Clock Drift Compensation Using Reference Frequency Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automation systems face inaccuracies due to clock frequency drift between generated and reference clock signals, requiring frequent synchronization that increases communication load and user intervention, while existing solutions do not adequately address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A method for correcting a first clock frequency using a second clock frequency and a reference clock frequency, where a clock difference is determined at predetermined times to derive a correction value, allowing for periodic synchronization and automatic calibration, reducing communication load and user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If frequent synchronization is performed to improve clock accuracy, then clock synchronization precision is improved, but communication load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock synchronization precisionVSAvoidcommunication load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary synchronization at startup to establish an initial reference, then uses local drift compensation algorithms to maintain accuracy without frequent communication. This preliminary action sets up the foundation for subsequent autonomous operation, reducing the need for continuous synchronization messages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each device independently calculates its own clock drift using local timing measurements and compensates for it autonomously. The system monitors its own clock behavior, computes drift rates, and adjusts accordingly without requiring external intervention or frequent communication with other devices, thus serving itself rather than relying on continuous external synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If frequent synchronization is performed to maintain clock accuracy, then clock drift compensation is improved, but user intervention is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock drift compensationVSAvoiduser intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization system operates autonomously by automatically detecting clock drift, calculating correction values, and applying compensations without requiring user initiation or manual adjustment. The system continuously monitors its own timing accuracy and self-corrects, eliminating the need for users to manually trigger synchronization or calibrate clocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where timing differences are measured, drift rates are calculated, and corrections are automatically applied. This closed-loop control mechanism continuously monitors clock accuracy and self-adjusts, maintaining synchronization without user intervention while providing accurate drift compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If synchronization time interval is reduced to improve accuracy, then clock isochronism is improved, but system load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock isochronismVSAvoidsystem load
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces frequent mechanical communication-based synchronization with software-based drift compensation algorithms. Instead of exchanging synchronization messages at frequent intervals, the system uses mathematical models to predict and correct drift, substituting computational processing for communication overhead and reducing system load while maintaining isochronism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary drift characterization during initial operation or calibration phases, establishing drift rates and compensation parameters in advance. This preliminary analysis enables the system to predict future drift behavior and apply pre-calculated corrections, avoiding the need for frequent real-time synchronization operations and reducing ongoing system load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1903681B1Method for synchronising the clock of an electrical apparatus with a reference clock and electrical apparatus
Publication Date: 2009.07.22 SIEMENS AG
  • EP1903681B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1903681B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP1903681B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The method involves correcting a former clock frequency (24) on the basis of a latter clock frequency (26) and a reference clock frequency (22). A clock difference between the latter clock frequency and the reference clock frequency is determined for a given or pretended time point. A correction value is derived from the clock difference, with which the former clock frequency is charged. An INEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for computer program product, particularly storage medium.