Digital Clock Syntonization for Accurate One-Way Latency Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate one-way latency measurements occur when clock frequencies of network devices are not synchronized, which is a challenge in modern computer networks, particularly in applications like 5G and 6G networks and data center workloads.
Innovation Solution
A syntonization system with a dedicated clock signal input interface and digital clock controller to adjust the frequency of a local clock signal based on the difference between remote and local clock signals, using counters and digital control signals to maintain synchronization, even in environments without network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) is used to achieve syntonization based on physical-layer symbol rate, then clock frequency synchronization is improved, but device complexity and requirement for physical-layer connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital clock controller as an intermediary layer between the physical clock input and the local clock circuitry. This controller receives clock signals from remote devices via standard network connections (not requiring dedicated physical-layer clock connections), processes timing information, and generates control signals to adjust the local clock frequency, thereby achieving SyncE-level synchronization through a less complex digital control path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical-layer clock distribution mechanism of SyncE with a digital software-based control system. Instead of relying on physical-layer symbol rate matching, the system uses digital counters, firmware-based frequency measurement, and software-generated control signals to achieve clock syntonization, eliminating the need for specialized physical clock connection infrastructure
2Device complexity
If Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is used alone over Ethernet without SyncE, then device complexity is reduced, but clock synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both SyncE and PTP by combining digital clock control capabilities with network-based timing protocols. The system implements a hybrid approach where digital counters and frequency measurement (from PTP) work together with active clock frequency adjustment (from SyncE principles) to achieve high-accuracy synchronization while maintaining protocol flexibility and avoiding strict physical-layer requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts clock frequency parameters based on measured timing differences. The digital clock controller continuously monitors the relationship between remote and local clock signals, calculates frequency offsets, and generates control signals to adjust the local clock frequency in real-time, thereby achieving high synchronization accuracy through adaptive parameter adjustment rather than static protocol configurations
3Reliability
If digital clock controller with counters is used to measure frequency difference, then clock synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based frequency measurement and control circuitry with software-based implementations. Digital counters are implemented through firmware or software on general-purpose processors, and the clock control logic is realized through programmable algorithms rather than dedicated hardware circuits, thereby achieving high measurement precision while maintaining device flexibility and reducing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The digital clock controller is designed as a universal, multi-functional module that can operate with different network protocols (Ethernet, InfiniBand, etc.), support various clock frequencies, and work with different remote device types. This modular, software-based controller can be configured for different synchronization scenarios without requiring hardware changes, thereby achieving high precision measurement capabilities while maintaining device simplicity through standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a syntonization system includes a device including a dedicated clock signal input interface to be connected by a clock connection to a remote device and to receive a remote clock signal from the remote device, the remote device being external to the device, and clock circuitry to generate a local clock signal, and a digital clock controller to generate digital control signals to control the clock circuitry to syntonize the local clock signal according to the remote clock signal based on a difference between frequencies of the remote clock signal and the local clock signal, and provide the digital control signals to the clock circuitry, wherein the clock circuitry is to adjust the frequency of the local clock signal based on the digital control signals.