Clocking Signal Synchronization in Pulsed Optical Analytic Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced analytic instruments face challenges in accurately and efficiently acquiring and handling data from a large number of sample wells, particularly in nucleic acid sequencing, due to the need for precise timing of data acquisition and high data rates, which can result in failed or incorrect sample analysis if not managed correctly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pulsed optical source, such as a passively mode-locked laser, to generate clocking signals for data acquisition and processing, combined with a stable oscillator, allows for validation of data acquisition operations and tolerance of interruptions in the optical source operation, enabling synchronization discrepancies to be compensated and improving data processing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pulsed optical source is used to generate clocking signals for data acquisition, then timing precision and data acquisition accuracy are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to interruptions in the optical source operation
Solution Approach 1:
An electronic oscillator is introduced as an intermediary component to generate a second clock signal that is independent of the pulsed optical source. This mediator allows the system to maintain timing functionality even when the optical source is interrupted, while still benefiting from the precise timing provided by the optical-derived clock signal during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the source of clock signals based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the first clock signal derived from the optical source is used for high-precision timing. When interruptions are detected, the system switches to using the second clock signal from the electronic oscillator, thereby adapting to changing conditions and maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the first clock signal derived from optical pulses is used exclusively for data acquisition timing, then synchronization with optical pulses is optimized, but synchronization discrepancies cannot be detected or compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The data processor uses the second clock signal as a reference to detect synchronization discrepancies in the first clock signal derived from the optical pulses. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify timing errors and compensate for them, thereby maintaining synchronization accuracy while gaining error detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates and processes an additional second clock signal beyond what is minimally required for data acquisition timing. This excessive action provides a reference for detecting and compensating synchronization discrepancies, thereby enhancing the system's ability to maintain timing accuracy under varying conditions.
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
This approach enhances the quality of acquired data by ensuring stable and accurate data handling, even with intermittent interruptions in the pulsed optical source, thereby improving the reliability of sample analysis in advanced analytic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The specimens, or a component with which the specimens react, may be tagged with one or more fluorophores, for example, and emit radiation when excited by the optical pulses delivered to the sample wells.
Implementation Method 2
a clock-detection circuit having a detector arranged to detect optical pulses produced by the pulse optical source and output a clocking signal
Data Source
AI summary
Instrument control and data acquisition in advanced analytic systems that utilize optical pulses for sample analysis are described. Clocking signals for data acquisition, data processing, communication, and/or other data handling functionalities can be derived from an on-board pulsed optical source, such as a passively mode-locked laser. The derived clocking signals can operate in combination with one or more clocking signals from a stable oscillator, so that instrument operation and data handling can tolerate interruptions in operation of the pulsed optical source.