Protocol Converter Timestamp Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing time information across networks with different protocols, such as those used in automation and office communication, suffer from increased dwell time and drift due to cascaded control systems and multiple network transitions, leading to slower correction and potential oscillations in time signals.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that directly transfer encoded time information between networks without decoding and re-encoding, using a single protocol converter to manage delays across network boundaries, reducing dwell time and eliminating cascaded control, thereby improving synchronization precision and response speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If boundary clocks with cascaded control systems are used to exchange time stamps across networks with different protocols, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but dwell time increases and drift occurs leading to slower correction and potential oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the encoded time information directly from the incoming time stamp data packet without full decoding, and inserts it directly into the outgoing time stamp packet. This extraction approach removes the unnecessary intermediate steps of decoding and re-encoding, significantly reducing dwell time while maintaining protocol compatibility through direct payload transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that directly transfers time information between networks with different protocols. Instead of using boundary clocks with cascaded control systems, the gateway performs direct payload extraction and insertion, eliminating the need for multiple control stages and reducing both dwell time and drift accumulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If boundary clocks with cascaded control systems are used to exchange time stamps across networks with different protocols, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but correction speed decreases and oscillations occur
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting only the essential encoded time information payload and directly inserting it into outgoing packets, the system eliminates unnecessary processing steps. This extraction method maintains protocol compatibility while dramatically improving correction speed and eliminating the oscillations caused by cascaded control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct extraction and insertion method ensures continuous time synchronization without the interruptions and delays inherent in cascaded control systems. The useful action of time information transfer continues uninterrupted through the gateway, improving correction speed and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network transitions are performed with decoding and re-encoding, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but synchronization precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the encoded time information payload directly from incoming packets and inserts it into outgoing packets without full decoding and re-encoding. This extraction approach preserves the original time information integrity, maintaining high synchronization precision while achieving protocol compatibility through direct payload transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
The assembly has an exchange device (E) for receiving a timing mark (ZM1a) via a first network (NW1) for direct extraction of the encoded time information. The encoded time information is inserted in a new data packet of the second protocol. The data packet is sent as a second timing mark (ZM1b) via another network (NW2). An independent claim is included for method for exchanging timestamps.