Abstract: A device for continuous measurement of average molecular weight and polarity of a hydrocarbon stream. Information from the apparatus will be used to characterize the quality of charge stocks and hydrocarbon components of process or utility units. This instrument is based on the concept that each hydrocarbon molecule has a distinct viscosity at a given temperature. While some different weight molecules may have nearly the same viscosity at one temperature, the rate of change of the viscosity is different for each molecule as temperature changes. By observing the viscosity of a hydrocarbon mixture in a closed loop sampling system at two different temperatures, along with specific gravity of the mixture, the average molecular weight of the mixture can be determined. Likewise, different molecular structure (ringed aromatic hydrocarbon molecules versus straight chain hydrocarbon molecules) will have a unique polarity due to differences in electron density for the different structures.

Abstract: Synchronization management is provided for a continuous serial data streaming application wherein the serial data stream includes a plurality of consecutive, identical-length segments of consecutive serial data bits. Synchronization management bits are provided in each segment. The synchronization management bits are programmed such that the synchronization management bits contained in first and second adjacent segments of the serial data stream will bear a predetermined relationship to one another. At the receiving end, the synchronization management bits are examined from segment to segment. In this manner, synchronization can be monitored, synchronization loss can be detected, and synchronization recovery can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for recovering data includes generating a plurality of out-of-phase clock signals. The method also includes generating samples of an incoming data signal, where a plurality of samples are generated using each of the plurality of clock signals. The method further includes selecting one of the plurality of clock signals and providing the samples generated using the selected clock signal. The incoming data signal may be received over a serial interface that includes a clock line for transporting a main clock signal. The out-of-phase clock signals could be approximately 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° out-of-phase with respect to the main clock signal. The out-of-phase clock signals could be used to clock different registers that sample the incoming data signal. The selected clock signal could be selected by identifying a transition that occurs between samples associated with two of the clock signals and then selecting another of the clock signals.

Abstract: A method for dynamically selecting a clock edge for recovering read data received from a slave at a master is provided that includes determining whether an internal clock signal is high when a first bit of read data is received at the master. One of a falling edge and a rising edge of the internal clock signal are selected for recovering the read data based on the determination of whether the internal clock signal is high when the first bit of read data is received at the master.