Network Time Synchronization Using Master Clock Rate Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time synchronization methods in networks often lead to inaccuracies and errors due to differences in clock rates and time differences between master and slave clocks, especially when multiple clocks with different time bases are involved.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using the clock rate of a first clock to set the clock rate for a second clock, and then synchronizing both clocks by comparing their respective time stamps with the current time, calculating clock rate and time differences, and performing time alignment to ensure both clocks run with synchronized time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate time synchronization is performed for each clock using separate masters, then each clock can be independently synchronized, but time inaccuracies and errors occur due to different clock rates and time differences between masters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent time synchronization operations into a single coordinated process. Instead of having separate masters synchronize different clocks independently, the invention uses one master to synchronize multiple clocks (first clock and second clock) in a coordinated manner, combining their time bases and ensuring consistent time relationships across all clocks in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the master acts as a central coordinator that mediates between multiple clocks with different time bases. The master receives time information from multiple clocks, processes it according to a unified time base, and distributes synchronized time information back to all clocks, thereby eliminating time inaccuracies caused by independent synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple masters are used for synchronizing different clocks, then each clock can be synchronized to its master, but device complexity and synchronization errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the master device universal by enabling it to synchronize multiple different types of clocks (first clock and second clock with different time bases) using a single unified process. Instead of requiring separate masters for each clock type, the master is designed to handle diverse clock synchronization needs through one adaptable mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the synchronization process into distinct phases: first synchronizing the first clock with the master, then using the synchronized first clock as a reference to synchronize the second clock. This segmentation allows complex multi-clock synchronization to be broken down into manageable steps, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple independent synchronization processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If clocks with different time bases are synchronized independently, then each clock maintains its own time base, but time differences and errors accumulate between clocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining the unique time base characteristics of each clock (first clock and second clock) while introducing a hierarchical synchronization structure. The first clock maintains its time base stability as a reference, and the second clock maintains its time base characteristics but is adjusted relative to the first clock through the master's coordinated synchronization, thereby preserving local time base qualities while ensuring global time reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for time synchronization in a network comprising masters and at least one slave. The slave receives synchronization messages from the masters via the network for time synchronization of a first clock and a second clock of the slave. A first master sends a first synchronization message having a first time stamp to the slave for time synchronization of the first clock. The slave calculates a clock rate and a time difference between the first clock and the first master and aligns the first clock with a synchronized time. A second master sends a second synchronization message having a second time stamp to the slave for the time synchronization of the second clock. The clock rate of the second clock is set to the first clock rate. A time difference between the second clock and the second master is calculated and the second clock is aligned with the synchronized time.