Wireless Clock Synchronization via Broadcast Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock distribution architectures face challenges in synchronizing clocks across a system, with central clock sources requiring noise shielding and significant power consumption, while distributed clock systems lack synchronization due to independent operation.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly synchronized clock network using a master clock device to generate a synchronization signal that is transmitted and received by node devices, allowing them to synchronize their internal clock signals, thereby eliminating the need for physical signal routing and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central clock source is used to generate and route clock signals throughout the system, then clock synchronization is achieved, but noise shielding requirements and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the clock distribution function into multiple independent clock sources distributed throughout the system, with each source serving a local region. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single central clock source, reducing the power consumption and noise issues associated with long trace routing while maintaining synchronization through wireless coordination between distributed sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication channel is introduced as an intermediary to coordinate between distributed clock sources. Instead of directly routing clock signals through noisy trace lines or consuming excessive power from a central source, the wireless intermediary enables synchronization information exchange, allowing distributed sources to operate independently while maintaining system-wide synchronization.
2Ease of operation
If many different clock sources are scattered throughout the system near the chips to be driven, then clock routing is straightforward and degradation is minimal, but synchronization is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Distributed clock sources are equipped with receivers that capture wireless synchronization signals from other clock sources in the network. Each clock source continuously adjusts its operation based on feedback received from the wireless medium, enabling automatic synchronization while maintaining the routing simplicity of having locally-placed clock sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Each distributed clock source is designed to perform multiple functions: generating local clock signals for nearby chips, receiving wireless synchronization signals from other clock sources, and potentially transmitting synchronization information to the wireless medium. This multi-functionality enables both easy local routing and system-wide synchronization through the same distributed components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables synchronization of independent local clocks across a system, reducing noise effects and power consumption, while providing a flexible and efficient clock distribution method that can be applied to various applications, including enterprise routers and automotive systems.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter circuit may be configured to generate a synchronization signal in response to the first clock signal and wirelessly transmit a broadcast signal communicating only the synchronization signal
Implementation Method 2
The respective receiver circuit may be configured to receive the broadcast signal and present a recovered synchronization signal to the respective second clock generating circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first device comprising a first clock generating circuit and a transmitter circuit, and a plurality of second devices, each comprising a respective receiver circuit and a respective second clock generating circuit. The first clock generating circuit may be configured to generate a first clock signal, which may provide internal clocking for the first device. The transmitter circuit may be configured to generate a synchronization signal in response to the first clock signal and wirelessly transmit a broadcast signal communicating only the synchronization signal. The respective receiver circuit may be configured to receive the broadcast signal and present a recovered synchronization signal to the respective second clock generating circuit. The respective second clock generating circuit may be configured to generate a respective intermediate clock signal, synchronize the respective intermediate clock signal with the recovered synchronization signal, and generate a respective second clock signal that provides internal clocking for the second device.