Isolated Power Module Clock Sync Without Per-Channel Delay Tuning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization methods for multi-channel power supplies require costly and time-consuming delay parameter adjustments for each channel, leading to high development costs and long cycles.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization method for multi-channel signals where a first power supply module allocates target data information and duration to isolated second power supply modules and synchronously transmits a clock signal to trigger simultaneous output of data signals with equal durations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If delay parameter adjustment is performed for each channel according to test results, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but development cost and development cycle increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration through automatic delay measurement and adjustment. The calibration module automatically measures delay parameters of each channel and adjusts them without requiring external test equipment or manual intervention, enabling the system to synchronize itself during the initial power-on phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The delay calibration is performed in advance during the initial power-on phase before the system enters normal operation. The calibration module pre-adjusts all channel delay parameters, so that when the system starts working, synchronization is already achieved without requiring subsequent adjustments or tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If delay parameter adjustment is performed for each channel according to test results, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but development cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration through automatic delay measurement and adjustment. The calibration module automatically measures delay parameters of each channel and adjusts them without requiring external test equipment or manual intervention, enabling the system to synchronize itself during the initial power-on phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses low-cost integrated circuit components including voltage-controlled oscillators, delay measurement circuits, and digital-to-analog converters that can be mass-produced cheaply. These disposable-like components replace expensive external test equipment, making the system economically viable for mass production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If frequent tests are conducted to achieve synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The delay calibration is performed in advance during the initial power-on phase before the system enters normal operation. The calibration module pre-adjusts all channel delay parameters, so that when the system starts working, synchronization is already achieved without requiring subsequent adjustments or tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration module measures the actual delay parameters of each channel and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the delay compensation values. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate synchronization is achieved in a single calibration cycle without requiring repeated tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12316331B2Synchronization method for multi-channel signals, power supply module, electronic device and power supply device

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD

AI summary

A synchronization method for multi-channel signals, a power supply module, an electronic device, and a power supply device. In the synchronization method for multi-channel signals, a first power supply module (700) is connected to a plurality of mutually isolated second power supply modules (800), allocates target data information and a target duration to each of the second power supply modules (800) according to total data information input by a user; and then the first power supply module (700) synchronously transmits a clock signal to each of the second power supply modules (800), so as to trigger each of the second power supply modules (800) to synchronously output a data signal corresponding to the target data information, and to control an output duration of the data signal to be equal to the target duration.