Precision Output Gate Nanosecond Timing for Off-the-Shelf Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications systems face challenges in achieving nanosecond accuracy for signal transmission due to limitations in timing accuracy of standard off-the-shelf components, particularly in digital processing units, which require costly specialized hardware for precise timing control across all system elements.
Innovation Solution
A precision output gate synchronized with a rubidium oscillator or GPS time reference is used to ensure nanosecond accuracy, allowing only the interface card to be synchronized, while the rest of the system operates at millisecond accuracy, thereby reducing the need for precise timing control throughout the entire communications chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard off-the-shelf digital processing units are used, then cost is reduced, but timing accuracy deteriorates to millisecond level
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the timing function into two segments: a low-cost general-purpose processor for data processing with millisecond accuracy, and a separate precision timing subsystem with nanosecond accuracy. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal accuracy level without requiring the entire system to be expensive specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
A precision timing generator acts as an intermediary between the general-purpose processor and the final output. This intermediary component receives timing information from the cost-effective processor and converts it to precise nanosecond-level timing signals, bridging the gap between low-cost processing and high-precision timing requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If nanosecond accuracy timing is implemented throughout the entire system, then transmission precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the nanosecond timing generation function from the general-purpose processor and places it in a separate precision timing generator. This extraction allows the main processing system to remain simple and cost-effective while the timing precision is provided by a dedicated subsystem that only generates timing signals, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The precision timing generator serves multiple functions: it provides nanosecond-level timing references for signal transmission, synchronizes different system components, and works with standard off-the-shelf processors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If specialized hardware with nanosecond timing is used for all components, then timing accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive general-purpose processors for the bulk of data processing operations where millisecond accuracy is sufficient. Only the critical timing generation function uses expensive precision hardware, maximizing cost efficiency by applying high-cost components only where absolutely necessary for nanosecond timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter requirements across different subsystems: the general-purpose processor operates at millisecond timing precision (lower cost), while the precision timing generator operates at nanosecond precision (higher cost). This parameter differentiation allows cost-effective system design by matching hardware precision to actual operational requirements.
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 accurate transmission of signals at precise times without the need for expensive, specialized hardware, utilizing standard off-the-shelf components and reducing timing errors, making it feasible to use commercial products for applications requiring precise timing, such as TDMA wireless transmissions and jamming scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The gate thus establishes the required nanosecond accuracy
Implementation Method 2
a precision time reference, in one embodiment, a rubidium oscillator or clock
Data Source
AI summary
In a communications or jamming system, accurate timing of the transmission of digitally processed signals is accomplished through the use of standard off-the-shelf components. In order to eliminate the need for high-cost, difficult to develop, specific digital hardware or realtime synchronous software not available from the standard off-the-shelf components, the output from the non-real time components is coupled to a realtime interface that assures nanosecond timing accuracy regardless of timing errors introduced by the off-the-shelf components. In one embodiment, the signals to be transmitted are digitized and then packetized, with the data to be transmitted reconstructed using non-real time digital processing. In order to establish the exact time for transmission, the packet is given a time stamp in the form of a header which indicates the exact time at which the packet is to be transmitted by the communications system, with the packet with header being transmitted to a storage buffer, the output of which is coupled to a realtime interface including a precise time output gate, the timing of which is controlled by a precision time reference having nano-second accuracy.