Acquisition Unit Clock Synchronization Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data acquisition systems face challenges in synchronizing acquisition units when multiple reference clocks are available, particularly in harsh environments where GNSS receivers may lose signal, and in large networks with multiple Master Clocks, leading to inconsistent time references.
Innovation Solution
A distributed self-configuration mechanism where each acquisition unit dynamically selects the best reference clock based on synchronization accuracy information from received packets, updating its synchronization accuracy information accordingly, and can act as a Master Clock for other units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single Master Clock is used in the network, then synchronization management is simplified, but the system cannot provide sufficient redundancy in harsh environments where GNSS signal may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
Each acquisition unit autonomously determines its own synchronization status and selects the best reference clock source based on received synchronization accuracy information, without requiring centralized control or manual configuration. This self-service mechanism enables multiple units to act as potential Master Clocks, providing redundancy while maintaining simple individual unit operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses synchronization accuracy information as a dynamic parameter to determine clock selection and Master Clock status. Units compare received synchronization accuracy values against their current status, and this parameter-driven decision-making enables automatic adaptation to environmental conditions without increasing operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If acquisition units continuously update their reference clock, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous packet reception and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reference clock selection based on received synchronization accuracy information rather than continuously switching. Units evaluate incoming packets and update their reference clock only when superior accuracy is demonstrated, creating a dynamic yet energy-efficient adaptation mechanism that balances accuracy improvement with power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Acquisition units receive feedback in the form of synchronization accuracy information embedded in packets from other units. This feedback mechanism allows units to make informed decisions about clock updates without continuous operation, as they only process and respond to feedback that indicates potential accuracy improvements, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If acquisition units transmit synchronization packets frequently, then synchronization accuracy information is more readily available, but network traffic and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring all units to continuously transmit synchronization packets, the system allows partial action where units transmit synchronization information opportunistically with their data packets. This approach provides sufficient synchronization accuracy information availability without the excessive network traffic that would result from dedicated frequent synchronization transmissions, as synchronization data is embedded in existing communication traffic
Data Source
AI summary
It is proposed a method for providing synchronization in a data acquisition system including a plurality of acquisition units. A given acquisition unit of the plurality carries out the following steps: receiving a packet from another device of the data acquisition system; extracting a synchronization accuracy information and a reference clock information from the received packet; obtaining a first reference clock as a function of the extracted reference clock information; if the extracted synchronization accuracy information indicates a better synchronization accuracy than a current synchronization accuracy information associated to the given acquisition unit: taking the obtained first reference clock as a selected reference clock and updating the current synchronization accuracy information to indicate a lower synchronization accuracy than the extracted synchronization accuracy information.