Clock Signal Generator Control Using Weighted Timing Error Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer networks face challenges in optimizing the utilization of timing message information for clock signal synchronization between network elements, particularly in selecting the best timing sources and improving the efficiency of information content in a single flow of timing messages.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that form multiple control quantities based on reception moments of timing messages, calculate a weighted sum of these quantities, and use this sum to control the clock signal generator for synchronization, with noise measurement and weighting to enhance information utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing messages are transmitted between network elements, then clock signal synchronization can be achieved, but noise impact and information content utilization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control quantities (phase error, frequency error, and timing advance) into a unified control mechanism. By merging these different control parameters and applying weighted summation, the system optimizes the utilization of timing message information content while reducing the impact of individual noise sources on clock signal synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts control parameters including weighting factors for different control quantities, sampling intervals, and filtering coefficients. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system optimizes synchronization precision while minimizing noise impact from timing message variations and network jitter.
2Loss of information
If multiple control quantities are formed from timing messages, then information content utilization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified control mechanism. It simultaneously calculates phase error, frequency error, and timing advance from timing messages, then combines them through weighted summation. This multi-functional approach maximizes information content utilization without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each control quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and stores weighting factors for different control quantities based on their reliability and importance. By preparing these weights in advance and applying them systematically to the control quantities, the device efficiently utilizes timing message information without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If weighted sum of control quantities is calculated, then synchronization accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic calculation of the weighted sum of control quantities at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. By updating synchronization control at regular periods, the system achieves accurate synchronization while minimizing unnecessary processing operations, thus reducing overall processing time without sacrificing synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates only the essential control quantities (phase error, frequency error, timing advance) with appropriate weighting, rather than processing all possible timing message parameters. This partial action approach focuses computational resources on the most critical synchronization parameters, improving accuracy while limiting processing time to necessary operations only.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling a clock signal generator includes a processor (101) for forming at least two mutually different control quantities on the basis of reception moments of timing messages such as time stamps, where the reception moments are expressed as time values based on a first clock signal and the timing messages are transmitted in accordance with a second clock signal. The processor also calculates a weighted sum of the control quantities, and controls the clock signal generator with the weighted sum so as to synchronize the first clock signal and the second clock signal. The control quantities may represent, for example, a filtered value of observed phase-errors, a phase-error corresponding to a minimum observed transfer delay, and phase-errors corresponding to a given portion of the delay distribution. Using the weighted sum of the mutually different control quantities improves the utilization of the information content of the timing messages.