Linear Topology Time Synchronization Reducing Propagation Delay Uncertainty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic surveys face challenges in reducing propagation delay uncertainty due to the need to cross multiple clock domain boundaries in seismic data acquisition systems, leading to power transmission losses and increased complexity in cabling and data processing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system where a time marker is transmitted along a communication path with only one clock domain boundary, allowing each node to have a clocked domain and reducing propagation delay uncertainty by minimizing clock domain crossings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clock domain boundaries are crossed in seismic data acquisition systems, then data can be transmitted across multiple nodes, but propagation delay uncertainty increases and power transmission losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seismic data acquisition network into segments separated by clock domain boundaries. Each segment is synchronized independently using time markers, allowing the system to handle multiple nodes while controlling propagation delay uncertainty within each segment. This segmentation enables versatile data transmission across multiple nodes without requiring all nodes to share a common clock domain.
Solution Approach 2:
Time markers serve as intermediaries between different clock domains. These markers are transmitted across clock domain boundaries to synchronize time between segments, enabling data transmission across multiple nodes while maintaining precise timing control and reducing propagation delay uncertainty through controlled synchronization points.
2Length of stationary object
If kilometers of cable are deployed to connect sensors and field boxes, then data can be transmitted over long distances, but equipment requirements and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The time marker transmission system serves multiple functions: it synchronizes time across distributed clock domains, enables data transmission over long cable lengths, and provides a framework for coordinating multiple field boxes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate synchronization equipment and simplifies the overall system configuration, thereby reducing equipment requirements and labor despite extensive cable deployment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the analog-to-digital converter is located far from the power supply to limit noise, then noise is reduced, but power transmission losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional analog power transmission with digital communication for time marker synchronization. By using digital time markers transmitted over the cable infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for long analog power transmission to remote converters, thereby reducing power transmission losses while maintaining low noise operation through digital timing signals.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for reducing propagation delay uncertainty while conducting a survey. The apparatus includes a plurality of nodes along a communication path configured to allow communication between nodes with only one clock domain boundary crossing. Each node may include a clock, a memory, and a processor. The plurality of nodes is arranged in a linear topology. The linear topology may have first and second nodes on the ends of the line. The method may include reducing propagation delay uncertainty using at least one time marker transmitted to each of the plurality of nodes without crossing a clock domain boundary of any other node.