System and method for multiplexing a time-reference signal and a frequency-reference signal

Abstract

A system may include a bus carrying signals, a frame pulse generator generating a generally periodic frame pulse signal having timing boundaries delineating consecutive timing periods and a frame pulse enable signal active for a portion of each timing period proximate to the timing boundaries and inactive otherwise, a first controlled buffer driving the frame pulse signal on the bus during durations in which the frame pulse enable signal is active to generate a modified frame pulse, a reference clock controller receiving the modified frame pulse via the bus and generating a reference clock enable signal in response to presence of the modified frame pulse, a reference clock generator generating a generally periodic reference clock signal, and a second controlled buffer driving the reference clock signal on the bus during durations in which the reference clock enable signal is active to generate a modified reference clock.