MOST Network Controller Persistent Synchronization via Preamble Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) networks face synchronization loss due to biphase coding violations, leading to user-perceivable dropouts in audio and video playback, and require significant time and resources to re-acquire synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A network interface controller that detects preambles and biphase units within the MOST network, acquires and maintains synchronization by ignoring biphase coding violations and correcting them, ensuring persistent synchronization without unnecessary unlocking conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nodes in MOST network detect biphase coding violations and lose synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved by re-acquiring sync, but time loss and dropout duration increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidre-acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation by detecting preambles at expected frame boundaries before full synchronization is established. By counting biphase units between consecutive preambles and verifying they match the expected frame length, the system proactively identifies and corrects potential synchronization issues before they cause complete sync loss, thereby reducing re-acquisition time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring biphase unit counts between preambles and comparing them against expected values. When deviations are detected, the system generates correction signals to adjust synchronization timing, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains sync reliability while minimizing time loss through automatic correction rather than complete re-acquisition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If nodes require strict biphase coding compliance to maintain sync, then measurement precision is improved, but synchronization stability deteriorates due to unnecessary unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreamble detection precisionVSAvoidsynchronization stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different quality standards to different parts of the synchronization process. Preamble detection maintains high precision requirements for accurate frame boundary identification, while the overall synchronization mechanism tolerates minor biphase coding violations by using frame boundary expectations as a reference. This localized quality approach allows precise measurement without triggering unnecessary sync loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential biphase coding violations by establishing expected frame boundary positions based on counted biphase units between preambles. When violations occur, the system has pre-established reference points to cushion against sync loss, allowing it to maintain stability by referencing these pre-calculated boundaries rather than immediately unlocking synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Measurement precision

If nodes continuously monitor for synchronization accuracy, then synchronization precision is maintained, but computing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system employs periodic synchronization checks based on expected frame boundaries. By counting biphase units at regular intervals corresponding to frame periods and comparing against expected values, the system maintains synchronization precision while consuming computing resources only when needed, rather than continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial monitoring by focusing only on critical synchronization points (frame boundaries marked by preambles) rather than continuously analyzing all data streams. This selective approach maintains necessary synchronization precision while reducing overall computing resource consumption by processing only the essential portions of the data stream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8311174B1Persistent synchronization within a media oriented systems transport network

Publication Date: 2012.11.13 XILINX INC

AI summary

A method of processing data within a controller for a network can include, while frame lock is not established, detecting a first preamble and a second preamble within a data stream of the network (1210, 1235). Biphase units between the first preamble and the second preamble can be counted (1215). Frame lock can be acquired on the data stream responsive to determining that the first preamble and the second preamble are separated by a number of biphase units corresponding to a frame (1235). A synchronization signal indicating that frame lock has been acquired can be output responsive to acquiring frame lock on the data stream (1240).