Distributed Inspection Device Synchronization With PLL Clock Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked checking devices, such as HIL simulators, face challenges in synchronizing processing units over long distances, leading to inaccuracies in temporal interactions and potential failures in distributed testing setups, especially when units are more than 100 meters apart, and suffer from time drift issues in their clock circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for synchronizing checking devices using a first time signal converter unit with a global time signal source, a switching signal transmission unit, and a clock transmission unit, which generates and stabilizes clock signals through PLLs, allowing for synchronization over long distances by determining and adjusting time differences between global and local time scales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If checking devices are distributed over long distances (more than 100 meters), then spatial flexibility and distributed testing capability are improved, but synchronization accuracy and temporal interaction precision deteriorate due to time drift in clock circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time signal converter unit as an intermediary component that receives time signals from a global time signal source and converts them into synchronized clock signals for distributed processing units. This mediator ensures that even when processing units are located hundreds of meters or kilometers apart, they all receive time signals referenced to the same global time scale, thereby maintaining synchronization accuracy despite the physical distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical clock synchronization system with an optical time signal transmission system. By using optical fibers to transmit time signals from a global time signal source to distributed processing units, the system achieves much higher precision in time distribution compared to conventional electrical clock circuits, effectively compensating for the time drift that occurs over long distances
2Device complexity
If conventional clock circuits are used in distributed checking devices, then device complexity is reduced, but time drift occurs leading to loss of synchronization over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The time signal converter unit acts as an intermediary that bridges the global time signal source and the local processing units. It receives highly accurate time signals from the global source via optical fibers and converts them into appropriate clock signals for each processing unit, ensuring that all units maintain reliable synchronization without requiring complex individual clock circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where time signals are continuously transmitted from the global time signal source through optical fibers to distributed processing units. This continuous time reference allows each processing unit to constantly adjust and maintain synchronization, compensating for any time drift that would occur in isolated clock circuits
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate temporal synchronization of processing units over hundreds of meters or kilometers, reducing unwanted clock signal jumps and maintaining synchronization, thus supporting distributed testing across different locations without significant loss of accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first clock transmission unit (312) which is set up to generate a first periodic clock signal (Tp1) from the first time signal (Ts1) and to output the first periodic clock signal (Tp1) to a first PLL (191)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for synchronizing an inspection device (10), wherein the inspection device (10) is designed to test at least one first control device and the inspection device (10) comprises at least: one first computing unit (Cn1) for executing a model code, wherein, by means of the model code, a simulated controlled system signal can be provided to stimulate the control device and an actuator signal of the control device can be processed, wherein a first time difference (T1 D) reflects the temporal distance of a global start time (TGO) from a first local start time (TLO) and the first time difference (T1D) is then provided for an additional use in the inspection device (10) and/or for a use in an additional inspection device. The invention further relates to a corresponding inspection device (10) and to a composite system, wherein the composite system comprises at least one inspection device (10) and an additional inspection device, designed to operate in an identical manner to an inspection device (10).