Clock-Free Vehicle Node Synchronization Using Counter-Time Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle computational systems, synchronizing clock-free computational nodes to perform actions at pre-defined times is challenging, as it conflicts with the goal of enhancing computational efficiency and structural simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to synchronize a clock-free computational node by using a counter unit to produce a sequence of counter values according to pre-defined rules, and by generating a mapping between current counter values and time information from a clock unit to determine pre-defined counter values associated with specific times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each computational node is equipped with a clock unit to ensure timely actions, then time synchronization is improved, but device complexity and computational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A central coordination node acts as an intermediary between the clock unit and clock-free computational nodes. The coordination node receives timing requests, determines pre-defined counter values based on current time information, and sends these values to clock-free nodes. This mediator approach allows time synchronization without equipping each node with a full clock unit, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of giving each node an independent clock unit, the system creates a copy of the time reference information in the form of pre-defined counter values. These counter values are sent to clock-free nodes, which then use them to synchronize their actions. This copying approach maintains time synchronization while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent clock units.
2Reliability
If each computational node is equipped with a clock unit to ensure timely actions, then time synchronization is improved, but computational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clock functionality is extracted from individual computational nodes and centralized in a single coordination node. Clock-free computational nodes only need to receive and process pre-defined counter values, which are simple numerical comparisons rather than full time-keeping operations. This extraction significantly improves computational efficiency while maintaining time synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive and computationally intensive clock units in each node, the system uses simple pre-defined counter values that are calculated once and then discarded after use. Each action uses a new set of counter values, making the synchronization mechanism computationally cheap and efficient.
3Device complexity
If clock-free computational nodes are used to maintain structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but time synchronization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination node performs preliminary calculations to determine pre-defined counter values based on current time information and the desired action time. These pre-calculated values are then sent to clock-free nodes, which simply need to compare their current counter against the target value. This preliminary action enables clock-free nodes to perform timely actions without needing complex time synchronization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing a clock-free computational node in a vehicle such that the clock-free computational node is able to perform an action at a pre-defined time, including generating a mapping between at least one current counter value received from the clock-free computational node and at least one current time information received from a clock unit. Moreover, the method includes determining a pre-defined counter value being associated with the pre-defined time based on the mapping. Furthermore, the method includes providing the pre-defined counter value to the clock-free computational node. Additionally, a method for performing an action at a pre-defined time using a clock-free computational node is presented. The disclosure is directed to a corresponding first computational node including the clock unit and a second computational node being clock-free and a computational system for a vehicle.