Time of day synchronization and distribution within a multiprocessor embedded system and related methods

Abstract

A software-defined radio includes a pair of radio subsystems such as a red (command) and black (data) radio subsystem having an operating environment conforming to the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) specification, for example, as used for Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) . A clock is read by at least one of the radio subsystems for determining time of day. A processor of the radio subsystem is operative for distributing the time of day to the radio subsystems using a global hardware timing pulse. Each processor can include a free-running timer to which any time sources within the pair of radio subsystems are set.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a Software Communications Architecture (SCA) for radios and other applications with embedded processors. Background technique

[0002] With advances in processing power and programming techniques, software-defined mobile wireless communication devices (eg, radios) are becoming increasingly popular. Rather than relying on hardware and circuit components to perform tasks such as frequency, modulation, bandwidth, security functions, and waveform requirements, these functions are performed by software modules or components within the software defined radio. That is, with a software defined radio, the analog signal is converted to the digital domain where the functions described above are performed using digital signal processing.

[0003] Since most functions of the radio are controlled by software, software defined radios can typically be implemented by relatively standard processors and hardware components. This not onl...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028] Various embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. Many different forms may be set forth and the embodiments described should not be construed as limited to those set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numbers in the drawings indicate like elements, and primed symbols are used to indicate like elements within alternative embodiments.

[0029] In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the free-running timer is synchronized within a counter, such as in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and the time source is locked relative to the free-running counter. The system captures these deviations and distribution deviations in the system. Time can be as precise as it is clocked in the FPGA. ...

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a Software Communications Architecture (SCA) for radios and other applications with embedded processors. Background technique

[0002] With advances in processing power and programming techniques, software-defined mobile wireless communication devices (eg, radios) are becoming increasingly popular. Rather than relying on hardware and circuit components to perform tasks such as frequency, modulation, bandwidth, security functions, and waveform requirements, these functions are performed by software modules or components within the software defined radio. That is, with a software defined radio, the analog signal is converted to the digital domain where the functions described above are performed using digital signal processing.

[0003] Since most functions of the radio are controlled by software, software defined radios can typically be implemented by relatively standard processors and hardware components. This not onl...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028] Various embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. Many different forms may be set forth and the embodiments described should not be construed as limited to those set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numbers in the drawings indicate like elements, and primed symbols are used to indicate like elements within alternative embodiments.

[0029] In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the free-running timer is synchronized within a counter, such as in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and the time source is locked relative to the free-running counter. The system captures these deviations and distribution deviations in the system. Time can be as precise as it is clocked in the FPGA. ...

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