Low-Power Wireless Synchronization with Sequence-Numbered Adverts
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices require low power consumption and reliable, low latency communications for sporadic data exchange, but maintaining accurate system timing without high-accuracy clock sources leads to frequent re-synchronization, increasing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system using non-connectable adverts and event adverts with sequence numbering to minimize power consumption by reducing receiver on-time, combined with mesh data transmission methods to optimize power and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate clock sources are used to maintain accurate system timing, then timing accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization actions during active communication periods, establishing timing references before entering sleep mode. This allows the use of lower-cost clock sources that can maintain timing accuracy without continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between timing precision and device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic synchronization intervals where devices wake up to exchange timing information and then return to sleep mode. This periodic action allows inexpensive clock sources to maintain adequate timing accuracy by being corrected at regular intervals, eliminating the need for continuously running high-precision clocks.
2Measurement precision
If frequent re-synchronization is performed to correct timing drift, then timing accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic synchronization at optimized intervals rather than continuous synchronization. Devices wake up at predetermined intervals to exchange timing information and then return to low-power sleep mode, maintaining timing accuracy while minimizing power consumption compared to frequent re-synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization interval is dynamically adjusted based on observed timing drift rates and communication patterns. When timing drift is minimal or communication is sparse, intervals are extended to reduce power consumption. When drift increases or communication frequency rises, intervals are shortened to maintain timing accuracy, creating a dynamic balance between these competing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If devices remain active to maintain synchronization, then timing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices alternate between active synchronization periods and sleep periods in a periodic cycle. During active periods, devices exchange timing information to maintain synchronization accuracy. During sleep periods, devices consume minimal power while relying on the previously established timing references. This periodic on-off pattern resolves the contradiction by achieving timing accuracy only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices use their own transmitted packets as reference signals for synchronization rather than requiring continuous external reference signals. Each device can self-synchronize by measuring the timing of received packets from peer devices, eliminating the need for continuous active listening and enabling extended sleep periods while maintaining timing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications system which provides improved power consumption and fast synchronization for low power and small footprint wireless devices is described. System and methods are described to provide a fast synchronization, low latency and efficient communications capability for services that sip data. That is services that exchange small amounts of data on an infrequent or sporadic basis, or data that is communicated in bursts with relatively large periods of inactivity in between.