Network Clock Synchronization Control for Multi-Slave Accuracy Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods in control systems require a large amount of information exchange and time to establish synchronization accuracy, and the communication master cannot assess the synchronization accuracy of individual slaves effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system estimates synchronization accuracy for each communication slave based on the number of transmissions of synchronization correction frames, allowing the communication master to determine the synchronization accuracy and adjust control processes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of information pieces are transmitted to establish synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary synchronization information (counter values and timestamps) rather than comprehensive status data. The master device sends synchronization frames at optimized intervals, providing just enough information for slaves to maintain accurate synchronization without excessive communication overhead, thus reducing establishment time while preserving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization setup during the initial connection phase, where the master device transmits synchronization frames to establish baseline counter values and timestamps before actual control operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that when control operations start, synchronization is already established, reducing the time penalty during operational phases.
2Measurement precision
If the communication master transmits大量 synchronization information, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication load and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization information is segmented into discrete, standardized frames containing specific fields (counter value, timestamp, synchronization flag). Each frame is independently processed by slaves, allowing parallel handling without complex interdependencies. This segmentation reduces processing complexity while maintaining accuracy through structured, modular information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation by using standardized data formats and fixed-length fields for synchronization information. Counter values and timestamps are encoded in consistent formats, allowing slaves to process information through uniform routines rather than complex parsing logic, thereby reducing processing complexity while preserving synchronization accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization information is transmitted frequently, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master device transmits synchronization frames at periodic intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. This periodic transmission provides regular synchronization updates that maintain accuracy while consuming less bandwidth compared to continuous transmission. The period is optimized to balance accuracy requirements with network load constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential synchronization parameters (counter value and timestamp) from complete device state information, transmitting only these critical elements in synchronization frames. This extraction approach maintains synchronization accuracy by providing necessary reference information while minimizing data volume by excluding redundant status details.
Data Source
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AI summary
The communication master includes means configured to repeat transmission of first information indicating a counter value of a synchronization counter of the communication master to the one or more communication slaves through a network. Each of the one or more communication slaves includes means configured to update the counter value of the synchronization counter of each of the one or more communication slaves based on the received first information upon receiving the first information from the communication master. The communication master includes means configured to manage a total number of pieces of the first information transmitted for each of the one or more communication slaves, and estimate synchronization accuracy with respect to the communication master for each communication slave based on a number of transmissions of the first information for each communication slave.