Event Synchronization Using Time Position Clock to Eliminate Master Slave Roles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing event synchronization methods require designations of master and slave devices, leading to increased complexity and resource consumption, as well as latency due to the need to cycle through all sequence positions even when not all are scheduled, resulting in inefficient sequencing operations.
Innovation Solution
A single wire or node-based system for event synchronization that self-terminates after all scheduled events are completed, eliminating the need for master and slave designations and allowing control of enable/disable signals in an arbitrary number of sequence positions, using a Time Position Clock (TPCLK) signal for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If master and slave device designations are used for event synchronization, then sequencing control is achieved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the master and slave device functions into a unified peer-to-peer architecture where all devices operate equally. Each device independently generates and responds to sequencing signals, eliminating the need for separate master control circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sequencing control through distributed coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Each device in the synchronization system serves itself by independently generating sequencing signals and automatically detecting when all events are complete. The self-terminating mechanism allows devices to autonomously determine when sequencing is finished without requiring continuous master device oversight, reducing complexity while preserving control reliability.
2Device complexity
If fixed number of sequence positions are used, then sequencing operation is simplified, but latency increases due to cycling through all positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sequencing system where the number of active sequence positions is flexible rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the sequencing operation to terminate immediately after the last scheduled event is complete, eliminating wasted cycles through positions without scheduled events while maintaining simple sequencing logic through the use of a standard counter mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuits are added for master and slave functions, then sequencing control capability is enhanced, but physical resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each device universal by enabling it to perform both master-like and slave-like functions simultaneously. Each device can generate sequencing signals, respond to sequencing signals, and detect completion independently, eliminating the need for dedicated master control circuits and additional physical resources while maintaining enhanced sequencing control capability through multi-functional devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for event synchronization. One or more devices that have a plurality of events to be carried out in a scheduled order in time are connected to a single shared time position clock (TPCLK). There are one or more sequencing controllers coupled with the one or more devices and configured to control the timing of high and low states of the shared TPCLK in accordance with the scheduled order. The synchronization among the plurality of events in the scheduled order is achieved based on the high and low states of the shared TPCLK and such synchronization of the plurality of events in the scheduled order is operated without the presence of master and slave devices.