Dual-Counter Time Synchronization for High-Resolution Control Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control processing devices with multiple units face challenges in achieving high time resolution for data accuracy due to constraints in transmission cable length and communication standards, limiting the ability to increase the accuracy of measurement data from external sensors.
Innovation Solution
A control processing device with a first processing unit that transmits a count value in a predetermined reference cycle and a second processing unit that receives this value and generates a second count value with a shorter cycle, allowing for higher time resolution data processing while maintaining temporal consistency, by combining the received time with the second count value to associate it with generated data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the updating cycle of the count value is shortened to increase time resolution, then data accuracy is improved, but communication constraints prevent this from being achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The time measurement function is segmented between two processing units: the first processing unit generates count values at a slower, communication-friendly reference cycle, while the second processing unit generates additional count values at a faster cycle for high-resolution measurements. This segmentation allows each unit to operate at optimal speeds without compromising communication reliability or measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The second counter acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the reference cycle of the first processing unit and the desired high time resolution. It generates supplementary count values that fill in the time intervals between reference cycle updates, enabling high-resolution measurements without requiring faster communication between processing units.
2Loss of time
If the updating cycle of the count value is made short, then time resolution is improved, but the transmission cable and communication standards cannot support this speed
Solution Approach 1:
The counting function is divided into two segments: a first counter in the first processing unit that operates at the reference cycle (slower speed compatible with communication constraints), and a second counter in the second processing unit that operates at a faster cycle for high-resolution timing. This segmentation eliminates the need to increase communication speed while achieving improved time resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to increase the speed of the single count value transmission (one-dimensional improvement), the system adds a second time dimension by introducing the second counter with its own cycle. The combination of both counters creates a two-dimensional time measurement system that achieves high resolution without requiring faster communication.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second processing unit uses the reference cycle for control processing, then synchronization is maintained, but time resolution is insufficient for high-accuracy measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The timing function is segmented into two roles: the first counter maintains synchronization with the reference cycle for stable inter-unit coordination, while the second counter provides high-resolution timing for precise measurements. This segmentation allows both synchronization stability and measurement precision to coexist without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The second processing unit performs multiple timing functions simultaneously: it receives and processes the reference cycle count value for synchronization, while also generating its own high-resolution count values for precise measurements. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain both synchronization and high time resolution within a single processing unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A second processing unit (40), which receives a first count value N1 transmitted in a predetermined reference cycle Δt1 from the first processing unit (30), has a second counter (41) which outputs a second count value N2 in a cycle Δt2 shorter than the reference cycle Δt1. The second count value N2 is initialized in response to reception of the first count value N1. The second processing unit (40) associates time determined according to the first count value N1 and the second count value N2 with generated or acquired second data (external measurement data).