Power Line Communication Timestamp Calculation Without Sync Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring data transmission time in power line communication (PLC) networks require synchronization circuits, leading to high costs due to the need for additional hardware and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first device sends a packet to a second device and calculates the data transmission time based on the timing frequency of the second device, eliminating the need for synchronization circuits by using existing PLC communication functions to determine the receive and send timestamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronization circuits are deployed in both the first device and the second device to receive timing signals from Beidou satellite or GPS, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing signal reception function from dedicated synchronization circuits and implements it using the existing PLC communication module. The communication module receives a timing packet containing timing information from a third device, eliminating the need for separate synchronization circuits in the first and second devices while maintaining time synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC communication module is made multi-functional by enabling it to both communicate data and receive timing information. The same communication interface and processing logic are used for both regular data packets and timing packets, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If synchronization circuits are deployed in both devices to receive timing signals, then time synchronization is achieved, but the number of hardware components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing signal reception function with the existing PLC communication function. The communication module handles both data communication and timing synchronization through a unified packet reception and processing mechanism, reducing the total number of hardware components by eliminating separate synchronization circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC communication module serves itself by handling both data communication and timing synchronization functions. The same module that communicates data also receives and processes timing packets, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional dedicated synchronization hardware.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated demodulators are used to separate carrier signals from power lines, then data demodulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PLC communication module is designed to be multi-functional, handling both data demodulation and timing information extraction through the same hardware interface. The module processes carrier signals from power lines and can identify and extract timing packets using the existing demodulation capability, eliminating the need for separate dedicated demodulators.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a data transmission time obtaining method, apparatus, and system, and belong to the communication field. The method includes: A first device sends a first packet to a second device, and obtains a first send timestamp of the first packet; the first device receives a second packet that is sent by the second device and that corresponds to the first packet, and obtains a first receive timestamp of the second packet; the first device calculates, based on timing frequency of the second device, a second receive timestamp at which the second device receives the first packet and a second send timestamp at which the second device sends the second packet; and the first device calculates a data transmission time between the first device and the second device based on the first send timestamp, the first receive timestamp, the second send timestamp, and the second receive timestamp. By using this application, costs can be reduced.