Time Synchronization via Channel Medium Conversion Module Timestamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 1588V2 protocol faces challenges in achieving precise time synchronization due to uncertainties in signal processing delays across different channel medium conversion modules, leading to reduced precision in timestamping moments and subsequent time synchronization between network devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves moving the stamping point to the channel medium conversion modules by generating and exchanging timestamps at specific moments related to header signals and trigger signals, thereby reducing uncertainty in delays and improving synchronization precision. This is achieved by using channel medium conversion modules, such as optical or electromagnetic wave modules, to transmit timestamps and trigger signals between transmit-end and receive-end devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the stamping point is located in the protocol stack, then the time synchronization can be implemented through software processing, but the delay uncertainty between the stamping point and physical layer medium increases, reducing timestamping precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time synchronization function into two parts: the protocol stack handles message processing while the channel medium conversion module independently performs timestamping. This segmentation allows the stamping point to be physically located at the channel medium conversion module, reducing delay uncertainty, while maintaining software-based synchronization logic in the protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trigger signal as an intermediary mechanism. The channel medium conversion module sends a trigger signal to the protocol stack to indicate that timestamping has been performed, allowing the protocol stack to process the timestamp without being responsible for the actual timestamping operation. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between software processing and physical layer precision.
2Measurement precision
If the stamping point is moved to the channel medium conversion module, then the timestamping precision is improved by reducing delay uncertainty, but the device complexity increases due to additional coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timestamping function from the protocol stack and places it in the channel medium conversion module. This extraction simplifies the protocol stack's responsibilities while improving timestamping precision, as the channel medium conversion module can directly timestamp signals without complex software processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel medium conversion module performs timestamping autonomously using its own internal clock, without requiring the protocol stack to intervene in the actual timestamping process. The module only needs to send a trigger signal to notify the protocol stack that the timestamp is ready, reducing the coordination overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different signal processing types and amounts are used in channel medium conversion modules, then the adaptability to different transmission scenarios is improved, but the delay stability deteriorates, affecting time synchronization precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each channel medium conversion module to independently perform timestamping based on its own characteristics and processing requirements. Each module timestamps the signal at its specific location in the transmission path, capturing the actual delay experienced by that particular signal, rather than using a generic timestamp from the protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the trigger signal mechanism. The channel medium conversion module sends a trigger signal to the protocol stack after performing timestamping, providing feedback about when the timestamp was generated. This feedback loop allows the system to account for variations in signal processing delays while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A time synchronization method and a device are provided. The time synchronization method includes: receiving, by a receive-end device, a first timestamp sent by a transmit-end device, and receiving a first header signal sent by the transmit-end device, where the first timestamp indicates a first moment at which a first channel medium conversion module sends the first header signal, and a moment at which the receive-end device receives the first header signal is a second moment; sending a second header signal to the transmit-end device, where a moment at which the receive-end device sends the second header signal is a third moment; receiving a fourth timestamp sent by the transmit-end device, where the fourth timestamp indicates a fourth moment at which the transmit-end device receives the second header signal; and synchronizing time with the transmit-end device based on the first moment, the second moment, the third moment, and the fourth moment. Time synchronization precision can be improved by implementing embodiments of the present invention.