Multi-Channel Sample Rate Conversion for Asynchronous Signal Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing multiple digital audio and video signals require expensive digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, are prone to noise contamination, and become complex and costly when handling a large number of channels, especially in signal processing applications like television broadcast and digital audio routing.
Innovation Solution
A method for sample rate conversion that uses a multi-channel sample rate converter with a core processor generating an intermediate signal with a higher sampling rate, time-multiplexing input signals into channels, and filtering to produce synchronized output signals, reducing the need for multiple discrete converters and minimizing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple discrete digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters are used to synchronize multiple digital signals, then signal synchronization is achieved, but hardware complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete sample rate converters into a single multi-channel sample rate converter that processes multiple digital input signals simultaneously. This single device includes a core processor that generates an intermediate signal and time-multiplexes multiple input signals, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate converters and reducing hardware complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel sample rate converter is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple different input signals with different sampling rates and convert them to a common output sampling rate. The core processor performs multiple functions including generating intermediate signals, time-multiplexing channels, and filtering, making the device adaptable to various signal processing needs without requiring separate dedicated converters for each channel
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple discrete converters are used for signal conversion, then sample rate conversion is achieved, but noise contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple conversion operations into a single integrated device, the patent eliminates the need for multiple discrete digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion stages that would each introduce noise. The single converter processes all channels digitally throughout, with conversion occurring only once at the output stage, thereby minimizing cumulative noise contamination while maintaining accurate sample rate conversion
3Device complexity
If a single multi-channel sample rate converter is used to process multiple input signals, then hardware complexity is reduced, but processing speed requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The core processor uses time-multiplexing to periodically process different input channels in sequence rather than requiring simultaneous processing of all channels. The processor generates an intermediate signal at a higher sampling rate and allocates specific time slots for processing each channel, allowing the use of a single processor with periodic action to achieve the same throughput as multiple parallel processors would provide
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sample rate conversion and clock synchronization for multiple asynchronous input signals using a single processing core. A sample processing clock with a frequency equal to or higher than the input signal clock frequencies is provided. The clock period is divided into a number of time slots corresponding to the input signals. For each valid sample of an input signal, the core performs a first stage processing operation on the sample. Subsequently, for each required sample of an output signal, the core performs a second stage processing operation to generate the output sample.