Seismic Clock Sync via Fiber Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seismic data acquisition systems face challenges in clock synchronization due to the need for a master clock to interface individually with remote units, limiting configuration and increasing complexity and labor, especially in environmentally sensitive areas with extensive cabling and varying terrain.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for conducting seismic surveys using a fiber optic network to synchronize seismic devices over a line and/or tree topology, where the master clock signal is encoded in a data stream and propagated through subsequent devices, allowing for clock synchronization without a dedicated physical channel, enabling efficient transmission of seismic data and command/control information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a master clock interfaces individually with each remote unit in a point-to-point topology, then clock synchronization precision is maintained, but device complexity and deployment labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual clock synchronization interfaces into a single shared fiber optic interface. The master clock signal is multiplexed with data and control signals onto a single fiber optic cable, allowing one interface to serve multiple remote units instead of requiring separate point-to-point connections for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits the master clock signal, carries seismic data, and conveys control information. This multi-functional interface replaces the traditional single-purpose dedicated clock synchronization connections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining synchronization precision.
2Area of stationary object
If extensive cabling is deployed over varying terrain to connect seismic sensors, then data acquisition coverage is expanded, but equipment and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable-based communication system with an optical fiber system. This substitution reduces the physical bulk and weight of cabling required, making deployment over varying terrain more efficient while expanding the achievable survey coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from electrical signal transmission through copper cables to optical signal transmission through fiber optics, adding the dimension of light-based communication. This enables longer transmission distances and larger survey areas without proportionally increasing cable deployment requirements.
3Reliability
If a dedicated physical channel is used for master clock signal transmission, then clock synchronization reliability is ensured, but network bandwidth and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The master clock signal is merged with data and control signals into a single fiber optic communication channel. This multiplexing approach maintains the reliability of clock synchronization by ensuring dedicated timing signal transmission while sharing the physical infrastructure with other signals, thereby reducing overall infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal multiplexing as an intermediary mechanism that allows the master clock signal to share the fiber optic infrastructure with data and control signals. This mediator enables reliable clock distribution without requiring a separate dedicated physical channel, optimizing infrastructure utilization.
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
This approach simplifies clock synchronization, reduces equipment and labor needs, and enhances data accuracy by allowing seamless propagation of the master clock signal through the network, improving the efficiency and precision of seismic data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
synchronizing a plurality of seismic devices over a fiber optic network
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates methods and apparatus for conducting a seismic survey using a fiber optic network. The method may include synchronizing a plurality of seismic devices over a fiber optic network where at least one of the seismic devices is separated from a master clock by at least one other seismic device. The method may also include encoding the master clock signal, transmitting the encoded master clock signal, and recovering the master clock signal. The apparatus may include a fiber optic network with seismic devices. The seismic devices may be arranged in a linear or tree topology.