Follower Device Clock Drift Management for Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks that rely on time-critical information are vulnerable to malfunctions and delays due to loss of time synchronization, leading to computation power loss and potential system failures when time synchronization information is missing.
Innovation Solution
A strategy where a device can independently update its clock based on historical data if time synchronization information is lost, allowing it to continue processing time-critical information without immediate interruption, by determining if the clock drift with the leader device is within a predefined threshold and using previous synchronization information for updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a device waits for time synchronization information from a leader device before processing time-critical information, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system responsiveness and productivity deteriorate due to potential interruptions and computation power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The follower device performs preliminary actions by detecting lost time synchronization information and independently updating its clock using previously received synchronization data before processing time-critical information. This preliminary clock update ensures the device maintains operational capability without waiting for the leader device, thereby preventing interruptions while preserving synchronization accuracy within acceptable thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower device serves itself by independently detecting lost time synchronization information and autonomously updating its own clock using historical synchronization data. This self-service mechanism allows the device to continue processing time-critical information without external intervention from the leader device, maintaining both productivity and acceptable synchronization accuracy.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a device independently updates its clock using historical data when synchronization information is lost, then operational continuity is improved, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to clock drift
Solution Approach 1:
The follower device dynamically adjusts its operation by first attempting to detect lost time synchronization information and only then deciding to independently update its clock. This dynamic approach allows the device to maintain operational continuity when necessary while minimizing the duration of independent operation to preserve synchronization accuracy. The device continuously monitors for new synchronization information from the leader device to re-establish accurate synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower device changes its operational parameters by switching from a passive waiting state to an active independent update state when time synchronization information is lost. During independent operation, the device uses previously received synchronization data with adjusted timing parameters to maintain acceptable accuracy. When new synchronization information becomes available, the device transitions back to the passive state, resetting its synchronization parameters to restore full accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a device continuously monitors for time synchronization information, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The follower device employs periodic action by monitoring for time synchronization information at specific intervals rather than continuously. When the device detects lost synchronization information, it transitions to independent clock updates using historical data. This periodic monitoring approach maintains the ability to detect synchronization opportunities while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the device can enter lower-power states between monitoring intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device including a processor configured to: detect a failed reception of time synchronization information at a follower device, wherein the time synchronization information provides an update of a clock of the follower device for synchronization to a clock of a leader device; determine whether a clock drift between the clock of the follower device and the clock of the leader device is less than a predefined drift threshold; and in the case that the clock drift is less than the predefined drift threshold, instruct an update of the clock of the follower device based on time synchronization information previously received at the follower device.