Multiple channel distributed system and method

Abstract

A complex acquisition system and method for synchronizing components thereof. The complex acquisition system further including a master acquisition module. The master acquisition module further including an analog to digital acquisition signal generator for generating an analog to digital acquisition signal, a memory acquisition signal generator for generating a memory acquisition signal, a delay calibration signal for generating a delay calibration signal, a step source signal generator for generating a step source signal, and a synchronization module. The complex acquisition system further includes a plurality of slave acquisition modules, each also including a synchronization module. The complex acquisition system additionally includes a distribution system for distributing each of the analog to digital acquisition signal, memory acquisition signal, delay calibration signal and step source signal to each of the synchronization modules in the master and plurality of slave acquisition modules.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 245,940, filed Sep. 27, 2011 by Delbue et al., entitled MULTIPLE CHANNEL DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM AND METHOD, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention is related generally to a method and apparatus for providing a signal acquisition system having more than four channels. More particularly, the invention is related to a method and apparatus for synchronizing various elements of such a modular acquisition system allowing for any number of channels.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Test and measurement apparatuses in general, and oscilloscopes in particular, allow a user to view certain aspects of an electronic or other signal. In the case of a traditional digital oscilloscope, the apparatus allows the user to view an electronic signal presented to an input of the oscilloscope. Each oscilloscope is provi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Therefore, in accordance with the invention, a modular acquisition system is provided allowing for the addition of a potentially unlimited number of acquisition channels, but avoiding the problems associated with the traditional manufacture of a single, high channel unit. Thus, by allowing for the modular addition of one or more acquisition modules, not only are power, testing and yield issues remedied, but a user may add additional channels at a later date as necessary.

[0012]Thus, in addition to providing the overall modular system, a synchronization system for synchronizing the various acquisition modules is provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, each acquisition module is preferably provided with individual cooling units, thus alleviating the substantial cooling problems noted above. Finally, power may be provided to each acquisition module independently, thus avoiding the need for specialized power delivery systems.

Problems solved by technology

Distributing the appropriate clocks and synchronizing signals to ensure low jitter and low temperature drift are not easy.

Cable interconnect introduces additional unknown delays that have to be removed in a calibration process.

Ensuring alignment of the data in time for all the subsystems is problematic.

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