ADSYNX - Adaptive Control Method for Signal Synchronization
Challenge
The transmission of electrical or optical signal groups often leads to different travel times and asynchronous arrival at a detector. This can occur due to multiple reasons including, but not restricted to, differences in production (material properties), thermally induced differences, different transmission delays in the system, etc., even if the signal source is identical. In addition, widening of pulse groups or other distortions can happen. Processing of such signals requires prior temporal synchronization for which ADSYNC offers a powerful solution. Methods based on conventional control mechanisms have various disadvantages based on the type of synchronization. In most cases, recurring calibration is necessary, while at the same time these methods are limited in temporal resolution or concerning the type of signals which can be synchronized.
Our Solution
The present invention suggests a smart method for the synchronization of any number of electrical or optical signals in a fast, iterative and adaptive way. Due to this, the adaptive synchronization system –ADSYNX– does not require any calibration procedure. ADSYNX continuously analyzes the different signal arrival times at the detector and creates a control signal that can be used with any application to shift signal groups accordingly until synchronization is achieved.
Figure 1: Data showing signal synchronization within ~600 µs at 100 MHz carrier frequency.
Advantage
- The non-linear characteristics of the control signal allow for very fast synchronization.
- Adaptive procedure, calibration not needed, flexible response to fluctuating initial conditions
- Usable for any electrical or optical signals
- Modular system: block wise expansion is possible, any possible number of signals can be synchronized
- Implementable in analogue as well as digital hardware
Applications
The present invention is relevant for the fast temporal synchronization of electrical or optical signals. It provides substantial advantage for any application that benefits from synchronous signal input allowing for precise post-processing. The degree of the initial signal skew is not relevant and synchronization does not depend on it.
Example application domains:
- Telecommunication, GPS, Clock-synchronization in wireless transmission, augmented reality, and essentially all systems where synchronous signal transmission is relevant.
Example technologies:
- Fiber optic-based transmission systems as well as wire-based or wireless transmission up to the GHz regime.
Development Status
Algorithm and optoelectronic setup are complete and ready to use. A low-frequency fully analogue version of a two-channel synchronization system was built for demonstration purposes.
Patent Status
German patent application granted: DE 10 2022 132 996
PCT patent application filed: WO 2024/126347
Patent holder: Georg-August-University of Göttingen Public Law Foundation.
Kontakt
- Dr. Mirza Mackovic
- Patent Manager Physik & Technik
- mmackovic@sciencebridge.de
- +49 551 30724 153
- MM-2396-SUG
