Pulse-Based Clock Synchronization Across Variable Signal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed digital and mixed-signal systems face challenges in maintaining clock synchronization due to varying electrical path lengths and radiation-induced effects, leading to improper functionality and potential shutdowns in space-based and high-altitude assets.
Innovation Solution
A pulse-based synchronization method where a central device generates variably delayed synchronization pulses to determine phase offsets between clocks, allowing destination devices to sample their clocks and return sample values, enabling the central device to calculate and adjust for phase discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital systems operate at higher speeds, then productivity is improved, but clock synchronization becomes more difficult to maintain due to varying electrical path lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the central device sends synchronization pulses to destination devices, which sample their local clocks in response and return sample values. The central device uses these samples to determine phase offsets and calculate delay amounts, then adjusts subsequent synchronization pulses accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system continuously maintains clock synchronization even at high operating speeds where varying electrical path lengths would otherwise cause desynchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or hardware-based clock synchronization methods with a pulse-based measurement and calculation system. Instead of relying on fixed physical clock distribution networks that are sensitive to path length variations, the system uses timing pulses, digital sampling, and computational determination of phase offsets to achieve synchronization. This substitution of mechanical timing with electronic measurement and digital processing enables reliable synchronization at higher operating speeds.
2Device complexity
If varying electrical path lengths are present between central device and processing devices, then system complexity is reduced through distributed architecture, but phase offset between clocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces synchronization pulses as an intermediary mechanism between the central device and destination devices. These pulses serve as timing references that allow each device to measure its local clock phase relative to the central device clock. The variable delay circuitry acts as another intermediary, dynamically adjusting pulse timing to compensate for path length differences. This intermediary approach enables distributed architecture to function without suffering from phase offset issues caused by varying electrical paths.
3Reliability
If radiation effects are present in space-based and high-altitude assets, then system reliability deteriorates due to improper functionality and potential shutdowns, but operational continuity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service synchronization system where each destination device independently samples its own local clock in response to synchronization pulses and returns the samples to the central device. The central device then autonomously determines phase offsets and calculates the precise delay amounts needed for each destination device. This self-service approach, where devices monitor and adjust their own timing based on measured conditions, makes the system more resilient to radiation effects by eliminating reliance on external timing references that could be disrupted by radiation-induced failures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for synchronizing the clocks of a central device and one or more destination devices are disclosed. In some embodiments the central device and destination devices are implemented in a space-based or high-altitude asset. The central device provides a series of synchronization pulses to the one or more destination devices. In response to detecting, at the destination device, the synchronization pulse, a sample of the destination device clock is stored in a register. The sample is provided to the central device. The sequence is repeated at least once. A phase offset between the central device clock and the destination device clock may be determined based on the returned samples and the position of the samples within the register.