Propagation Time Measurement Using Dual Phase Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices for determining signal propagation time are limited in accuracy and efficiency, particularly when using a single phase and/or frequency detector, which can lead to errors such as voltage peaks due to delayed signal supply to the Sigma/Delta converter.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a device with first and second phase and/or frequency detectors, a multiplexer, and a first-order Sigma/Delta converter, where the second reference signal is the complementary of the first, allowing for simultaneous comparison with a threshold, thereby improving the determination of signal propagation time and reducing errors by ensuring timely signal supply to the converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single phase and/or frequency detector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to errors such as voltage peaks from delayed signal supply
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector is segmented into two parallel detectors (first and second phase and/or frequency detectors), each processing signals with different reference phases. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple signal paths, eliminating the delay-induced voltage peak errors while distributing the measurement function across multiple parallel components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by preparing two reference signals with opposite phases (0° and 180°) in advance, before the actual measurement. This allows the detectors to immediately process incoming signals without waiting for sequential reference signal generation, thereby eliminating delays and preventing voltage peak errors.
2Device complexity
If signals are processed sequentially through a single detector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to delayed signal supply to the Sigma/Delta converter
Solution Approach 1:
The sequential processing path is segmented into two parallel processing paths, each with its own detector feeding the Sigma/Delta converter simultaneously. This parallel architecture eliminates the sequential bottleneck, allowing the converter to receive signals without delay while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured parallelism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining two parallel signal processing paths that continuously feed the Sigma/Delta converter without interruption or delay. Both detectors operate simultaneously and continuously, ensuring that the converter always receives processed signals without waiting for sequential processing completion.
3Device complexity
If a single reference signal is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when signals are early or late with respect to the reference signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces asymmetry by using two reference signals with opposite phases (0° and 180°) instead of a single symmetric reference. This asymmetric configuration ensures that at least one reference signal is always in the correct phase relationship with early or late input signals, thereby maintaining measurement reliability regardless of signal timing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating two reference signals with opposite phases before the measurement process. This allows the system to anticipate and correctly handle early or late input signals by having the appropriate phase reference already available, eliminating the need for dynamic phase adjustment and ensuring reliable measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a device including: first and second detectors of the phase and/or of the frequency of an input signal with respect to first and second reference signals; and a Sigma/Delta converter interpreting outputs of the first or of the second phase and/or frequency detector to determine a propagation time of the input signal.