Sinusoidal Signal Sampling With Phase-Error Timing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sampling sinusoidal signals often require generating an excitation signal or using short, uniform sampling periods, which are inefficient and resource-intensive, especially when sampling at specific non-uniform phase angles.

Innovation Solution

A phase-based sampling method that allows sampling at desired phase angles without generating an excitation signal, using a control loop to determine the time delay between samples, enabling sampling at non-uniform intervals and reducing the need for oversampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fixed uniform sampling periods are used, then sampling simplicity is maintained, but sampling cannot be limited to specific phase angles without additional processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidprocessing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual phase angle of the sinusoidal signal and using this information to dynamically adjust the sampling timing. The controller calculates the phase error between the actual and desired sampling phases, then modifies subsequent sampling intervals to correct this error, ensuring samples are taken at optimal phase angles for maximum signal-to-noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static fixed sampling periods to dynamic variable sampling periods. The sampling interval is continuously adjusted based on the measured phase angle and desired phase targets, allowing the system to adapt to signal variations and maintain optimal sampling timing without requiring complex preprocessing or oversampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If excitation signal generation is implemented to limit sampling to specific phase angles, then sampling precision is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling phase accuracyVSAvoidcontroller requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by having the controller measure the phase angle of the incoming sinusoidal signal itself and use this self-determined information to control its own sampling timing. This eliminates the need for external excitation signals or complex synchronization mechanisms, as the system uses the signal's own characteristics to guide sampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sampling parameter (sampling interval) dynamically based on the measured phase angle parameter. Instead of using a fixed sampling period, the system adjusts the sampling interval to ensure samples are acquired at the desired phase angles, achieving precise phase control through parameter adaptation rather than through excitation signal generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If short sampling periods are used to limit sampling to specific phase angles, then phase angle control is achieved, but processing time and memory utilization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase angle controlVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by measuring and storing the phase angle information of the sinusoidal signal before using it to determine sampling timing. This advance measurement allows the controller to calculate appropriate sampling intervals in advance, avoiding the need for rapid processing during the sampling instant and reducing real-time computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2663017B1Method for synchronizing sampling to sinusoidal inputs
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP2663017B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2663017B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for synchronizing input sampling to desired phase angles of sinusoidal signals including determining a delay time period for converging a next sample point to a next desired phase angle based on a phase error value.