Multi-Domain Synchronization in Vehicle Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle network technologies, such as CAN and FlexRay-based networks, struggle to meet the higher transmission rate and system expandability requirements of enhanced safety and infotainment systems, leading to inaccuracies in time synchronization due to differences between local and reference times across communication nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for synchronizing communication nodes by operating multiple time domains within a vehicle network, where communication nodes transmit and receive synchronization messages to determine a new reference grand master node based on synchronization offsets, ensuring accurate time synchronization across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single grand master node is used for time synchronization in a vehicle network, then the system structure is simple and easy to manage, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to differences between local time and reference time across communication nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle network into multiple time domains, each with its own grand master node. Instead of using a single centralized synchronization system, the network is segmented into domain-specific synchronization zones. Each domain independently manages its own grand master node and synchronization process, allowing for more accurate local time synchronization while maintaining overall network manageability through hierarchical organization.
2Measurement precision
If multiple time domains with multiple grand master nodes are used for time synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of managing synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the synchronization system by organizing multiple grand master nodes into a hierarchy with domain-level grand master nodes and network-level grand master nodes. This dimensional organization allows the system to manage complexity through structured layers, where each layer handles specific synchronization tasks. The hierarchical structure enables accurate local synchronization within domains while maintaining coordinated network-wide time management.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-domain synchronization is used, then the system is easier to implement and maintain, but it cannot meet the higher transmission rate and expandability requirements of enhanced safety and infotainment systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional synchronization system where grand master nodes can operate at different hierarchical levels (domain-level and network-level) and serve multiple purposes. The same synchronization infrastructure supports both traditional safety-critical communications and high-speed infotainment systems. The system can dynamically adapt to different network configurations and requirements, providing universal time synchronization services across diverse application domains with varying transmission rate requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a first communication node operating as a current reference grand master (GM) node in a vehicle network may comprise: transmitting a first synchronization message including a first reference time of the first communication node; receiving a first response message from a second communication node, the first response message including a first synchronization offset indicating a difference between a first local time of the second communication node and the first reference time; receiving a second response message from the second communication node, the second response message including a second synchronization offset indicating a difference between the first local time and a second reference time of a third communication node operating as a GM node; and determining the first communication node or the third communication node as a first reference GM node based on a result of comparison between the first synchronization offset and the second synchronization offset.