference measurement module) and adjustment circuits (phase adjustment module) as mediators between the master and slave clocks. These intermediary components enable precise phase alignment by measuring and correcting phase differences, rather than relying solely on high-performance clock chips.
2Measurement precision
If devices with more excellent performance are used to reduce phase difference, then the phase alignment precision is improved, but the costs of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively simple and low-cost measurement and adjustment circuits rather than expensive high-performance clock chips to achieve phase alignment. The system uses basic phase difference measurement and step-by-step adjustment mechanisms that can be implemented with conventional, cost-effective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically measuring the phase difference between master and slave clocks and adjusting the slave clock phase accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for expensive external calibration equipment or high-performance devices, as the system corrects its own phase alignment issues using simple measurement and adjustment circuits.
3Reliability
If phase difference between master and slave clocks is not reduced, then the device complexity remains low, but service interruptions and code errors occur during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary phase alignment before clock switching occurs. By measuring the phase difference in advance and adjusting the slave clock phase to match the master clock phase before switching, the system ensures reliable switching without service interruptions or code errors, while keeping the additional circuitry relatively simple.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for aligning the phases of a master clock and a slave clock; and the method comprises the following steps: A. locking a phase of a master clock; B. measuring phase difference between a slave clock and the master clock; and C. adjusting a phase output by the slave clock so as to align it with the phase of the master clock based on the phase difference measured in Step B. The present invention also discloses an apparatus for aligning the phases of a master clock and a slave clock. By measuring the phase difference between the master clock and the slave clock, and aligning the phases of the master clock and the slave clock according to the phase difference the present invention improves the precision of phase alignment without increasing costs.