Multi-Channel Clock Synchronization Using Feedback Timing Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-channel systems face synchronization failures due to varying time delays in clock signals, leading to setup time and hold time violations, which affect the normal operation of modules within the system.

Innovation Solution

A multi-channel signal synchronization system comprising a clock signal generation module, synchronization signal generation module, and signal receiving modules, where the clock signal generation module generates a first clock signal, which is processed to create a synchronization signal used to synchronize the receiving modules, and a second clock signal is generated based on this synchronization signal to ensure accurate timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clock signal is transmitted to multiple channels in a multi-channel system, then the system can perform sequential logic operations, but varying time delays in different channels cause synchronization failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidtime delay variation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating a synchronization signal in advance based on the first clock signal before distributing clock signals to multiple channels. This synchronization signal is transmitted to each channel beforehand to pre-align the timing, ensuring that all channels start their operations at synchronized time points despite varying transmission delays. The synchronization signal prepares the system state before the actual clock signal distribution occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by transmitting the synchronization signal back to the clock signal generation module from the synchronization signal generation module. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and adjust the synchronization status, ensuring that the generated synchronization signal properly compensates for time delays in each channel. The feedback loop enables continuous optimization of synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If a synchronization signal is transmitted to multiple channels, then channel synchronization can be achieved, but setup time and hold time violations occur due to time delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidsetup time and hold time compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the timing parameters of the synchronization signal based on the first clock signal characteristics. The synchronization signal generation module modifies the phase and timing parameters of the synchronization signal to compensate for varying time delays in different channels. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that setup time and hold time requirements are met while achieving precise synchronization across all channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If clock signals are generated for each channel independently, then each channel can operate autonomously, but synchronization between channels fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel independenceVSAvoidinter-channel synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements equipotentiality by ensuring that all channels receive the same synchronization signal at the same reference time point. The synchronization signal creates a common timing reference potential across all channels, allowing each channel to maintain autonomous operation while being synchronized to the same temporal baseline. This equalizes the timing potential across all channels, enabling both independence and synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP4142203B1Multi-channel signal synchronization system, circuit, and method
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
  • EP4142203B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4142203B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP4142203B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a multi-channel signal synchronization system, circuit, and method. The multi-channel signal synchronization system comprises a clock signal generation module, a synchronization signal generation module, and signal receiving modules; the clock signal generation module is configured to generate a first clock signal; the synchronization signal generation module is configured to generate a synchronization signal based on the first clock signal and transmit the synchronization signal to the clock signal generation module; the clock signal generation module generates second clock signals on the basis of the synchronization signal and transmits the second clock signals to the signal receiving modules; the synchronization signal generation module transmits the synchronization signal to the signal receiving modules.