Multifunctional high-precision timing system equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses multifunctional high-precision timing equipment, and belongs to the technical field of telecommunication. The invention designs a timing system device which receives GNSS signals and then analyzes the GNSS signals into various data timing system information formats (pulse per second time signals, time information B codes, NTP protocols, special protocols and the like) required by a satellite communication system device. And then timing information is distributed through various physical interfaces. The method has the advantages that based on an atomic clock and an open protocol conversion design, through a unified integrated design, a high-precision homologous frequency reference is provided, multi-type timing information distribution is supported, and the high consistency of each equipment time system of a large-scale system is effectively ensured; a high-precision time unification system is established for a large-scale system in a one-to-many mode, the scale of system equipment is simplified, and stable operation of a complex system is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite communication technology, specifically to a multifunctional, high-precision time synchronization device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology and the construction and promotion of various GNSS systems worldwide, the Internet of Things has become a fundamental requirement for all industries. Conventional timekeeping and time distribution equipment (i.e., time synchronization equipment) can no longer meet the rapidly evolving needs of various systems in terms of time synchronization accuracy and application scenarios. In terms of time synchronization accuracy, many applications require accuracy better than 20ns; in terms of application scenarios, many systems require time synchronization methods beyond conventional B-codes and NTP protocols. Taking a satellite internet system as an example, this system includes satellites (payloads) in the space segment, and ground segment equipment such as operation and control centers, ground stations, core networks, access networks, and terminals. Establishing time unification in this system requires high-precision time synchronization signals in the form of interfaces such as B-codes, NTP protocols, and dedicated protocols. Currently, conventional time synchronization equipment cannot meet these requirements, and building large-scale systems necessitates the use of multiple sets of various types of time synchronization equipment.

[0003] There is an urgent need to address the diverse and high-precision timekeeping and timing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device. The time synchronization device receives various types of time synchronization signals (such as GNSS signals or externally input time synchronization signals), and then parses the time synchronization signals into various data time synchronization information formats (second pulse time signal, time information B code, NTP protocol, and dedicated time synchronization protocol, etc.). The time synchronization information is then distributed through multiple physical interfaces to ensure high-precision time consistency in large systems, and supports hardware and software customization of the time synchronization output interface.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] A multi-functional, high-precision timekeeping device, comprising:

[0007] The radio frequency module is used to receive GNSS signals or external analog time sources and output NMEA messages and demodulated second information;

[0008] The NTP interface module is used to receive NTP signals from an external time source and perform protocol parsing; the TOD interface module is used to receive TOD signals from an external time source and perform protocol parsing.

[0009] The signal processing module, connected to the radio frequency module, NTP interface module, and TOD interface module respectively, is used to receive and process time information from different time sources, perform time information demodulation, time synchronization, time source switching, B(DC) code modulation, TOD encoding, and shaping and level conversion of input and output signals, and output a unified TOD signal, 1PPS signal, and B(DC) code signal; the signal processing module is also equipped with an external time and frequency signal interface, which is used to cooperate with the timekeeping module to achieve high-precision timekeeping function;

[0010] A dedicated onboard protocol timing module is connected to the signal processing module to receive the TOD signal and 1PPS signal output by the module, and to output the TOD signal after protocol encoding according to the loaded dedicated protocol software.

[0011] The network communication module is connected to the onboard dedicated protocol timing module and is used to load and update the dedicated timing protocol software to it via network or serial port to realize the software definition and functional reconstruction of the timing protocol.

[0012] The multi-output module is connected to the onboard dedicated protocol timing module, B(DC) code timing module, network timing module and timekeeping module respectively. It is used to shape and level convert the onboard time synchronization signal, B(DC) code signal, NTP signal, 1PPS signal and frequency reference signal and output them through various types of physical interfaces.

[0013] The timekeeping module is bidirectionally connected to the signal processing module. It provides a high-precision frequency reference signal and uses the 1PPS signal output by the signal processing module or the 1PPS signal input from an external source to discipline the local clock source, and feeds back the disciplined high-precision 1PPS signal to the signal processing module.

[0014] Furthermore, the signal processing module has an external time-frequency signal interface, which receives a 10MHz frequency signal and a 1PPS signal provided by the timekeeping module to achieve high-precision timekeeping function, and performs signal validity detection and status reporting for each reference source.

