Multi-Channel PWM Synchronization Using LCM Timing Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current signal control methods fail to achieve synchronous control of multi-channel PWM signals, leading to phase differences and deviations in apparatus control due to prolonged operation.

Innovation Solution

A signal control method that synchronizes multi-channel target signals by acquiring reference signals, determining a synchronization period based on the least common multiple of their periods, and generating synchronization instructions to adjust the target signals within this period, ensuring all signals change waveform simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multi-channel PWM signals are controlled without synchronization mechanism, then control simplicity is maintained, but phase differences occur leading to control deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidsignal synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a synchronization signal as an intermediary element that mediates between the clock signal and multiple PWM channels. This synchronization signal is generated based on the least common multiple of different PWM periods and is used to align the start times of all PWM channels, thereby eliminating phase differences while maintaining a unified control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary synchronization by calculating the least common multiple of different PWM periods in advance and generating a synchronization signal before the PWM channels are activated. This preliminary action ensures that all channels are pre-aligned to the same timing reference, preventing phase differences from occurring during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If synchronization control is implemented for multi-channel PWM, then signal synchronization is achieved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal synchronizationVSAvoidcontrol structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal synchronization mechanism that can handle multiple PWM channels with different periods using a single synchronization signal. The synchronization signal generation module serves multiple functions: it calculates the least common multiple, generates the timing reference, and distributes synchronization information to all channels, thereby reducing overall control complexity despite the added synchronization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different PWM periods are used for various channels, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining synchronization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePWM period variationVSAvoidphase consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the synchronization signal period based on the least common multiple of different PWM channel periods. This parameter change allows the synchronization mechanism to adapt to various PWM configurations while maintaining phase consistency. The system can handle different PWM periods by simply recalculating the LCM and regenerating the synchronization signal, preserving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4489294A1Signal control method, device, and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 SHENZHEN LICHI SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4489294A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4489294A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4489294A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present application discloses a signal control method, a device and an electronic apparatus, the method comprises: in the case of receiving a first control command to synchronize a plurality of target signals, acquiring a reference signal corresponding to each of the target signals, wherein the value of the reference signal controls waveform changes of the corresponding target signal in an incremental or decremental process; determining, based on the periods of the plurality of reference signals, a reference periodic signal with a synchronization period, wherein the synchronization period is associated with the period of each of the reference signals, and a first reference value in the reference periodic signal is used to instruct to perform a synchronization operation on all of the target signals within the synchronization period; determining, based on the reference periodic signal, a corresponding synchronization instruction to control the target signals to be synchronized within the synchronization period. The method can achieve the control of the synchronization of multi-channel target signals.