Reference Clock Synchronization Across Isolated Signal Processing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid transmission type field devices, the need for electrical insulation between signal processing and output units increases costs and can lead to noise intrusion and signal drop-out, affecting synchronization accuracy between pre-processing and post-processing units.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization apparatus that uses insulation circuits to isolate the signal processing units while generating and synchronizing reference clocks to maintain accurate timing between pre-processing and post-processing operations, reducing noise impact through phase control and filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical insulation is provided between signal processing unit and output unit in hybrid transmission type field device, then cost increases, but noise intrusion and signal drop-out are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An insulation circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the signal processing unit and output unit. This mediator provides the necessary electrical insulation to prevent noise intrusion and signal drop-out while maintaining signal integrity for synchronization between the pre-processing and post-processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device is segmented into electrically isolated units: detection unit, signal processing unit (with pre-processing and post-processing), and output unit. The insulation circuit creates distinct electrical zones that prevent noise propagation while allowing controlled signal transmission for synchronization purposes.
2Device complexity
If pre-processing and post-processing units are electrically insulated, then cost is reduced, but noise intrusion and signal drop-out occur affecting synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation circuit serves as a mediator that enables electrical insulation between pre-processing and post-processing units while simultaneously maintaining synchronization signal integrity. It allows the system to achieve cost reduction through insulation without sacrificing synchronization accuracy.
3Device complexity
If connection line is used between pre-processing and post-processing units, then electrical insulation is avoided, but noise superimposition and signal drop-out occur
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation circuit acts as an intermediary that replaces direct connection lines between pre-processing and post-processing units. It eliminates the harmful effects of noise superimposition and signal drop-out that occur in direct connections while maintaining necessary electrical connectivity for synchronization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A synchronization apparatus synchronizing an operation of a first processing unit pre-processing an input signal and an operation of a second processing unit post-processing on signal from the first processing unit, may include: a counting unit that operates with a period sufficiently shorter than a period of a first reference signal governing timing of pre-processing in the first processing unit, and outputting, when counting a set target count value, a second reference signal governing timing of post-processing in the second processing unit; a phase control unit that generates a control value controlling a phase difference of the second reference signal with respect to the first reference signal in accordance with a count value when the first reference signal is input; and a filter unit that filters the generated control value so as to determine the target count value to be set in the counting unit.