Controller Clock Synchronization Under Time Fluctuation Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device control systems face challenges in synchronizing time across host controllers and local devices with external global clocks, particularly when time fluctuations exceed a given threshold, leading to inaccuracies in time management and control operations.
Innovation Solution
The system includes circuitry that receives global time data, synchronizes an internal controller clock with the global clock, and adjusts the controller time by dividing the time change over multiple communication cycles, ensuring accurate time synchronization and transmission to local devices through periodic communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the controller clock is synchronized with the global clock using periodic communication, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but time fluctuations exceeding a given threshold cause synchronization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication cycle variable rather than fixed. When time fluctuations are within the threshold, the system uses a first (shorter) communication cycle for frequent synchronization. When fluctuations exceed the threshold, it switches to a second (longer) communication cycle to reduce the impact of large time jumps, thereby adapting the synchronization behavior to current system conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication cycle parameter based on time fluctuation conditions. By monitoring time differences and comparing them against a threshold, the system dynamically adjusts the communication cycle duration, switching between two distinct cycle values to optimize both synchronization accuracy and stability under different operating conditions
2Measurement precision
If the communication cycle is shortened to improve synchronization accuracy, then time synchronization precision is improved, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent avoids continuous short communication cycles by implementing dynamic adaptation. The system uses a shorter first communication cycle only when time fluctuations are small and synchronization is stable. When fluctuations exceed the threshold, it automatically switches to a longer second communication cycle, reducing communication overhead while maintaining adequate synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using frequent communication (shorter cycle) only when necessary for accuracy, rather than continuously. When time fluctuations are within acceptable bounds, the system reduces communication frequency to the longer cycle, avoiding excessive communication actions and their associated overhead and complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes circuitry configured to: receive global time data indicating a global time associated with an external global clock; synchronize an internal controller clock of the controller with the global clock based on the global time; set a controller time based on the synchronized controller clock; and transmit controller time data indicating the controller time to at least one local device through periodic communication.