Ethernet Time Synchronization via Speed Parameter Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet-based networks face challenges in achieving precise time synchronization across devices, requiring numerous synchronization steps during initialization to ensure clock times deviate by no more than 1 μs, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a master and slave network subscriber where telegrams are sent and received to measure receipt time values, allowing for direct calculation and transmission of speed parameters to adjust the local system time accurately and quickly, enabling fast correction of speed deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of synchronization steps are performed during initialization, then time synchronization precision is improved, but initialization time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical iterative adjustment process with a direct mathematical calculation. Instead of performing numerous cyclic synchronization steps to adjust timer speeds, the system calculates the speed parameter directly from the measured time offset and transmission time, substituting the iterative mechanical process with a direct computational solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from adjusting timer speeds through iterative synchronization steps to directly calculating and setting speed parameters. The speed parameter is computed as a ratio involving time offset and transmission time, then applied directly to adjust the slave device's timer speed, eliminating the need for repeated synchronization cycles.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of synchronization steps are performed during initialization, then time synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex iterative synchronization mechanism with a direct calculation approach. The master device calculates the speed parameter using the formula (time offset / transmission time) and transmits it directly to the slave device, eliminating the need for complex cyclic adjustment processes and multiple synchronization steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the speed parameter calculation and transmission during the initialization phase before normal operation begins. By calculating the correct speed parameter in advance and transmitting it directly, the system avoids the need for complex ongoing synchronization adjustments, simplifying the overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing time in an Ethernet-based network having a master network subscriber and a slave network subscriber includes sending out a first telegram via the master network subscriber, where the slave subscriber receives the first telegram at a first receipt time value of a local system time and stores the first receipt time value. The method can also include reading out the first receipt time value via the master subscriber, sending out a second telegram by the master subscriber, where the slave subscriber receives the second telegram at a second receipt time value of the local system time and stores the second receipt time value, and reading out the second receipt time value via the master network subscriber. A speed parameter of the local system time can be calculated from the receipt time values via the master network subscriber, and transmitted to the slave subscriber.