Synthetic Instrument Clock Synchronization for Fast Swept Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic instrument systems face challenges in performing accurate swept-frequency measurements due to lack of synchronization between separate instruments, leading to slower measurement rates and reduced accuracy compared to traditional integrated systems.
Innovation Solution
A swept-frequency measurement test system that includes a plurality of test devices with associated clocks synchronized by a clock synchronization device, allowing for coordinated timing and eliminating the need for dedicated hardware triggering, utilizing protocols like IEEE 1588 for clock synchronization over a LAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If synthetic instrument systems use separate standalone devices for down-converter, digitizer, and controller, then system flexibility and modularity are improved, but synchronization accuracy and measurement precision deteriorate due to lack of hardware trigger connections
Solution Approach 1:
A timestamp server acts as an intermediary between independent test devices, providing a common time reference that enables precise synchronization without hardware trigger connections. Each device records timestamps of measurement events based on the shared time reference, allowing accurate correlation of measurements across multiple devices while maintaining system modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware trigger signals (mechanical/electrical connection) with software-based timestamp synchronization. Instead of using physical trigger connections to coordinate devices, the system uses software to record and correlate measurements based on timestamps derived from a common time reference, eliminating the need for direct hardware connections while maintaining synchronization.
2Quantity of substance
If stepped mode measurement is used in synthetic instruments, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement speed deteriorates due to additional overhead for each frequency step
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by establishing a common time reference and timestamp mechanism before measurements begin. This preliminary setup enables parallel data collection across multiple frequency steps without the overhead of sequential coordination, allowing the system to sweep through multiple frequencies simultaneously while maintaining accurate correlation of results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement action by allowing multiple devices to collect data simultaneously across different frequency steps using the common timestamp reference. Instead of stopping to coordinate between steps, the system maintains continuous operation with all devices working in parallel, eliminating idle time between frequency steps while ensuring proper data correlation through timestamps.
3Productivity
If swept mode measurement is implemented without hardware triggering, then measurement speed is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates in synthetic instrument systems
Solution Approach 1:
The timestamp server serves as an intermediary that provides the swept-frequency measurement system with accurate time reference without requiring hardware trigger connections. Each device records the timing of its measurements based on this common time reference, enabling the system to achieve both high sweep rates and accurate frequency alignment through software-based timestamp correlation.
Data Source
AI summary
A synthetic test system for swept-frequency measurements that has a clock synchronization device to enable test boxes and devices that form the synthetic test system to have a common sense of time when conducting swept-frequency tests.