Multi-Processor Time Synchronization via Broadcast Start-Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time-of-day approaches in multi-processor systems are inefficient and prone to inconsistencies due to changes in timing and handling of leap years and varying month lengths, leading to potential discontinuities in event scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-processor system that uses a common clock and internal time counters to maintain synchronization among processing elements, where a time-synchronization manager broadcasts a start-timer command after an initial timing mark, allowing all elements to initiate their internal time references and count concurrently, ensuring precise event scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional time-of-day (TOD) approaches based on real-time clock (RTC) are used, then event scheduling can be implemented, but timing discontinuities and inconsistencies occur when TOD changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time reference functionality from the conventional TOD/RTC system and implements a separate, dedicated time reference system that operates independently. Each processor maintains its own time reference counter that counts down from a predetermined value, eliminating dependency on TOD changes and their associated discontinuities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by having processors exchange time reference information and adjust their counters before actual event scheduling occurs. This preliminary action ensures all processors are synchronized to the same time reference before scheduling events, preventing timing discontinuities.
2Measurement precision
If TOD logic is implemented within each processor to handle leap years and varying month lengths, then calendar accuracy is improved, but system complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex calendar calculation logic from individual processors by extracting this function entirely. Instead of implementing TOD logic that handles leap years and varying month lengths, the system uses a simple counter-based time reference that increments or decrements at a fixed rate, eliminating the need for complex calendar arithmetic in processor logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter from calendar-based time representation (years, months, days) to a simple numerical counter that increments or decrements at a constant rate. This parameter change simplifies the time reference system while maintaining the ability to schedule events with precise timing.
3Ease of operation
If multiple processors maintain independent time references, then operational independence is maintained, but synchronization between processors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where processors periodically exchange their time reference counter values with each other. Based on this feedback, processors can detect drift and adjust their counters to maintain synchronization. This feedback loop preserves both operational independence and synchronization stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization operations where processors compare and align their time references before executing scheduled events. This preliminary action ensures that even though processors operate independently, they maintain synchronized time references for consistent event scheduling across the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a multi-processor system and method for synchronization and event scheduling of multiple processing elements are generally described herein. In some embodiments, timing marks are provided to the processing elements and a start-timer command is broadcasted to the processing elements after an initial timing mark. The start-timer command instructs the processing elements to initiate an internal time reference after receipt of a next timing mark. Each of the processing elements maintains a copy of the internal time reference which may be used for synchronized event scheduling.