Mesh Network Time Synchronization Using Self-Receive Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time synchronization and localization methods in networking and digital communication face challenges in achieving high precision without prior knowledge of signal propagation delay or precise hardware calibration, particularly in mesh networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for characterizing time bias and propagation delay between nodes in a mesh network using self-receive signals, which involve transmitting and back-coupling synchronization signals to calculate time-of-arrival and time-of-departure, enabling precise synchronization and localization without requiring prior knowledge of signal propagation delay or precise hardware calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional time synchronization methods are used in mesh networks, then hardware calibration and prior knowledge of signal propagation delay are required, but this increases device complexity and difficulty of deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables nodes to automatically characterize their own time bias and propagation delay through self-receive signals without requiring external calibration or prior knowledge. Each node performs measurements using its own transmitted signals reflected back through the network, eliminating the need for precise hardware calibration or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces self-receive signals as an intermediary measurement mechanism. These signals act as a mediator that carries timing information through the network path and back, allowing nodes to indirectly measure propagation delay and time bias without requiring direct knowledge of hardware characteristics or signal path properties.
2Measurement precision
If precise hardware calibration is performed to achieve high precision synchronization, then time synchronization precision improves, but this increases manufacturing complexity and deployment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes automatically perform time bias and propagation delay characterization using their own transmitted signals. The self-receive mechanism allows each node to measure its own timing parameters without requiring external calibration equipment or procedures, dramatically simplifying manufacturing and deployment while maintaining nanosecond precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from self-receive signals to continuously measure and characterize timing parameters. By monitoring the reflected signals and analyzing their arrival times, nodes can automatically adjust and refine their timing measurements without external intervention, achieving high precision through iterative self-calibration.
3Measurement precision
If signal propagation delay is known in advance to achieve accurate localization, then localization accuracy improves, but this reduces adaptability to different network configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Each node independently measures its own propagation delay through self-receive signals rather than relying on pre-configured values. This self-measurement approach automatically adapts to any network configuration, topology, or signal path characteristics, enabling accurate localization in diverse environments without requiring prior knowledge or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines propagation delay based on actual signal transmission conditions rather than using static pre-configured values. By continuously measuring timing parameters through self-receive signals, the system adapts to changing network conditions, topology variations, and different deployment scenarios, maintaining localization accuracy across diverse configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: scheduling transmission of a first synchronization signal by a first node; and scheduling transmission of a second synchronization signal by a second node. The method also includes, after transmission of the first synchronization signal: receiving, from the first node, a first phase reference associated with the first synchronization signal; and receiving, from the second node, a first phase-of-arrival of the first synchronization signal at the second node. The method additionally includes, after transmission of the second synchronization signal: receiving, from the second node, a second phase reference associated with the second synchronization signal; and receiving, from the first node, a second phase-of-arrival of the second synchronization signal at the first node. The method further includes calculating a propagation delay between the first node and the second node based on the first phase reference, the second phase reference, the first phase-of-arrival, and the second phase-of-arrival.