Aircraft RIU Time Synchronization Using Network-Based 1PPS Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for time synchronization in aircraft systems rely on physical cables and additional hardware, which can cause delays, weight penalties, and lack redundancy, impacting system performance and stability.
Innovation Solution
A network-based time synchronization system using remote interface units (RIUs) that transmit and receive 1PPS signals and 10 MHz frequency references over an existing network, eliminating the need for physical connections and incorporating redundancy through existing protocols like TSN gPTP and IEEE 1588.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical cables and additional hardware are used for time synchronization, then time synchronization can be achieved, but system weight increases and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical cable-based time synchronization system with a wireless network-based system. Instead of using physical cables to distribute time signals, the invention uses existing aircraft network infrastructure (ARINC 429, ARINC 664, or MIL-STD-1553 networks) to transmit time synchronization data electronically, eliminating the need for dedicated physical synchronization cables and reducing system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing aircraft network infrastructure serve multiple functions: it simultaneously handles operational data communication and time synchronization tasks. By utilizing the existing network cables and communication channels for both data transmission and time signal distribution, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated synchronization hardware and cables.
2Reliability
If physical cables are used for time synchronization, then time synchronization can be achieved, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing aircraft network infrastructure serve multiple functions: it simultaneously handles operational data communication and time synchronization tasks. By utilizing the existing network cables and communication channels for both data transmission and time signal distribution, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated synchronization hardware and cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The time synchronization system automatically configures itself by discovering available clock sources on the network and establishing synchronization without requiring manual cable routing or hardware configuration. The system autonomously manages the synchronization process, reducing installation and maintenance burden.
3Device complexity
If a single cable is used for time synchronization, then system complexity is reduced, but redundancy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission medium from dedicated physical synchronization cables to existing aircraft network communication channels. This allows multiple logical synchronization paths to coexist over the same physical infrastructure, enabling redundancy without adding physical cable complexity. The system can dynamically select between multiple clock sources and transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The time synchronization signal is distributed as digital data copies over the network to multiple receiving units simultaneously. Each receiving unit can obtain time synchronization information from multiple sources through the network, creating redundant synchronization paths without requiring multiple physical cables.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to providing time synchronization between devices in a network. In one embodiment, a method includes synchronizing a plurality of remote interface units (RIU) to a single network time. The RIUs are connected in the network. The method includes receiving, by a first of the RIUs, a one pulse-per-second (1PPS) signal. The method further includes determining a 1PPS receive time and a 1PPS period based on the 1PPS signal and with respect to the single network time. The 1PPS receive time refers to when the 1PPS signal is received by the first of the RIUs. The method includes transmitting, by the first of the RIUs, a message to a second of the RIUs. The message includes the 1PPS receive time and 1PPS period. The second of the RIUs is one of the RIUs other than the first of the RIUs.