Arduino-based Clock Distribution Network

Hi Guys,

I'm looking to develop a Clock Distribution Network, based on Arduino, I've never built a Clock Distribution Network before so am looking for some advice.

My goal is to have one Arduino generate and send both a clock and sync signal to 4 ICs (nodes), up to 100m away, which will then require a repeater to amplify the clock signal so that it can be effectively read by the IC nodes. What would be the best way to set this up? Is it through Arduino or could a more simple circuit-based approach have the same effect?

Also, the clock signal needs to be 38.4 MHz. Can I use a larger clock and then divide this on the Arduino to send to the ICs?

There is also the opportunity to combine the Sync and Clock signals, but this seems like a more complex approach?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks,
Ben

The Arduino Uno has a 16MHz clock and the Arduino Due has an 84MHz clock, so either way, I don't see how you can get 38.4Mhz. Using an Arduino as an oscillator might not be the best approach.

Are you using this for a Time Difference of Arrival Real-time Location System?

Here is an Application Note for the DecaWave DW1000 chip showing how to use a wired Clock Distribution Network:

http://www.decawave.com/sites/default/files/resources/aps007_wired_sync_rtls_with_the_dw1000.pdf

Hi John,

That's exactly what I'm aiming to build, I have a few DWM1000 chips and am trying to get them synchronized.

I understand the notes there, I'm just unsure on how to use Arduino to get that result?

Thanks,
Ben

Thanks Doug, agree, my plan is to use an external clock and just use the Arduino to transmit the signal.

Answer covered here: DWM1000 and DW1000 - #7 by 1mrben1 - Sensors - Arduino Forum

I bought 6 DWM1000 for my study .
This is what I learn ,
I want to do TDoA, which require clock and sync signal.The most painful thing is that these only available on DW1000, so get back to DW1000??
NO. DW1000 calibration will be a nightmare and only I have seen Loligo and OpenRTLS use the DW1000.