When you hear the word "synchronize," you might think of synchronized swimming. Or, perhaps, synchronizing your watches to the official US time from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Well, we are talking about the same thing related to electronic signaling phase synchronization.
For example, a group of synchronized swimmers are swimming backstroke at the same rate. The number of backstrokes per second is analogous to signal frequency. If their hand strokes are all perfectly timed, we can say they are phase synchronized. Clocks and watches are also phase aligned if their 'second' hands are in synch.
Today, we'll look at what phase synchronization is from electronic signaling perspective and how to easily generate phase synchronized electronic signals with a function generator. We'll also look at some applications where you need two-phase synchronized signals.
So, what is phase synchronization and how do you set them up with a function generator?
Figure 2 shows two sinewaves (yellow & dark green waves) that are phase synchronized. The light green wave is 90° angle phase shifted from the dark green wave and yellow wave.
Figure 2. Two signals that are phase-synchronized and another signal with 90° phase difference.
When testing, you may want to intentionally set a phase difference between the two output waveforms. The Trueform function generators allow you to set the phase difference in degree angle, in radians or a phase offset in time. All you need to do is simply select "Phase" under the Parameters menu button, and enter your phase angle.
Another way to create two identical, phase synchronized waveforms is tracking mode. Tracking mode is a simple way to make both outputs identical. To set up tracking mode, you first choose your desired waveform. In this case, we'll use the same square wave with 3 kHz frequency and 100 mV on Channel 1. Then, select Dual Channel operation by pressing the Channel 1 Output button, and turn on the Tracking mode. (see Figure 4).
This helps reduce the complexity of simulating mechanical gear systems with fixed ratios and always requires phase synchronization. AC inductive motors also require phase synchronization of sinusoidal waveforms.
The example in Figure 4 shows how to create two identical phase synchronized waveforms. Additionally, you can also create two identical, but complementary (opposite amplitude) waveforms by selecting the "Inverted" option.
Sometimes, you need to intentionally set a phase offset between your two waveforms for testing. Here is one example: If you have a custom pair of IQ signals, you will want to keep a 90° phase angle relationship between your I and Q channels. To accomplish this, you simply set the signals to start at the same time and then load both custom signals onto Channels 1 and 2 respectively. Finally, go to the parameters menu and press SYNC ARBS button.
Now you know how to phase synchronized two waveforms together to enable you to quickly simulate signals and test your devices or systems.
Keysight's waveform generators are the ideal solution for this type of analysis. It simplifies setup, leaving you more time to run actual testing. The signal generation process has never been simpler, quicker and, less frustrating.
To learn more about phase synchronizing two waveforms with a waveform generator, check out the "5 key tips for getting the most out of your waveform generator" eBook.