Master-Slave PLL Phase Synchronization for Multi-Device Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase synchronization arrangements experience prolonged transient times and phase fluctuations when connecting multiple devices, as they lack a clear master-slave hierarchy and synchronized reference signals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a master-slave device configuration with a phase-synchronization unit in each device, where one device acts as the master and others as slaves, using phase detectors to synchronize phase-locked loops and clock pulses, ensuring all devices operate with a unified reference signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all devices have equal entitlement without master-slave hierarchy, then the arrangement is simple to implement, but transient time becomes prolonged and phase fluctuations increase when many devices are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into master devices and slave devices, creating a hierarchical structure where one device (master) has full entitlement to specify the reference signal while other devices (slaves) subordinate to it. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by reducing transient time through centralized control while maintaining reasonable implementation complexity through clear role assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control concept introduces asymmetry by giving the master device full entitlement to specify the reference signal while slave devices have limited entitlement to receive and follow it. This asymmetric structure eliminates phase fluctuations and reduces transient time compared to the symmetric equal-entitlement approach, while the asymmetry itself provides clear implementation guidelines.
2Ease of operation
If all devices have equal entitlement without master-slave hierarchy, then the control concept is easy to implement, but time phase fluctuations occur when many devices are connected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting devices into master and slave roles, the system achieves stable phase synchronization through centralized reference signal specification. The master device's exclusive authority to define the reference signal eliminates the phase fluctuations that occur in equal-entitlement configurations, while the segmentation provides clear operational guidelines for implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
Slave devices continuously monitor and adjust their phase-locked loops based on feedback from the master device's reference signal. This feedback mechanism ensures stable phase synchronization across all devices, resolving the stability issue while maintaining ease of operation through automated phase adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices use separate auxiliary-reference signals, then each device operates independently, but phase synchronization across devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the reference signal sources by having all slave devices use the master device's reference signal instead of separate auxiliary-reference signals. This merging ensures accurate phase synchronization across all devices while the slave devices maintain operational independence in their measurement functions, resolving the contradiction between independence and synchronization accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces transient times and maintains accurate phase synchronization across multiple devices, ensuring precise synchronization of sampling times for analog/digital converters and stable measurement signals.
Implementation Method 1
a first phase detector (33) which, in order to control the first oscillator (39), compares the phase of a first comparison signal (V1) derived from the master-reference signal (REF) with the phase of a second comparison signal (V2)
Implementation Method 2
a first controlled oscillator (39) for generating a master-reference signal (REF)
Implementation Method 3
according to the phase-locked loop (PLL) principle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the phase synchronization of several devices, wherein one device is the master device and the other devices are slave devices, with a phase synchronization unit for every device, each of which has: a first controlled oscillator for producing a master reference signal, a first phase detector which, in order to control the first oscillator, compares the phase of a first comparison signal derived from the master reference signal with the phase of a second comparison signal derived from an auxiliary reference signal if the device is itself the master device and a second phase detector which, in order to control the first oscillator, compares the phase of a third comparison signal derived from the master reference signal with the phase of a reference signal coming from the phase synchronization unit of the master device if the device is not itself the master device but a slave device.