Clock Phase Shift Calibration Using Shared Communication Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining phase shift between clock signals in electronic components are complex, costly, and disruptive, requiring dedicated channels and real-time monitoring, which increases system size, power consumption, and complexity, and are prone to service interruptions and aging-related calibration changes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the emission of calibration signals by electronic components synchronously with clock signals, measuring delays between these signals, and determining phase shift based on the parity of clock cycles, using existing communication channels to avoid external dependencies and simplify implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated calibration channels are used to measure phase shift in real time, then measurement accuracy and real-time correction are improved, but system size, power consumption, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration signal transmission function with the existing data communication channels between radar chips. Instead of using separate dedicated calibration channels, the system transmits calibration signals through the same communication infrastructure already present for data exchange, thereby eliminating additional hardware requirements while maintaining real-time phase shift measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing communication channels between radar chips are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both data transmission and calibration signal transmission purposes. This universal usage of channels eliminates the need for dedicated calibration infrastructure, reducing system complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If switches are added to toggle between calibration and normal operating modes, then real-time phase shift measurement is enabled, but RF performance degrades due to high-frequency spurious signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the switching function from the calibration system. By using dedicated calibration signals that are continuously transmitted without requiring mode switching, the system removes the source of high-frequency spurious signals that would be generated by toggling between calibration and normal operating modes, thereby maintaining RF performance while enabling real-time phase shift measurement
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed after manufacturing with post-processing, then phase shift measurement is achieved, but service interruption occurs and the process is complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration action by continuously transmitting calibration signals during normal operation rather than performing calibration after manufacturing. This allows phase shift measurement to occur in advance and in real-time, eliminating service interruptions while maintaining measurement precision through ongoing calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous calibration action by constantly transmitting calibration signals alongside normal data communication. This continuous useful action ensures phase shift measurement is always current without requiring service interruption, contrasting with traditional post-manufacturing calibration approaches
4Measurement precision
If the number of channels is increased for real-time parameter monitoring, then calibration accuracy across operating range is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing communication channels multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data traffic and calibration signals simultaneously. This universal usage eliminates the need for additional dedicated monitoring channels, maintaining calibration accuracy across the operating range while avoiding the complexity and cost of increasing the number of channels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the phase shift between a first clock signal (CK1) received by a first electronic component (CE1) and a second clock signal (CK2) received by a second electronic component (CE2), comprising the steps of: S10) emission of a first calibration signal (S12); S20) measurement of a first delay (T1); S30) emission of a second calibration signal (S21); S40) measurement of a second delay (T2); S50) measurement of the number (n) of clock strokes between the emission of the first calibration signal (S12) and the active edge of the first clock signal (CK1) following the active edge of the second calibration signal (S21); S60) determination of the phase shift as a function of the parity of the number (n) of clock strokes.