Modular Acquisition System Distributed Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional acquisition systems with more than four channels face challenges such as high power consumption, complex cooling requirements, and difficulties in manufacturing and testing due to the need for a large number of channels, which limits their scalability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A modular acquisition system that allows for the addition of multiple acquisition modules, each with independent cooling and power supply, synchronized using a distributed clock system to minimize jitter and temperature drift, and calibrated to ensure precise alignment of data across modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional acquisition system is built with more than four channels, then the number of acquisition channels is increased, but power consumption increases and cooling requirements become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The acquisition system is divided into multiple independent acquisition modules, each handling a subset of channels. This segmentation allows each module to consume power independently and be cooled separately, reducing the overall complexity of power management and cooling for high-channel systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single monolithic acquisition unit to a distributed modular architecture. By adding the dimension of modularity and distribution, the system can scale to many channels without proportionally increasing power consumption and cooling complexity, as each module operates independently.
2Quantity of substance
If a traditional acquisition system is built with more than four channels, then the number of acquisition channels is increased, but manufacturing and testing difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into identical or similar acquisition modules, manufacturing becomes more straightforward as each module can be produced using the same processes. Testing is simplified because each module can be tested independently before integration, avoiding the need to test entire high-channel systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of testing and manufacturing a complete high-channel system, the approach tests and manufactures individual modules separately. This partial action approach reduces manufacturing complexity and testing time, as defects can be isolated to specific modules rather than requiring complete system disassembly and retesting.
3Quantity of substance
If a traditional acquisition system is built with the highest possible number of channels, then channel capacity is maximized, but system cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular units that can be configured in different quantities based on user needs. This allows customers to pay only for the channels they require rather than purchasing a complete high-channel system, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the ability to scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed-channel configuration to a dynamic modular configuration where channels can be added or removed based on user requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to match actual usage needs, avoiding the cost of provisioned but unused channels.
4Measurement precision
If acquisition modules are synchronized using distributed clock system, then jitter and temperature drift are minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A distributed clock system acts as an intermediary between acquisition modules, providing synchronized timing signals. This mediator approach minimizes jitter and temperature drift by ensuring all modules operate from a common time reference, while the modular distribution of clock signals keeps the implementation manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed clock system serves multiple functions: it provides timing synchronization, reduces jitter, compensates for temperature drift, and enables coordinated operation across modules. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single synchronization infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A complex acquisition system and method for synchronizing components thereof. The complex acquisition system further including a master acquisition module. The master acquisition module further including an analog to digital acquisition signal generator for generating an analog to digital acquisition signal, a memory acquisition signal generator for generating a memory acquisition signal, a delay calibration signal for generating a delay calibration signal, a step source signal generator for generating a step source signal, and a synchronization module. The complex acquisition system further includes a plurality of slave acquisition modules, each also including a synchronization module. The complex acquisition system additionally includes a distribution system for distributing each of the analog to digital acquisition signal, memory acquisition signal, delay calibration signal and step source signal to each of the synchronization modules in the master and plurality of slave acquisition modules.