Network Time Synchronization via Wireless Translation Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wired networks in industrial automation and control engineering lack mobility and scalability, particularly in synchronizing time bases across different networks, especially when transitioning from wired to wireless communication systems, which is crucial for real-time data transmission in Industry 4.0 applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves setting up a wired communication system with a first and second time base in separate networks, connected via a wireless communication system through synchronized translation units. These units act as interfaces to synchronize the networks using a third time base, allowing for efficient time synchronization via a single synchronization message that accounts for transmission delays, reducing complexity and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wired networks with traditional time synchronization protocols are used, then synchronization precision is maintained, but mobility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless network as an intermediary communication medium between master and slave devices. Translation units are deployed at both ends of the wireless connection to convert wireless timing messages into wired network-compatible format, enabling precise time synchronization over wireless links while maintaining compatibility with existing wired network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication medium parameter from wired to wireless while adjusting the timing protocol parameters accordingly. Specialized timing messages are designed for wireless transmission with modified structures to account for wireless-specific characteristics like variable propagation delay, while translation units adapt these messages to match wired network timing expectations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple synchronization messages are exchanged between master and slave, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but data transmission resources and susceptibility to packet loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple synchronization message exchanges into a single optimized wireless timing message transmission. The translation unit at the master side consolidates timing information and transmits it through the wireless network in one message, which is then processed by the slave's translation unit to achieve synchronization without requiring multiple separate message exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential synchronization data from complex multi-message protocols and implements a streamlined single-message approach. The timing message contains only the critical synchronization parameters needed, eliminating redundant information and reducing the total data volume transmitted over the wireless link.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication systems are introduced for mobility, then adaptability is improved, but time base synchronization between different networks becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The translation units act as intermediary devices that bridge the wireless and wired network time bases. These units maintain local time base information and perform real-time conversions between wireless timing references and wired network timing references, shielding the complexity of time base coordination from the rest of the network while enabling seamless synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing networks is disclosed. A first wired communication system having a first time base is set up in a first network. A second wired communication system having a second time base is set up in a second network. The first network and the second network are connected to a wireless communication system via a first translation unit and a second translation unit, respectively. The first translation unit and the second translation unit are synchronized to one another according to a third time base of the wireless communication system independently of the first time base and the second time base. A third synchronization message is transmitted from the first translation unit to the second translation unit. A transmission time for the third synchronization message in the third time base is determined and is used to synchronize the second time base to the first time base.