Signal Source Synchronization Circuit Phase Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signal source synchronization circuits face accuracy degradation due to variations in signal timing caused by unequal distances between signal source circuits and trigger generators, leading to inconsistent phase synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A signal source synchronization circuit that includes a reference signal source, phase-adjusting signal source circuits, and time difference measurement circuits to measure and adjust phase delays, ensuring synchronized phase alignment across signal source circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trigger signal is used to synchronize multiple signal source circuits, then phase synchronization is achieved, but synchronization accuracy degrades when distances between circuits and trigger generator are unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical trigger signal transmission method with an optical method. Optical fibers are used to transmit timing reference signals from each signal source circuit to a central collection point, eliminating the dependency on physical distance and cable length variations that plague electrical trigger signal methods. This substitution of transmission medium fundamentally resolves the synchronization accuracy degradation caused by unequal distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary transmission media between the signal source circuits and the central timing collection point. These optical fibers serve as mediators that carry timing reference signals without being significantly affected by length variations, thus maintaining synchronization accuracy regardless of the physical distance between components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal paths of different lengths are used to connect signal source circuits, then system flexibility is improved, but signal timing variations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission using optical fibers. This replacement allows signal paths of different lengths to be used without causing timing variations, as optical transmission is less susceptible to propagation delay differences compared to electrical transmission. The system thus gains flexibility in cable routing and length selection while maintaining timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical conductor to optical fiber. This parameter change fundamentally alters the propagation characteristics, making the signal transmission less sensitive to path length variations. The optical transmission medium has different physical properties that allow flexible cable routing without compromising timing precision.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A signal source synchronization circuit includes: a first TDC circuit (12) that measures a first path delay time (τa1) which is a time difference between an input time of a trigger signal to a first input terminal (a) and an input time of the trigger signal to a second input terminal (b); and a second TDC circuit (13) that measures a second path delay time (τa2) which is a time difference between an input time of the trigger signal to a first input terminal (a) and an input time of the trigger signal to a second input terminal (b), wherein a first phase shifter adjustment circuit (5) sets a phase adjustment amount corresponding to the first path delay time (τa1) in a first phase shifter (3), and a second phase shifter adjustment circuit (9) sets a phase adjustment amount corresponding to the second path delay time (τa2) in a second phase shifter (7).