Digital Sensor Synchronization Using Multi-Rate Trigger Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital sensor systems face performance deterioration due to asynchronous data processing, leading to increased latency and complexity, particularly in applications requiring low latency like active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithms, where synchronization between sensor data and processing algorithms is critical.
Innovation Solution
A multi-rate synchronization system is implemented, where a digital sensor operates at a first sample rate and a processor arrangement processes the data at a second sample rate, which is an integer multiple of the first, using trigger signals to synchronize data transfer and processing, thereby reducing latency and complexity through re-sampling and interpolation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If asynchronous data processing is used between digital sensor and processor, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processor generates trigger signals in advance at its own operating rate, which are then used to synchronize data acquisition from the sensor. This preliminary generation of synchronization signals allows the system to maintain asynchronous operation internally while achieving synchronized data processing, thereby reducing latency without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A trigger signal mechanism acts as an intermediary between the processor and sensor, coordinating their operations. The trigger signals serve as a mediation layer that enables synchronized data transfer between components operating at different rates, resolving the timing mismatch without requiring both components to operate synchronously
2Productivity
If the processor operates at a higher sample rate than the sensor, then processing performance is improved, but data synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The processor operates periodically at its higher sample rate, generating trigger signals at regular intervals. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain high processing performance while using the periodic trigger signals to synchronize data acquisition from the sensor at its lower rate, ensuring reliable synchronization through regular timing intervals
3Loss of time
If synchronous data processing is implemented, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor generates its own trigger signals based on its internal timing mechanism, eliminating the need for an external synchronization source. This self-service approach allows the system to achieve synchronized operation with reduced complexity, as the processor uses its own operating rhythm to coordinate data acquisition rather than requiring complex external synchronization infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system and method for multi-rate synchronization of a sensor that provides a digital sensor output signal and a processor arrangement that processes the digital output signal according to a processing algorithm and that provides a processor output signal, including operating the digital sensor to provide the sensor output signal with a first sample rate, and operating the processor arrangement to provide a processor output signal with a second sample rate. The second sample rate is an integer multiple of the first sample rate.