PWM Node Synchronization via Central Timer Timestamps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing pulse-width modulated power signals struggle with accurate synchronization between nodes, leading to inefficiencies in controlling power-consuming devices like motors and light emitting devices, as they lack precise control over phase states and timing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a node with a timer that receives control signals from a central unit, applying them until a specified time stamp, allowing for accurate phase control and synchronization between nodes through timer synchronization signals and delay value determination, enabling flexible phase control and high output power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple nodes are used to implement pulse-width modulation to reach higher output power, then power output is improved, but synchronization accuracy between nodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A central unit acts as an intermediary to generate and distribute control signals with time stamps to multiple nodes. This central coordinator ensures that all nodes operate with synchronized timing references, resolving the synchronization accuracy issue while maintaining the ability to scale power output across multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional hardware-based synchronization mechanisms with software-defined time stamping and timer-based control. By using virtual timing references and software-controlled phase switching, the system achieves higher synchronization precision without the limitations of physical synchronization hardware.
2Measurement precision
If traditional control methods are used for phase switching, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over phase states and timing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic timer values and time stamps that can be adjusted in real-time to control phase switching precision. The timer-based approach allows flexible, dynamic control of switching moments without requiring complex hardware circuits, achieving high precision through software-defined timing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from simple on/off signals to time-stamped control signals with precise timing information. By encoding timing data directly in the control signals and using timer comparisons, the system achieves precise phase control while keeping the overall device architecture relatively simple.
3Reliability
If nodes operate independently without centralized timing control, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization between nodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The central unit serves as a timing intermediary that distributes synchronized time stamps to all nodes. This centralized timing reference ensures reliable synchronization across the network without requiring complex peer-to-peer synchronization protocols between nodes, maintaining system reliability while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods for providing a pulse-width modulated power signal in which control signals are used to define phase states and duration. The invention further relates to a corresponding node and to a corresponding system.