Multi-Channel DAC Synchronization Using Dynamic Phase Delay Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Arbitrary waveform generators with non-deterministic digital-to-analog converter (DAC) outputs face synchronization challenges across multiple channels, as traditional de-skew calibration methods are ineffective, leading to costly and cumbersome solutions requiring multiple generators and synchronization hubs.

Innovation Solution

A system with a first processor to delay digital data and a second processor connected to respective DACs, utilizing a system phase detector to determine phase differences and a controller to adjust delays for synchronization, allowing for deterministic alignment of multiple channels within a single arbitrary waveform generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional de-skew calibration methods are used, then synchronization is achieved, but only when DAC output is deterministic relative to reference clock and DAC clock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidDAC clock adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic delay adjustment for each channel based on real-time phase error measurements. The system continuously monitors phase differences between channels and adjusts delay values dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to non-deterministic DAC clock behavior while maintaining synchronization reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where phase error is measured between channel outputs and this measurement is used to adjust the delay of each channel. The system measures phase error, calculates appropriate delay adjustments, applies these delays, and continuously monitors to maintain synchronization, creating a closed-loop control system that handles non-deterministic DAC behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple arbitrary waveform generators and a synchronization hub are used, then channel synchronization is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel synchronizationVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the synchronization function into a single arbitrary waveform generator by implementing per-channel delay adjustment and phase error measurement within one device. This eliminates the need for multiple separate generators and an external synchronization hub, reducing system complexity while maintaining channel synchronization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single arbitrary waveform generator perform multiple functions: waveform generation for multiple channels, phase error measurement between channels, and dynamic delay adjustment for each channel. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized devices and a synchronization hub

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If per-channel delay adjustment is implemented, then channel alignment is achieved with non-deterministic DAC, but additional control mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel alignment precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-calibrating system where the arbitrary waveform generator automatically measures its own phase errors between channels and adjusts its own delays without external intervention. The system uses its output channels to measure phase relationships and automatically corrects timing mismatches, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex manual control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 synchronization of multiple channels within a single arbitrary waveform generator, reducing the need for multiple generators and synchronization hubs, thereby lowering costs and simplifying the synchronization process while ensuring accurate alignment.

Implementation Method 1

A system phase detector receives the analog signals and determines a phase difference between the analog signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20190207614A1Dynamic delay adjustment for multi-channel digital-to-analog converter synchronization

Publication Date: 2019.07.04 TEKTRONIX INC

AI summary

An arbitrary waveform generator including a first processor configured to output first digital data, a second processor configured to output second digital data, a first digital-to-analog converter to receive the first digital data from the first processor and output a first analog signal representing the first digital data, a second digital-to-analog converter to receive the second digital data from the second processor and output a second analog signal representing the second digital data, a system phase detector to receive the first analog signal and the second analog signal and determine a phase difference between the first analog signal and the second analog signal, and a controller configured to receive the phase difference from the system phase detector and determine a delay time for the first processor to delay an output of third digital data based on the phase difference.