Optical Clock Synchronization Over 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, employing a master device with a light transmitter and slave devices with optical receivers and crystal oscillators, allowing for precise frequency alignment over a low-cost optical fiber medium.
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 coaxial cable transmission with optical fiber transmission. The master device transmits timing signals through optical fibers to slave devices, substituting the electrical field-based coaxial system with an optical field-based system. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to RF interference and electrical noise while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the master device and slave devices. The optical fiber acts as a隔离 layer that prevents electromagnetic interference from affecting the timing signals, while still allowing precise timing information to be transmitted through the optical domain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillators are used in real-time location system, then devices can operate independently, but frequency deviations among oscillators affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the master device continuously transmits reference timing signals to slave devices through optical fibers. Each slave device uses its local oscillator to generate timing signals, and the received reference signals provide feedback for frequency comparison and adjustment, ensuring all oscillators remain synchronized despite inherent frequency deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the oscillators by using optical feedback to adjust their frequency outputs. The slave devices modify their oscillator frequencies based on the received reference signals, transforming the system from independent oscillation to coordinated oscillation while maintaining device independence.
3Measurement precision
If expensive coax cable systems are used, then precise synchronization is achieved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive coaxial cable infrastructure with relatively inexpensive optical fiber cables. Optical fibers are cheaper per unit length than high-quality coaxial cables required for precision timing, and the system uses standard optical communication components that have become cost-effective through widespread adoption in telecommunications.
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 enables precise and cost-effective synchronization of oscillators, achieving frequency alignment comparable to more expensive systems with better frequency stability, reducing interference effects and improving measurement accuracy in real-time location systems.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
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 3
The oscillator may be a crystal oscillator. The mechanical vibration of the crystal oscillator may be varied based on the receiver output such that the mechanical vibration of the crystal oscillator is locked 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.