Time Measuring Device Fine Coarse Counter Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time measuring devices are not capable of measuring time quickly enough, as they rely on traditional methods that do not efficiently combine fine and coarse count values to determine accurate time measurements.
Innovation Solution
A time measuring device is designed with a signal generating circuit producing reference signals with different phases, a first counter for fine count values, and a second counter for coarse count values, along with a control unit that corrects the coarse count value using a bin number calculation based on fine and coarse correction values, allowing for faster and more accurate time measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional time measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but measurement speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The time measurement process is segmented into fine measurement (first counter) and coarse measurement (second counter) components. The first counter measures time with high precision using high-frequency reference signals, while the second counter provides coarse time intervals using lower-frequency signals. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high speed and high accuracy simultaneously by combining the strengths of each measurement level.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency reference signals are used for fine measurement, then measurement precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fine measurement counter and coarse measurement counter into a unified time-to-digital converter system. Both counters share common control signals, reset mechanisms, and output processing logic. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent measurement systems, while maintaining high precision through the coordinated operation of both counters.
3Productivity
If continuous time measurement is required, then productivity improves, but measurement errors may accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the outputs of both counters and dynamically adjusts measurement parameters. The coarse counter provides feedback to validate and correct fine counter measurements, ensuring that accumulated errors are detected and corrected. This feedback loop maintains measurement reliability during continuous operation while preserving high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A time measuring device comprises a signal generating circuit configured to generate a plurality of reference signals in an equivalent cycle with different phases; a first counter configured to output a fine count value, using a plurality of first pulse signals obtained from the plurality of reference signals; a second counter configured to output a coarse count value, using a plurality of second pulse signals obtained from the plurality of reference signals and having frequencies lower than frequencies of the plurality of first pulse signals; and a control unit configured to determine whether to correct the coarse count value in accordance with the fine count value and the coarse count value latched with a latch signal, and, if the coarse count value needs to be corrected, configured to calculate a bin number, using the fine count value and a coarse correction value obtained by correcting the coarse count value.