Timing Signal Regeneration Using Reference-Clock Relationship Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timing signal generation methods in electronic devices face challenges in maintaining accuracy and synchronization, especially when the primary time reference signal is lost or degraded, leading to errors due to fluctuations in local clock sources.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that generate a timing signal by receiving two signals indicating successive time intervals and determining a relationship between them, allowing the timing signal to be synchronized with a more accurate reference signal, even if the primary signal is lost, by periodically updating the relationship to account for changes in periodicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a local clock source is used to generate timing signals, then the device can operate independently, but the timing accuracy drifts over time due to fluctuations in the local clock
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relationship between the first signal from the reference time source and the second signal from the local clock source, dynamically adjusting the timing signal generation based on detected drift or fluctuations. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain timing accuracy while operating with a local clock source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines the relationship between the first and second signals during periods when the reference signal is available, storing this relationship information for later use. When the reference signal becomes unavailable, the pre-determined relationship enables the system to continue generating accurate timing signals without immediate drift.
2Measurement precision
If the timing signal is continuously adjusted to track the reference signal, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable when the reference signal is lost or degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares backup timing information by determining and storing the relationship between the reference signal and local clock signal in advance. This cushioning mechanism ensures that when the reference signal is lost or degraded, the system can immediately switch to using the pre-determined relationship without experiencing a breakdown in timing accuracy or synchronization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the relationship between time signals is determined periodically, then the system can adapt to changes in clock periodicity, but additional processing is required which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the relationship between the first and second signals at periodic intervals rather than continuously. This periodic determination approach allows the system to adapt to changes in clock periodicity due to temperature variations and other factors, while reducing the processing complexity compared to continuous determination.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for generating a timing signal having an input for receiving a first signal indicating successive time intervals, means for receiving a second signal indicating successive time intervals, and a generator adapted to generate a timing signal based on the second signal and on a relationship between one or more time intervals of the first signal and one or more time intervals of the second signal. This arrangement enables a timing signal to be generated using a time signal produced by a source or device and to be based on a time signal produced by another source or device.