Multi-Oscilloscope Synchronization Using Host Clock and Single Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for synchronizing multiple oscilloscopes result in significant trigger jitter and require multiple probes, leading to increased loading and operational challenges, especially when accessing the trigger signal through a probe.
Innovation Solution
A test and measurement system that synchronizes multiple oscilloscopes by using a host oscilloscope to output a clock signal to client oscilloscopes, eliminating the need for multiple probes and reducing jitter by generating a single trigger event, with each oscilloscope acting as a single unit from the user's perspective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trigger signal is fanned out to all oscilloscopes, then synchronization is achieved, but trigger jitter accumulates to 1-2 ps rms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trigger signal generation function from the distributed oscilloscopes and centralizes it in one oscilloscope. Only one oscilloscope generates the trigger signal, which is then distributed to all other oscilloscopes. This eliminates the accumulation of trigger jitter that occurs when multiple oscilloscopes independently generate and fan out trigger signals, reducing the overall trigger jitter while maintaining synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having each oscilloscope independently generate and fan out trigger signals (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having one oscilloscope receive the external trigger signal and then distribute it to all others. This inversion of the trigger signal flow direction eliminates the harmful accumulation of individual trigger jitters while achieving the desired synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate probes are used for each oscilloscope to access trigger signal, then each oscilloscope can trigger independently, but extra loading slows down trigger signal and causes more jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trigger signal acquisition function into a single oscilloscope channel. Instead of using separate probes for each oscilloscope (which would load down the signal), one oscilloscope uses a single probe to capture the external trigger signal, then distributes the clean, unloaded signal to all other oscilloscopes electronically. This maintains signal integrity while enabling coordinated triggering across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
One oscilloscope acts as an intermediary device that receives the external trigger signal through a single probe, processes it internally, and then distributes the cleaned-up trigger signal to all other oscilloscopes via electronic connections. This intermediary role eliminates the need for multiple physical probes while maintaining independent triggering capability across the system.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple oscilloscopes are synchronized using conventional methods, then channel count is extended, but device complexity increases with multiple probes and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal trigger distribution architecture where one oscilloscope serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary trigger source, signal distributor, and synchronization coordinator for all other oscilloscopes in the system. This multi-functional approach extends the effective channel count across multiple devices while minimizing the number of external probes and connections required, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A test and measurement system for synchronizing multiple oscilloscopes including a host oscilloscope and at least one client oscilloscope. The host oscilloscope includes a host timebase clock configured to output a clock signal, a host digitizer including a digitizer synchronization clock based on the clock signal, and a host acquisition controller includes a trigger synchronization clock based the clock signal and outputs a run signal to begin an acquisition of an input signal. Each client oscilloscope includes a client timebase clock configured to receive the clock signal from the host timebase clock and output the clock signal, a client digitizer including a digitizer synchronization clock based on the clock signal, and a client acquisition controller includes a trigger synchronization clock based on the clock signal and receives the run signal from the host acquisition controller and begins an acquisition of another input signal based on the run signal.