[0015] Furthermore, the spaceborne dedicated protocol timing module adopts an open software architecture, is equipped with logic processing and computation processing hardware resources, and can be updated through the network communication module to redefine its functions, supporting standard protocols and proprietary protocols.

[0016] Furthermore, the network communication module has the ability to update the logic resource software and computing processing software of the spaceborne dedicated protocol timing module online through a network protocol interface.

[0017] Furthermore, the multi-output module supports multiple physical interface types, including Gigabit Ethernet, LVDS, RS422, RS232, CAN bus, and SMA RF interfaces, enabling the same-source output of multiple time synchronization signals of various types.

[0018] Furthermore, the timekeeping module includes a frequency reference unit and a clock processing unit. The frequency reference unit generates 100MHz and 10MHz frequency signals based on an atomic clock, and the clock processing unit is used to complete the taming of the local clock source and the calibration output of the 1PPS signal.

[0019] Furthermore, the device also includes a monitoring module, which is used to remotely monitor the status of each module, respond to control commands, and enable human-machine interaction.

[0020] Furthermore, the device supports external 1PPS signal input to the timekeeping module, which can be used to replace the 1PPS output by the signal processing module for clock source training in the case of local time synchronization of the system.

[0021] Furthermore, the B(DC) code timing module receives the B(DC) code and 1PPS signal from the signal processing module, modulates the B code and 1PPS, and outputs the result; the network timing module receives the TOD and 1PPS signals from the signal processing module to realize the SNTP network timing function.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] High-precision unification: By integrating multiple time sources such as GNSS and NTP, and combining them with an atomic clock timekeeping module, high-precision time synchronization and seamless switching with a precision better than 20ns are achieved, providing a unified and reliable time reference for large-scale systems.

[0024] Flexible and customizable protocol: It innovatively adopts a software-defined architecture, which can update the software of the onboard dedicated protocol timing module online through the network communication module. It can flexibly support standard or proprietary protocols without modifying the hardware, greatly improving the adaptability of the equipment to different application scenarios (especially satellite payloads).

[0025] High integration and low cost: One device integrates multiple time synchronization functions such as B code, NTP, and dedicated protocols, and provides rich physical interfaces, replacing the traditional solution of multiple dedicated devices, significantly simplifying the system architecture and reducing construction and maintenance costs.

[0026] Stable and reliable: It has a strong autonomous timekeeping capability and can maintain high-precision timing even when the external time source is lost; the power module is equipped with battery backup to ensure that critical parts continue to work when power is lost, thus ensuring the stability and continuity of the system's long-term operation. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, this embodiment is only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments.

[0029] A multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device includes an RF module, a signal processing module, a spaceborne dedicated protocol time synchronization module, a B(DC) code time synchronization module, a network time synchronization module, an NTP interface module, a TOD interface module, a timekeeping module, a multi-output module, a network communication module, a monitoring module, and a power supply module.

[0030] The radio frequency module includes a high-performance navigation receiver and supporting radio frequency circuitry. It receives GNSS signals from real or analog sources and outputs NMEA messages and demodulated second information.

[0031] The signal processing module receives various time signals (including NMEA messages, demodulated second information, NTP time information, TOD time information, etc.) from external time sources, and performs demodulation, time synchronization, time source switching, and various modulation and encoding operations on the time information from different time sources; it also performs shaping and level conversion on the input and output signals; and it is equipped with an external time and frequency signal interface, which, together with the 10MHz and 1PPS of the timekeeping module, can realize high-precision timekeeping function.

[0032] The onboard dedicated timing protocol module is equipped with logic processing and computational processing hardware resources, adopts an open software architecture, and can redefine its functions through software programming, supporting both standard and proprietary protocols. Its processing flow is as follows: it receives the TOD and 1PPS signals from the signal processing module, and according to the dedicated protocol software configured in the network communication module, encodes and outputs the TOD and outputs the 1PPS.

[0033] The B(DC) code timing module receives the B(DC) code and 1PPS signal from the signal processing module, and modulates and outputs the B code and 1PPS.

[0034] The network timing module receives the TOD and 1PPS signals from the signal processing module to realize the SNTP network timing function.

[0035] The NTP interface module receives the NTP signal input from an external time source, performs protocol parsing, and forwards it to the signal processing module.

[0036] The TOD interface module receives the TOD signal input from an external time source, performs protocol parsing, and forwards it to the signal processing module.

