Multi-Channel Converter Clock Sync for Deterministic Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel RF systems with high-speed converters fail to achieve autonomous coherence and deterministic latency upon power-on, especially when channels are controlled by different chips, cards, or chassis, requiring frequent resets or calibration procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel system that synchronizes digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) using a timed combination of external reference and synchronization signals, resetting and disabling clock dividers, and enabling clock generation, with a phase lock loop (PLL) and voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to establish coherent and deterministic latency across all channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each channel is controlled by a different chip, card, or chassis, then system adaptability and modularity are improved, but clock coherence and deterministic latency cannot be achieved autonomously upon power-on
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions during the power-on sequence by automatically resetting clock dividers and enabling clock generation in a predetermined order before any data acquisition operations begin. This preliminary clock synchronization ensures that all channels are coherent and have deterministic latency from the moment the system powers on, without requiring prior calibration or manual intervention.
2Reliability
If frequent resets or calibration procedures are performed, then clock coherence and deterministic latency are maintained, but system productivity and operational continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs clock synchronization as a preliminary action during the initial power-on sequence, establishing coherent clocks and deterministic latency before any operational interruptions. This one-time preliminary setup eliminates the need for frequent resets or calibration procedures during normal operation, thereby maintaining both clock coherence and continuous productivity without operational interruptions.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous clock synchronization is achieved upon power-on, then ease of operation and system reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to coordinated control of multiple clock dividers and generators
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically managing its own clock synchronization during power-on. The control logic autonomously resets clock dividers, enables clock generation, and coordinates the timing sequences without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention. This self-service approach simplifies operation while the internal coordination complexity is contained within the system's control architecture.
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
Enables autonomous coherence and deterministic latency upon power-on, ensuring consistent phase relationships and clock synchronization across all channels, regardless of their location, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of RF systems.
Implementation Method 1
a phase lock loop (PLL) for receiving the synchronization/system reference signal (the PLL including a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for outputting a VCO clock signal, a VCO feedback divider for dividing down the VCO clock signal by a first factor, a local system clock divider for dividing down the VCO clock signal by a second factor, thereby generating a local system clock signal, and one or more clock dividers, each of the one or more clock dividers for dividing down the VCO clock signal by a corresponding factor, thereby generating one or more corresponding divided clock signals)
Implementation Method 2
a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for outputting a VCO clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and corresponding method that achieves coherency and deterministic latency (CDL) autonomously upon power on is disclosed. The system, for example, a multi-channel RF system, may require CDL with respect to the digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) assigned to the channels in the system. CDL is achieved through a timed combination of external reference and synchronization signals, resetting and disabling of various clock dividers, and enabling clock generation. In addition to synchronizing all of the clocks, the data acquisition sequence must be synchronized across all of the channels, whether they are on chips, cards, or chassis. Data acquisition synchronization may be implemented using an initiator/target or a wired OR mode configuration.