Optical Clock Synchronization via Fiber for Interference-Free Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for precise timing synchronization in real-time location systems are costly and susceptible to interference, with frequency deviations among oscillators affecting measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses optical energy to lock the oscillator output of slave devices to a reference oscillator output, enabling precise synchronization via a low-cost optical fiber medium, allowing multiple oscillators to align their frequencies despite inherent differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coax cable and circuitry are used for timing synchronization, then synchronization can be achieved, but the system becomes costly and susceptible to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical coax cable transmission with optical fiber transmission. The master device transmits reference timing signals through optical fibers to slave devices, substituting the mechanical/electrical system with an optical system that is immune to electromagnetic interference from fast switching circuitry and RF communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the master device and slave devices. This intermediary transmits timing signals optically, creating isolation between the electrical components and eliminating direct electromagnetic coupling that causes interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillators are used in real-time location systems, then devices can operate independently, but frequency deviations occur due to inherent differences in clock circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The slave devices receive reference timing signals from the master device through optical fibers and use these signals to adjust their local oscillators. This feedback mechanism ensures that all oscillators remain synchronized to the master reference, eliminating frequency deviations while preserving device independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a common timing reference potential across all devices by distributing the master oscillator's reference signal to all slave devices. This ensures all devices operate from the same timing基准, eliminating frequency mismatches that would otherwise arise from independent oscillator variations.
3Reliability
If expensive coax cable systems are used for synchronization, then timing can be synchronized, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive coax cable infrastructure with relatively inexpensive optical fiber cables. The optical transmission medium provides equivalent or superior timing synchronization performance at lower cost, making the system more economically viable for widespread deployment.
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 achieves precise frequency alignment among oscillators at a lower cost than conventional methods, reducing interference and improving measurement accuracy in real-time location systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical receiver configured to receive light energy corresponding to a reference oscillation signal, where the optical receiver may be operable to generate a receiver output based on the light energy
Implementation Method 2
an optical transmitter operably coupled to the reference oscillator, where the optical transmitter may be arranged to generate the light energy corresponding to the reference oscillation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for synchronizing clocks. The system may include a master device having a reference clock and slave devices whose clocks may be synchronized with the reference clock. The master device may drive a light transmitter (e.g., LED) to produce a light pulse with each clock cycle of the reference clock. The light pluses may be distributed by a transmissive medium, such as a low cost optical fiber.