Grouped Sampling Clock Tracking for Mixed-Frequency Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for electrical signals with alternating magnitudes face inaccuracies due to central sampling clock tracking, which fails when measurement points have different frequencies, leading to potential malfunctions in energy supply networks.
Innovation Solution
A measuring arrangement with multiple measurement inputs, each sampled using its own sampling clock, and a clock tracking apparatus that adapts the sampling clock for each signal based on its frequency, allowing for simultaneous correct sampling of signals with different frequencies by grouping measurement inputs into tracking groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central sampling clock tracking is used for all measurement inputs, then the device complexity is reduced and the operation is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates when signals have different frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement inputs into multiple tracking groups, where each group can have its own sampling clock tracking. This segmentation allows signals with different frequencies to be handled independently while maintaining a manageable system structure. The measurement inputs are partitioned based on frequency characteristics, enabling precise sampling for each group without requiring a completely separate tracking system for every input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of sampling clocks by continuously tracking the frequency of signals in each tracking group. The sampling clock frequency is automatically adjusted based on the detected signal frequency, allowing the system to adapt to changing frequency conditions while maintaining measurement precision. This dynamic approach replaces static central clock tracking with flexible, signal-adaptive clock generation.
2Measurement precision
If separate sampling clock tracking is performed for each signal, then measurement precision is improved for signals with different frequencies, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges measurement inputs with similar frequency characteristics into the same tracking group, allowing them to share a common sampling clock tracking mechanism. This combining approach reduces the total number of independent tracking systems needed while maintaining measurement precision for signals with different frequencies. Inputs in the same group are treated collectively, optimizing the balance between precision and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a single sampling clock is used for all measurement inputs, then the operation is simplified, but reliability deteriorates when galvanic isolation causes frequency differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments measurement inputs into tracking groups that can operate independently with respect to sampling clock tracking. This segmentation ensures that galvanic isolation and frequency differences at various measurement points do not compromise the reliability of other measurement channels. Each tracking group maintains its own frequency reference, preventing propagation of errors across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tracking group performs self-service by autonomously tracking the frequency of its assigned signals and adjusting its sampling clock accordingly. This self-service capability ensures that each measurement group maintains reliable sampling without requiring centralized control, improving overall system reliability while keeping operation straightforward through automated frequency adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring arrangement acquires signals of alternating electrical magnitudes. A sampling apparatus performs a sampling of the signals to form digital sample values. A clock tracking apparatus adapts a sampling clock used by the sampling apparatus in the light of the frequency of the signal to be sampled. In order to be able to acquire reliably signals of alternating electrical magnitudes even when they have different frequencies, the sampling apparatus samples at least two of the signals each with its own sampling clock and the clock tracking apparatus adapts the sampling clock in the light of the frequency of the signal to be sampled simultaneously for each of these at least two signals. There is also described a corresponding method for measuring electrical signals.