Multi-Reference Clock Synchronization Techniques
AssigneeBroadLogic Network Technologies, Inc.
InventorsBinfan Liu, Junyi Xu, Weimin Zhang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Efficient synchronization techniques that support multiple reference clocks in an EQAM device. Consider a plurality of different modulators in the EQAM device receiving data from a corresponding plurality of different sources having corresponding different timing references (i.e., different source reference clocks). To accommodate this, the modulators all operate using a common system clock, and each modulator is provided with a phase synchronizer. The phase synchronizer synchronizes the modulated symbol phases to the corresponding reference clock.
Claims1
Apparatus for use at a cable provider facility, the apparatus comprising:
- first and second modulators receiving data from respective first and second data sources and generating respective first and second symbol streams, the first and second data sources being characterized by respective different first and second source reference clocks;
- an input for receiving a system clock that is independent of said first and second reference clocks and is characterized by a system clock period;
- and
- first and second phase synchronizers coupled to said first and second modulators, respectively, each phase synchronizer having a source reference clock input, a system clock input, and an output coupled to the modulator;
- said first and second phase synchronizers and said first and second modulators operating in response to said system clock;
- each phase synchronizer responding to signals at its respective source reference clock and system clock inputs to provide symbol phase information to the respective modulator to synchronize the respective modulator to the reference clock while the modulator operates in response to said system clock.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.