Multi-Channel Timing Calibration via Multiplexer Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-channel timing calibration methods require multiple device interface panels and additional circuit boards for large numbers of channels, leading to complex calibration processes, increased costs, and decreased efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-channel timing calibration device utilizing a single calibration panel with a relay switch, comparator, multiplexer, and time measurement chip to detect and calibrate timing differences across multiple channels, ensuring consistent and aligned waveforms without the need for multiple circuit boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple device interface panels and additional circuit boards are used for multi-channel timing calibration, then the number of channels that can be calibrated increases, but the device complexity and calibration process complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of channelsVSAvoidcalibration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple calibration functions into a single device interface panel. The multiplexer allows one panel to handle multiple channels by time-division multiplexing, combining what would traditionally require separate panels into one integrated unit. This reduces the number of circuit boards and simplifies the overall calibration system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single device interface panel is designed with universal functionality to calibrate multiple channels through the multiplexer. The same panel and comparator can sequentially serve different channels, making the calibration device multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated panels for each channel or channel group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple device interface panels are used for multi-channel timing calibration, then more channels can be calibrated, but the calibration time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of channelsVSAvoidcalibration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexer implements periodic action by sequentially switching between different channels in a time-division manner. Each channel receives calibration attention in periodic intervals, allowing a single panel to service multiple channels efficiently. This sequential periodic operation enables one panel to accomplish what would traditionally require multiple parallel panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process maintains continuity through the multiplexer's seamless channel switching. While one channel is being calibrated, the system prepares for the next channel, ensuring continuous useful action without idle time. The comparator and calibration circuitry remain continuously engaged, just redirected to different channels through the multiplexer switching action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Quantity of substance

If multiple device interface panels are used for multi-channel timing calibration, then the channel capacity increases, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of channelsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple calibration functions into a single device interface panel, reducing the total number of circuit boards and components required. By merging what would traditionally be separate calibration panels into one unit with multiplexer control, the bill of materials is reduced, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to calibrate multiple channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11531065B2Multi-channel timing calibration device and method

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 YOUNGTEK ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A multi-channel timing calibration device and a method applicable thereto are provided. The device includes: a plurality of channel inputs, at least one relay switch, at least one comparator, at least one first multiplexer, and a time measurement chip. The at least one comparator is connected to the at least one relay switch, and connected to a reference voltage or a digital analog converter. The at least one first multiplexer has different signals for different channel groups and outputs a signal of a designated channel. The time measurement chip calculates a timing difference of each of the channels of each of the channel inputs as a basis for delay of the timing signals.