Real-Time Network Time Synchronization via Timestamp Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods in real-time networks require high processor power and are less accurate, with limitations in signal propagation delay compensation and flexibility in communication roles.
Innovation Solution
A method where synchronization packets from a synchronization master propagate along a specified synchronization path, allowing participants to synchronize their local network times by calculating time differences and network time offsets, which can be corrected for signal propagation times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex synchronization methods like PTP are used, then measurement precision is improved, but processor power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization function into dedicated hardware components (synchronization master with timestamp generator, participants with timestamp processors) rather than using general-purpose software processing. This hardware segmentation enables precise timestamp generation and processing while reducing the computational burden on main processors, thereby achieving high synchronization accuracy with lower processor power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If simple synchronization methods are used, then processor power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary hardware mechanism (dedicated timestamp generator and processor) that mediates between the simple synchronization protocol and the requirement for high precision. The hardware intermediary automatically generates and processes timestamps with high precision without requiring complex software algorithms, thus achieving accurate synchronization with minimal processor involvement.
3Device complexity
If communication roles are fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where any participant can become the synchronization master based on system requirements. The system dynamically selects and configures the master node, allowing flexible adaptation to different network configurations and failure scenarios without requiring complex pre-defined role structures, thus achieving both simplicity and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If software-based synchronization is used, then adaptability is improved, but time to activate synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based synchronization mechanisms with hardware-based timestamp generation and processing. The hardware timestamp generator operates independently of software startup sequences, enabling immediate timestamp generation as soon as the physical connection is established. This substitution eliminates software initialization delays while maintaining the adaptability of the synchronization protocol.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention describes a method for synchronizing the respective local network time (tn1, tn2, tn3) of participants (11, 12, 13) of a real-time network (1), wherein the participants (11, 12, 13) are interconnected via ports (11[1], 11[2], 12[1], 12[2], 13[1], 13[2]), wherein the participants (11, 12, 13), preferably cyclically, transmit synchronization packets (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2], D3[1]) to connected participants (11, 12, 13), wherein one participant (11, 12, 13) of the real-time network (1) is designated as the synchronization master (SM), wherein using the synchronization packets (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2], D3[1]) the local network time (tn1, tn2, tn3) of the other participants (11, 12, 13) is synchronized to the local network time (tn1, tn2, tn3) of the synchronization master (SM), characterized in that using the synchronization packets (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2],D3[1]) starting from the synchronization master (SM) along a synchronization path (S) the local network time (tn1, tn2, tn3) of the participants (11, 12, 13) located along the synchronization path (S) is synchronized to the local network time (tn1, tn2, tn3) of the synchronization master (SM), and that the participants (11, 12, 13) transmit a timestamp of their local time (t1, t2, t3) with the synchronization packet (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2], D3[1]) at the time of sending the respective synchronization packet (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2], D3[1]), and that the participants (11, 12, 13) for a port (11[2], 12[1], 12[2], 13[1]), via which a synchronization packet (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2], D3[1]) is received, a difference time (td1[2], td2[1], td2[2], td3[1]) from a difference between the timestamp received in the synchronization packet (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2], D3[1]) and a timestamp of its local time (t1, t2, t3) at the time of receipt of the synchronization packet in question (D1[2], D2[1], D2[2],D3[1]), where the local network time (tn1, tn2, tn3) of the participants is synchronized using the time difference (td1[2], td2[1], td2[2], td3[1]).