[0037] The timekeeping module achieves high-precision time synchronization. It uses an atomic clock to output high-precision 100MHz and 10MHz frequency reference signals to external devices. Simultaneously, it utilizes the demodulated second signal (1PPS) output from the signal processing module to discipline the local clock source, providing the signal processing module with a disciplined and calibrated high-precision 1PPS signal. Furthermore, the time synchronization device supports external PPS input. When the larger system containing the time synchronization device needs local time synchronization, a local 1PPS signal can be input to the time synchronization device. The timekeeping module uses the local 1PPS signal to discipline the local clock source, providing the signal processing module with a disciplined and calibrated local 1PPS signal. In actual operation, the timekeeping module uses a two-way selection process for the 1PPS output from the signal processing module and the externally supplied 1PPS.

[0038] The multi-output module shapes and levels signals such as B(DC) code, NTP signal, satellite timing signal, 1PPS signal, and frequency reference, and outputs them through corresponding interfaces. It supports multiple types of timing information output interfaces, including standard Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), LVDS, RS422, RS232, CAN bus, and RF interface (SMA).

[0039] The network communication module is the software input interface of the "spaceborne dedicated time synchronization protocol module". Through the network protocol interface, it has the ability to update the logic resource software and computing software online, and inputs the dedicated time synchronization protocol to the "spaceborne dedicated time synchronization protocol module" to realize the customized spaceborne time synchronization protocol.

[0040] The monitoring module enables functions such as controlling and monitoring various parts and responding to monitoring commands.

[0041] The power supply module consists of EMI input and output filters, an AC / DC converter, and status monitoring and sampling components. It receives a 220V AC power supply and outputs the DC power required by each functional module of the timing device. The power supply module is equipped with a battery module to continuously power the frequency standard component and real-time clock circuit of the timing module in the event of an unexpected power outage, ensuring their normal operation and maintaining the continuity of the entire timing circuit.

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] Example 1:

[0044] Reference Figure 1The multi-functional high-precision time synchronization device of Embodiment 1 of this application includes a radio frequency module, a signal processing module, a spaceborne dedicated protocol time synchronization module, a B(DC) code time synchronization module, a network time synchronization module, a timekeeping module, an NTP interface module, a TOD interface module, a multi-output module, a network communication module, a monitoring module, and a power supply module.

[0045] The radio frequency (RF) module includes a high-performance navigation receiver and associated RF circuitry. It receives GNSS signals from real or analog sources and outputs NMEA messages and demodulated second information to the signal processing module.

[0046] The signal processing module receives information from the radio frequency module and performs demodulation, time synchronization, time source switching, and various modulation and encoding tasks for time information from different time sources. It modulates B-code and encodes TOD; it also shapes and converts the input and output signals; and it is equipped with an external time and frequency signal interface, which, together with the 10MHz and 1PPS of the timekeeping module, enables high-precision timekeeping. It can detect signals from various reference sources, including whether GNSS is valid, the number of observable satellites, current position information, whether the external time system is valid, and whether the internal status of the unit is abnormal. Finally, it actively reports the information through the monitoring module.

[0047] Configure a dedicated onboard timing protocol module to receive TOD and 1PPS signals from the signal processing module. Based on the dedicated protocol configured in the network communication module and the hardware interface cable adapted to the onboard payload, encode and output the TOD and output the 1PPS.

[0048] The B(DC) code timing module receives the B(DC) code and 1PPS signal from the signal processing module and modulates and outputs the B code and 1PPS signal.

[0049] The network time synchronization module receives the TOD and 1PPS signals from the signal processing module to realize the SNTP network time synchronization function.

[0050] The NTP interface module receives NTP signals from an external time source, performs protocol parsing, and forwards them to the signal processing module.

[0051] The TOD interface module receives the TOD signal input from an external time source, performs protocol parsing, and forwards it to the signal processing module.

[0052] The timekeeping module includes a frequency reference unit and a clock processing unit. The frequency reference unit generates high-precision frequency reference signals (100MHz and 10MHz, etc.) through an atomic clock and a frequency calibration unit, with frequency accuracy and stability better than 10⁻¹¹. The clock processing unit uses the demodulated second signal output from the signal processing module to discipline the local clock source, providing the signal processing module with a disciplined and calibrated 1PPS signal; simultaneously, it outputs 100MHz and 10MHz frequency reference signals.

