Off-line synchronization of measurements based on a common pseudorandom binary signal

Area of Science:

• Measurement Science
• Signal Processing
• Data Synchronization

Background:

• Postprocessing synchronization methods require overlapping information from simultaneous measurements.
• Existing methods either need absolute time recording or rely on parameter overlap.
• Centralized time recording is often infeasible in distributed measurement systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a robust postprocessing synchronization method.
• To enable precise relative time information extraction when a central clock is unavailable.
• To utilize a simple, versatile common signal modulation technique.

Main Methods:

• Employing a common signal modulated by a binary pseudorandom noise (PRN) code.
• Leveraging the overlap of information within the modulated common signal for synchronization.
• Recording the PRN-modulated signal on various digital or analog media.

Main Results:

• The pseudorandom noise (PRN) code effectively enhances the extraction of relative time information.
• This method provides high-precision time difference information.
• The binary PRN code is suitable for diverse recording media without complex converters.

Conclusions:

• Modulating a common signal with a binary pseudorandom noise (PRN) code offers a precise and practical solution for postprocessing synchronization.
• This technique overcomes the limitations of centralized time recording in simultaneous measurements.
• The PRN method has demonstrated success across various environments and applications.