Synchronizing Independent Clock Modules via Time Difference Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses with independent clock supply sources face challenges in synchronizing clock cycles between modules, leading to deviations in signal timing, particularly when modules like image sensors and sound recording units operate with different clock frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first and second clock generator, timing controllers, and a time measurement unit that measures synchronizing signal times, calculates time differences, and adjusts setting periods to synchronize the clock cycles of the first and second modules, ensuring they operate within a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent clock supply sources are used for each module, then module operation independence is improved, but clock cycle synchronization between modules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A time measurement unit is introduced as an intermediary component that measures the actual times when synchronizing signals are supplied to different modules. This mediator enables the control unit to calculate time differences and adjust setting periods, thereby achieving synchronization between modules with independent clock sources without compromising their operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the time measurement unit continuously monitors the timing of synchronizing signals supplied to modules, the control unit calculates time differences based on these measurements, and adjusts the setting periods of clock generators accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that clock cycle deviations are corrected while maintaining module independence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clock frequency deviation is allowed within a range, then oscillator flexibility is improved, but timing accuracy between modules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the setting periods of clock generators based on measured time differences. Instead of using fixed clock frequencies, the control unit modifies the setting periods in real-time to compensate for timing deviations, allowing oscillators to operate flexibly within their frequency ranges while maintaining accurate timing synchronization between modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus that is capable of reducing deviation of cycles of modules having independent clock supply sources. A processor controls a first module to operate in synchronization with a first synchronizing signal supplied from a first timing controller, controls a second module to operate in synchronization with a second synchronizing signal supplied from a second timing controller, measures times of supplying the synchronizing signals to the modules, calculates a time difference between the times when the first timing controller is switched to a second mode where the first synchronizing signal is supplied to the first module based on a setting period after synchronizing the synchronizing signals in a first mode where the first synchronizing signal is supplied to the first module in synchronization with the second synchronizing signal, and changes the setting period when the time difference is more than a threshold.