Signal Synchronization via Iterative Perturbation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-end computer servers face challenges in synchronizing telemetry signals, which are essential for accurate fault detection and diagnosis, as these signals often drift out of synchronization over time, complicating pattern recognition and increasing downtime.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that iteratively perturb the timing of monitored signals to maximize the root-mean-square of cross-correlation coefficients, ensuring synchronization through a genetic-algorithm technique, where random lag or lead times are applied to signals until a predetermined threshold or convergence is reached, optimizing synchronization without exhaustive cross-correlation analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional exhaustive cross-correlation analysis is used to synchronize signals, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal synchronization problem into multiple iterations, where each iteration processes a subset of signals or a portion of the cross-correlation analysis. This segmentation allows the complex exhaustive analysis to be broken down into manageable chunks, reducing the computational burden while maintaining synchronization accuracy through progressive refinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary signal processing steps before performing the full cross-correlation analysis. This includes preprocessing signals to remove obvious noise, identify prominent features, or apply initial alignment based on known characteristics. This preliminary action reduces the search space for the exhaustive analysis, thereby reducing computational complexity while preserving synchronization accuracy.
2Reliability
If signals are monitored continuously to maintain synchronization, then fault detection reliability is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization checks rather than continuous monitoring. The system performs cross-correlation analysis at predetermined intervals or when specific triggering events occur, such as when synchronization degradation is detected or when diagnostic information is needed. This periodic approach maintains fault detection reliability while significantly reducing system resource consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the monitoring system to automatically adjust its operation based on detected conditions. When signals are well-synchronized, the system reduces monitoring intensity or enters a lower-power state. When synchronization degradation is detected, the system automatically increases monitoring frequency. This self-service mechanism maintains reliability while optimizing resource consumption based on actual system needs.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that optimizes synchronization between monitored signals in a computer system. During operation, the system receives a number of monitored signals. The system then forms a number of signal pairs by grouping each signal with every other signal. Next, the system optimizes synchronization between the signals by iteratively perturbing the timing of each signal in an attempt to increase the value of an objective function which reflects the overall synchronization between all the signals.