Clock Phase Feedback Control for Data Converter Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase mismatch between data converters in electronic systems limits system performance and necessitates frequent calibrations, which are time-consuming and disrupt data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A feedback signal processor adjusts the phase of clock signals using feedback from data converters, incorporating phase and temperature information to synchronize devices, employing a phase-locked loop and calculation circuits to align phases and compensate for manufacturing and environmental variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If phase synchronization is maintained without feedback adjustment, then system complexity is reduced, but phase mismatch accumulates over time requiring frequent calibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the clock generator receives phase information from data converters and automatically adjusts clock signal phases to maintain synchronization. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual calibrations by continuously compensating for phase drift, thereby extending the time between calibrations while managing system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the clock generator to autonomously adjust its own output phases based on feedback from the data converters. This self-correction capability eliminates the need for external calibration interventions, automatically maintaining phase synchronization without requiring additional operational complexity from the user.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed frequently to maintain phase alignment, then phase synchronization is improved, but productivity decreases due to data transmission disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous feedback mechanism maintains precise phase synchronization without requiring manual calibration interruptions. By automatically detecting and correcting phase mismatches in real-time, the system preserves data transmission continuity, thereby maintaining high productivity while achieving the desired measurement precision in phase alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous phase synchronization through automated feedback adjustment, eliminating the discontinuous manual calibration process. This continuous operation prevents data transmission disruptions, maintaining both high phase synchronization accuracy and uninterrupted productivity throughout system operation.
3Measurement precision
If feedback-based phase adjustment is implemented, then phase synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback-based phase adjustment improves phase alignment precision by continuously monitoring and correcting phase deviations. The added circuit complexity is justified by the significant improvement in synchronization accuracy, as the feedback mechanism enables automatic compensation for manufacturing variations and environmental drift that would otherwise require much more complex manual calibration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves improved phase alignment by dynamically adjusting clock signal parameters (phase and frequency) based on feedback. This parameter-based control approach provides a relatively simple implementation compared to structural modifications, allowing precise phase synchronization through controlled parameter changes rather than complex circuit reconfigurations.
4Device complexity
If manufacturing variations are not compensated, then device complexity is reduced, but phase mismatch increases requiring more frequent calibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism automatically compensates for manufacturing variations by continuously measuring actual phase performance and adjusting clock signals accordingly. This automated compensation eliminates the need for frequent calibrations that would otherwise be required to correct for manufacturing tolerances, extending the time between calibrations while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than over-engineering compensation circuitry.
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
Enhances synchronization and extends the time between calibrations by maintaining phase alignment, reducing the need for frequent recalibrations and improving system performance.
Implementation Method 1
employing a phase-locked loop and calculation circuits to align phases
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to adjusting a phase of a clock signal provided to a device based on a feedback signal from the device. The feedback signal can provide phase information associated with the device and/or other information associated with the device, such as temperature information. A feedback signal processor can compute a phase control signal based on the feedback signal. The phase control signal can be used to adjust the phase of the clock signal. By adjusting the phase of one or more clock signals, several devices, such as data converters, can be synchronized.