Automation Network Clock Synchronization via Single Master
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation networks face complexity and cost inefficiencies in synchronizing operating and time clocks due to the need for multiple synchronization domains and additional hardware, which complicates network management and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method where sync slaves in an automation network derive their operating clock from a time sync master, using a single synchronization message containing only time clock information, eliminating the need for direct operating clock synchronization and reducing hardware requirements, with adjustments made at specific recurring reference points like zero crossings to minimize clock errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple synchronization domains are used for synchronizing operating clock and time clock, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but network complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate operating clock synchronization and time clock synchronization into a single unified synchronization domain. The sync slave derives both its time clock and operating clock from the same time sync master, eliminating the need for separate sync masters and reducing network complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy through a single coherent timing reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The time sync master is given universal functionality to serve dual purposes: it provides both the time clock reference and the operating clock reference to sync slaves. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated operating clock masters, reducing hardware requirements and simplifying network architecture while maintaining accurate synchronization for both clock types.
2Measurement precision
If separate synchronization messages are used for time clock and operating clock, then synchronization precision is improved, but message overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines time clock synchronization information and operating clock synchronization information into a single unified synchronization message. The sync slave extracts both time clock data and operating clock data from this single message source, reducing message overhead and processing complexity while maintaining synchronization precision through centralized information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization message is designed with universal functionality to carry both time clock reference information and operating clock reference information simultaneously. This multi-functional message structure eliminates the need for separate dedicated messages for each clock type, reducing network traffic and processing requirements while ensuring precise synchronization for both clock functions.
3Reliability
If additional hardware components are added for dual clock synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hardware architecture to use a single time sync master instead of requiring separate operating clock master and time clock master hardware components. The sync slave hardware is simplified to receive both clock references from one master, reducing overall hardware complexity and cost while maintaining synchronization reliability through centralized authoritative timekeeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The time sync master hardware is designed with universal functionality to provide both operating clock synchronization and time clock synchronization services. This multi-functional hardware approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated hardware components for each clock type, reducing system cost and complexity while ensuring reliable synchronization through a single authoritative time source.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing an operating clock with a time clock in an automation network comprising a plurality of sync slaves that are to be coordinated and a time sync master, wherein the plurality of sync slaves are synchronized with respect to the time clock by the time sync master, and wherein the plurality of sync slaves derive their operating clock from the time clock.