[0053] The multi-output module shapes and levels signals such as B(DC) code, NTP signal, satellite timing signal, 1PPS signal, and frequency reference, and outputs them through corresponding physical interfaces. This enables the simultaneous output of multiple channels and types of timing information, achieving the goal of high-precision time unification for the entire satellite-to-ground joint testing system. Its output physical interfaces include standard Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), LVDS, RS422, RS232, CAN bus, and RF interface (SMA).

[0054] The network communication module adopts a software-defined hardware design. It inputs a dedicated time synchronization protocol to the "spaceborne dedicated time synchronization protocol module" through a serial port to realize a customized spaceborne time synchronization protocol.

[0055] The monitoring module enables remote control and monitoring of various modules, as well as response to monitoring commands, and has a user-friendly human-machine interface.

[0056] The power supply module consists of EMI input and output filters, an AC / DC converter, and status monitoring and sampling components. It receives a 220V AC power supply and outputs the DC power required by the various functional modules of the timing device. The power supply module is equipped with a battery module to continuously power the frequency standard component and real-time clock circuit of the timing module in the event of an unexpected power outage, ensuring their normal operation and maintaining the continuity of the entire timing circuit.

[0057] Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A multifunctional high-precision timekeeping device, characterized in that, include: The radio frequency module is used to receive GNSS signals or external analog time sources and output NMEA messages and demodulated second information; The NTP interface module is used to receive NTP signals from an external time source and perform protocol parsing; the TOD interface module is used to receive TOD signals from an external time source and perform protocol parsing. The signal processing module, connected to the radio frequency module, NTP interface module, and TOD interface module respectively, is used to receive and process time information from different time sources, perform time information demodulation, time synchronization, time source switching, B(DC) code modulation, TOD encoding, and shaping and level conversion of input and output signals, and output a unified TOD signal, 1PPS signal, and B(DC) code signal; the signal processing module is also equipped with an external time and frequency signal interface, which is used to cooperate with the timekeeping module to achieve high-precision timekeeping function; A dedicated onboard protocol timing module is connected to the signal processing module to receive the TOD signal and 1PPS signal output by the module, and to output the TOD signal after protocol encoding according to the loaded dedicated protocol software. The network communication module is connected to the onboard dedicated protocol timing module and is used to load and update the dedicated timing protocol software to it via network or serial port to realize the software definition and functional reconstruction of the timing protocol. The multi-output module is connected to the onboard dedicated protocol timing module, B(DC) code timing module, network timing module and timekeeping module respectively. It is used to shape and level convert the onboard time synchronization signal, B(DC) code signal, NTP signal, 1PPS signal and frequency reference signal and output them through various types of physical interfaces. The timekeeping module is bidirectionally connected to the signal processing module. It provides a high-precision frequency reference signal and uses the 1PPS signal output by the signal processing module or the 1PPS signal input from an external source to discipline the local clock source, and feeds back the disciplined high-precision 1PPS signal to the signal processing module.

2. The multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing module has an external time-frequency signal interface, which receives a 10MHz frequency signal and a 1PPS signal provided by the timekeeping module to achieve high-precision timekeeping function, and performs signal validity detection and status reporting for each reference source.

3. The multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The onboard dedicated protocol timing module adopts an open software architecture and is equipped with logic processing and computing hardware resources. It can be updated through the network communication module to redefine its functions and supports standard protocols and proprietary protocols.

4. The multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network communication module has the ability to update the logic resource software and computing software of the spaceborne dedicated protocol timing module online through a network protocol interface.

5. The multifunctional high-precision timekeeping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-output module supports multiple physical interface types, including Gigabit Ethernet, LVDS, RS422, RS232, CAN bus, and SMA RF interfaces, enabling the same-source output of multiple time synchronization signals of various types.

6. The multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The timekeeping module includes a frequency reference unit and a clock processing unit. The frequency reference unit generates 100MHz and 10MHz frequency signals based on an atomic clock, and the clock processing unit is used to complete the taming of the local clock source and the calibration output of the 1PPS signal.

7. The multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a monitoring module, which is used to remotely monitor the status of each module, respond to control commands, and enable human-machine interaction.

8. The multifunctional high-precision time synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device supports external 1PPS signal input to the timekeeping module, which is used to replace the 1PPS output by the signal processing module for clock source taming in the case of local time synchronization of the system.

9. The multifunctional high-precision timekeeping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The B(DC) code timing module receives the B(DC) code and 1PPS signal from the signal processing module, modulates the B code and 1PPS, and then outputs the signal. The network timing module receives the TOD and 1PPS signals from the signal processing module to realize the SNTP network timing function.

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