CPU Cluster Clock Synchronization via Packet-Based Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CPU cluster systems, existing technologies face challenges in accurately synchronizing clock signals across nodes due to oscillator drift, leading to inaccuracies in time and phase synchronization, which affects the overall accuracy of distributed applications relying on a common time base.
Innovation Solution
A system where a first node generates a clock signal and data packets with time and phase information, which are received by a second node to determine the frequency and generate a local clock signal, ensuring synchronization by locking the node clock signal to a system-wide clock signal using a packet-based timing scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nodes use independent oscillators to generate clock signals, then each node can operate autonomously, but oscillator drift causes inaccuracies in time and phase synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where master nodes transmit timing information via data packets to slave nodes. The slave nodes use this feedback to adjust their local clock signals, compensating for oscillator drift while maintaining operational autonomy. This resolves the contradiction by allowing nodes to operate independently yet synchronize accurately through continuous feedback adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces data packets as an intermediary carrier that transports timing information between master and slave nodes. These packets serve as a mediator that enables synchronization without requiring direct clock signal transmission, thus preserving node autonomy while achieving precise time and phase synchronization through the intermediary data exchange mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If clock signals are transmitted directly between nodes, then synchronization accuracy can be maintained, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal degradation and interference over the backplane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical clock signal transmission method with a packet-based digital communication system. Instead of transmitting analog clock signals through the backplane, the system uses data packets containing timing information that are processed digitally by slave nodes. This substitution eliminates signal degradation and interference issues while maintaining synchronization accuracy through digital processing.
3Reliability
If a packet-based timing scheme is implemented, then node autonomy is preserved and signal reliability is improved, but complexity in determining time and phase information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and embedding timing information into data packets at the master node before transmission. The timing data is prepared in advance and included in the packet structure, so slave nodes receive ready-to-use timing information rather than needing to perform complex real-time calculations. This reduces processing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first node that generates a first clock signal having a frequency, generates a plurality of data packets, modifies the data packets to include data indicative of time and phase information associated with the first node, and transmits the data packets. A second node receives the plurality of data packets and the first clock signal, determines the time and phase information based on the plurality of data packets, determines the frequency based on the first clock signal, and generates at least one of a second clock signal and a local time based on the time and phase information and the frequency of the first clock signal.