Sampling Synchronization Circuit Using TDC Phase Error Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing sampling devices and setting specific output sample rates is challenging due to significant board design overhead and reduced accuracy caused by delays in clock signal routing and resampling errors, particularly when using a single pin interface for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a time-to-digital converter (TDC) to measure timing errors between the desired output data rate signal and the clock signal, allowing for accurate synchronization by adjusting phase delays and applying fractional time delays without complex circuitry, thereby improving synchronization accuracy and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pin interface is used to control output data rate, then synchronization between multiple sampling devices is improved, but timing accuracy is reduced due to delay between the applied ODR signal and the clock signal
Solution Approach 1:
A time-to-digital converter (TDC) is introduced as an intermediary component that measures the timing delay between the ODR signal and the clock signal. The TDC acts as a mediator that quantifies the phase difference and enables compensation, thereby maintaining both synchronization reliability and timing precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the TDC to continuously measure the timing delay and feed this information back to the synchronization circuit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust and compensate for phase differences, maintaining accurate timing synchronization between multiple devices.
2Reliability
If careful clock signal routing is implemented to synchronize sampling, then sampling synchronization is achieved, but board design overhead and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The TDC serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for complex clock signal routing. Instead of carefully matching physical clock routes across the board, the TDC measures and compensates for timing differences electronically, dramatically simplifying board design while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of carefully routed clock signals with an electronic measurement and compensation system. The TDC-based timing measurement substitutes for the complex physical clock distribution network, reducing board design overhead while achieving the same synchronization goal.
3Reliability
If resampling of the ODR signal is performed at the clock signal rate, then synchronization is maintained, but phase error is introduced reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The TDC provides continuous feedback on the phase difference between the ODR signal and clock signal. This feedback allows the system to detect and correct phase errors introduced by resampling, maintaining both synchronization and phase accuracy by dynamically adjusting for the measured timing delay.
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
The TDC enables precise synchronization and accurate sample rate setting across multiple sampling devices, eliminating the need for complex clock signal routing and enhancing the overall accuracy and efficiency of the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
a time-to-digital converter (TDC) configured to receive a first signal and a second signal, the second signal being delayed compared to the first signal and having a different frequency compared to the first signal
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
This disclosure relates to providing an improved synchronization circuit for a sampling device. In particular, it relates to providing a time-to-digital converter for improving the accuracy of a synchronization circuit for a data sampling device.