Multi-Channel Signal I/O Sample-Rate Switching With Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inputting and outputting signals in electronic circuits with multiple channels face challenges in maintaining synchronism when switching between different sample rates, leading to inconsistent temporal relationships in recorded data.
Innovation Solution
A method that configures each channel to a standard sample period, synchronizes all channels, detects a modified sample period, calculates a waiting time based on the current counter value and the new sample period, and initiates the channel after the waiting time has elapsed, ensuring synchronism across channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sample rates are switched during runtime to adapt to different signal requirements, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining synchronism between channels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates and stores the required waiting time in advance based on the current counter value and the new sample period before actually switching the sample rate. This preliminary calculation ensures that when the sample rate switch occurs, all channels will be resynchronized at the correct moment, maintaining temporal relationships without requiring complex real-time coordination during the actual transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waiting time mechanism as an intermediary element between the old and new sample rates. This waiting time acts as a buffer that coordinates the transition, ensuring that channels switching at different rates will realign properly. The waiting time serves as a mediator that resolves the timing conflicts inherent in multi-channel sample rate switching.
2Reliability
If all channels are configured to switch sample rates simultaneously, then synchronism is maintained, but the complexity of coordinating channel switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each channel independently calculates its own waiting time based on its current counter value and the desired new sample period. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized coordination logic, as each channel autonomously determines when to switch to maintain synchronism with other channels, reducing overall system coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waiting time for each channel is calculated in advance using a standardized formula that incorporates the current counter value and new sample period. This preliminary calculation allows channels to independently prepare for the switch without requiring real-time communication or complex coordination protocols during the actual transition.
3Measurement precision
If channels operate with different sample periods to optimize for specific signals, then measurement precision is improved, but maintaining consistent temporal relationships becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic sample period adjustment for individual channels based on their specific signal requirements. Channels can operate at different sample periods during normal operation to optimize measurement precision for their respective signals, while the system dynamically coordinates transitions to maintain temporal relationships when switches occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Before switching sample rates, the system calculates the required waiting time in advance to ensure that channels operating at different sample periods will realign properly. This preliminary action allows channels to maintain different sample periods for optimization while ensuring temporal consistency is restored at switch points.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inputting and/or outputting signals having a selectable sample rate in a time-synchronized manner on a group of input and/or output channels of an electronic circuit includes: configuring each channel of the group at a standard sample period; synchronously initiating all the channels of the group at the standard sample period; detecting an entry for a modified sample period TPeriod of a first channel of the group; detecting a current counter value TCounter; configuring the first channel at the modified sample period; establishing a waiting time of TWaiting clocks in accordance with TWaiting=TPeriod−mod(TCounter, TPeriod), where mod (TCounter, TPeriod) denotes the division remainder from the current counter value TCounter and the modified sample period TPeriod; and initiating the first channel after the waiting time TWaiting.