Clock Synchronization Controller for Time-Aware Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices face challenges in synchronizing clocks due to different clock sources and propagation delays, which affect data exchange accuracy and timing in wired and wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a synchronization controller to generate and compare time indications between processing units operating on separate clocks, determining an offset and frequency difference to accurately measure propagation delays and synchronize communication units, such as wired and wireless communication units, using interfaces like GPIO pins, PCIE ports, or SDIS slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate clocks are used in different processing units, then device functionality and independence are improved, but clock synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization controller acts as an intermediary between processing units with separate clocks. It receives time indication messages from different processing units, compares their timestamps, calculates time offsets and frequency differences, and generates synchronization commands to adjust the clocks, thereby achieving synchronization without compromising the independence of separate clock sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the synchronization controller continuously monitors time offsets between separate clocks, calculates frequency differences, and generates adjustment commands based on the measured deviations. This closed-loop feedback ensures that clock synchronization accuracy is maintained despite the use of independent clock sources
2Loss of information
If time stamping is implemented for data units, then timing information exchange is improved, but propagation delay measurement accuracy deteriorates due to clock differences
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization controller serves as a mediator that receives time indication messages containing timestamps from different processing units. It compensates for clock differences by calculating time offsets and frequency differences, then uses these compensation values to accurately determine propagation delays despite the use of separate clock sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts timing parameters by calculating frequency differences between separate clocks and applying compensation factors to timestamp comparisons. This parameter adjustment allows accurate propagation delay measurement even when clocks run at different rates
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first processing unit operating according to a first clock, a second processing unit operating according to a second clock running separately from the first clock, and a synchronization controller coupled to the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The synchronization controller is configured to (i) cause the first communication unit to generate a first indication of time at which the first processing unit transmits a signal to the second processing unit, according to the first clock, (ii) cause the second processing unit to generate a second indication of time at which the second processing unit receives the signal, according to the second clock, and (iii) determine an offset between the first clock and the second clock based on the first indication of time and the second indication of time.