Sequence Signal Generator with Two-Stage Delay for Higher Time Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequence signal generators using high-speed clock methods face limitations in achieving higher time precision due to the constraints of clock frequency, making them unsuitable for applications requiring higher precision.
Innovation Solution
A sequence signal generator comprising a communication module, waveform output module, waveform data storage module, and time delay module with preliminary and secondary delay units, where the delay times of these units are optimized to improve time precision by reducing the length of the delay chain and minimizing non-linearity, allowing for precise control of pulse width and timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed clock method is used to generate square wave sequence signal, then operating frequency can reach GHz level, but time precision is limited to nanosecond level and cannot be further improved
Solution Approach 1:
The delay chain is segmented into multiple delay units with different delay times. The first delay unit has a delay time of 0.5-2ns and the second delay unit has a delay time of 0.1-0.5ns. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher time precision by using the second delay unit for fine-tuning after the first delay unit provides coarse delay, breaking the limitation of single-clock-cycle precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The first delay unit performs preliminary delay processing on the square wave sequence signal before the second delay unit performs secondary delay processing. This preliminary action approach allows the system to first establish a baseline delay and then refine it, achieving time precision beyond what a single high-speed clock can provide.
2Measurement precision
If delay chain length is increased to achieve higher time precision, then non-linearity impact increases, but time precision is improved
Solution Approach 1:
Different delay units are designed with different delay time characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first delay unit uses larger delay times (0.5-2ns) for coarse delay, while the second delay unit uses smaller delay times (0.1-0.5ns) for fine precision adjustment. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve high time precision while minimizing the cumulative non-linearity impact that would occur with a uniform long delay chain.
Data Source
AI summary
A sequence signal generator and a sequence signal generation method are provided. In the sequence signal generation method, a waveform output instruction sent by a host computer is received to acquire waveform data. The waveform data includes original square wave sequence data and target square wave sequence data, and the target square wave sequence data includes a preliminary delay parameter and a secondary delay parameter. An original square wave sequence signal is acquired according to the original square wave sequence data. According to the preliminary delay parameter, preliminary delay processing is performed on the original square wave sequence signal to acquire an intermediate square wave sequence signal, and according to the secondary delay parameter, secondary delay processing is performed on the intermediate square wave sequence signal to acquire a target square wave sequence signal.