Time Synchronization in Optical Switching Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization methods in optical switching networks, particularly in 5G communications, face challenges due to high delay uncertainty in optical modules, which affects precision and is exacerbated by complex signal processing, limiting the precision of time synchronization between base stations to around 20 ns.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adding synchronization sequences to signals for detection in quantized forms, reducing signal processing steps, and using correlation peak detection to determine synchronization moments, thereby minimizing delay uncertainty and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional time synchronization methods are used in optical switching networks, then time synchronization can be maintained, but delay uncertainty in optical modules causes precision loss exceeding 10 ns, limiting synchronization precision to around 20 ns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing quantization of the received signal before synchronization sequence detection. The slave node quantizes the received signal containing the synchronization sequence, then detects the sequence from the quantized signal. This preliminary quantization step reduces subsequent processing complexity and minimizes delay uncertainty, enabling sub-10 ns synchronization precision while avoiding complex signal processing operations.
2Measurement precision
If synchronization sequences are detected in original signal forms, then accurate detection can be achieved, but complex signal processing increases delay uncertainty and reduces synchronization precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the signal from its original continuous form to a quantized discrete form before detection. The slave node quantizes the received analog signal into discrete levels, then performs synchronization sequence detection on this quantized signal. This parameter transformation reduces processing time and delay uncertainty, achieving sub-10 ns synchronization precision while minimizing signal processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a method is provided. In this method, a first signal is received from a master node, and is sampled to obtain a first sample. The first sample is then quantized to obtain a quantized form of the first sample. A first synchronization sequence is detected from the quantized form of the first sample at T2. First information is received from the master node and the first information is used to indicate a moment T1 at which the master node sends the first synchronization sequence. A second synchronization sequence is sent to the master node at T3. Second information received from the master node and the second information is used to indicate a moment T4 at which the master node detects a quantized form of the second synchronization sequence. Time synchronization is performed based on T1, T2, T3, and T4.