Frequency and Gain Calibration for Network Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networking technologies face challenges in achieving accurate network time synchronization, particularly in mesh networks where precise clock synchronization is crucial for applications like localization and communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method for characterizing time bias and propagation delay between nodes in a mesh network, involving the transmission and back-coupling of synchronization signals to calculate time-of-arrival and subsequently determine the time bias and propagation delay, allowing for precise clock synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional time synchronization methods are used in mesh networks, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of time synchronization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time synchronization process into distinct phases: transmitting a first synchronization signal, back-coupling to generate a first self-receive signal, transmitting a second synchronization signal, back-coupling to generate a second self-receive signal. This segmentation allows precise measurement of time-of-departure and time-of-arrival for each signal type, enabling nanosecond-level synchronization precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces self-receive signals as an intermediary mechanism. By back-coupling transmitted synchronization signals and comparing the original transmitted signals with the back-coupled self-receive signals, the system creates a reference framework that enables precise time bias and propagation delay calculations without requiring direct peer-to-peer complex coordination between all nodes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calibration signals are transmitted for frequency offset calculation, then measurement precision of time synchronization is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic transmission of calibration signals at specific intervals. By transmitting the first and second synchronization signals at predetermined times and using these periodic transmissions to calculate frequency offsets, the system achieves accurate measurements without continuous signal exchange, thereby reducing overall synchronization overhead time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs frequency offset calculations using calibration signals transmitted at predetermined times before the actual data transmission phase. By completing the frequency offset measurement and compensation in advance, the system eliminates the need for extended real-time calibration during data transmission, thus reducing synchronization overhead while preserving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If precise clock synchronization is implemented, then reliability of time-based applications is improved, but productivity of data transfer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs time bias and propagation delay calculations using synchronization signals and self-receive signals before actual data transmission begins. By pre-establishing the time synchronization parameters and frequency offsets, the system ensures high reliability for time-based applications while minimizing the time consumed during the synchronization phase, thereby preserving data transfer productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a synchronization mechanism that establishes accurate time references and frequency offsets once, then maintains these parameters continuously for subsequent data transmissions. This approach ensures reliable time-based operations without requiring repeated synchronization overhead during data transfer, thus maintaining both high reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes, at a first node: transmitting a first calibration signal at a first time-of-departure measured by the first node; and transmitting a second calibration signal at a second time-of-departure measured by the first node. The method also includes, at a second node: receiving the first calibration signal at a first time-of-arrival measured by the second node; and receiving the second calibration signal at a second time-of-arrival measured by the second node. The method further includes: defining a first calibration point and a second calibration point in a set of calibration points, each calibration point comprising a time-of-departure and a time-of-arrival of each calibration signal; calculating a regression on the set of calibration points; and calculating a frequency offset between the first node and the second node based on the first regression.