Furthest-Ahead Clock Synchronization Through Two-Way Timestamp Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synchronizing clocks across multiple computing devices in large data centers require an external time source, such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, which is problematic and not necessary for applications that only need a common time reference, and often necessitate a dedicated Grandmaster node or synchronized mesh, lacking flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing clocks by determining the furthest ahead clock within a group and using two-way communication and time transfer, eliminating the need for an external reference, where the leading clock becomes the leader and propagates time to other nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an external time source such as GNSS receiver is used for clock synchronization, then time reference accuracy is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external GNSS time source requirement from the synchronization system, enabling clock synchronization to function independently without external references. The system achieves time synchronization by having nodes exchange timestamped messages and calculate offsets based on their local clocks, eliminating the need for GNSS receivers and associated hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system becomes self-sufficient by using each node's own local clock and the timestamps from exchanged messages to determine relative time offsets. Each node independently calculates its time relationship to others without requiring external time sources, making the system self-service capable and reducing deployment complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a dedicated Grandmaster node is deployed for clock synchronization, then time reference stability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roles of time reference sources across multiple nodes rather than concentrating them in a single Grandmaster. Each node participates equally in the synchronization process by exchanging timestamps and calculating offsets, creating a distributed time reference system that eliminates the need for a dedicated Grandmaster while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Any node in the system can serve as a time reference for others, making all nodes universal and multi-functional rather than having a specialized Grandmaster. The system dynamically determines which node has the most accurate time based on exchanged timestamps, allowing any node to assume the reference role temporarily or permanently.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional one-way time transfer is used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional one-way time transfer where a master unilaterally sets times, the patent inverts the approach by having nodes exchange timestamps bidirectionally. Each node sends timestamps to others and uses the received timestamps to calculate offsets, creating a symmetric two-way communication protocol that improves accuracy while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized message formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having nodes continuously exchange timestamps and use the received information to calculate and adjust time offsets. This bidirectional feedback mechanism allows each node to learn about the time relationship with others and make corrections, improving synchronization accuracy compared to one-way transfer where no feedback is available.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to synchronizing clocks across a plurality of computing devices. Generally speaking, the clocks of the plurality of devices can be synchronized to whichever of the clocks is the furthest ahead in time. More specifically, embodiments provide for determining a common time reference establishment without need for an external reference. Rather, a computing device or node with the furthest ahead in time clock among devices or nodes in a group or time domain can be become the leader node and propagate time to the other nodes. Embodiments of the present disclosure can replace the traditional one-way time transfer from the IEEE 1588 timeTransmitter to the timeReceiver with two-way communication and time transfer.