PTP Network Interface Clocking for Precise BMC Time Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing time synchronization processes in computing systems are complex and require additional hardware, especially during initial boot, as the operating system time may not be accurate and needs to be synchronized with a remote time keeping system, increasing complexity and hardware requirements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a global timekeeper synchronized with a GPS satellite, using precision time protocol (PTP) to synchronize the primary baseboard management controller (BMC) with secondary BMCs within a VLAN, allowing systems to obtain precise time without individual GPS satellite connections, and extending PTP to Virtual LANs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the OS time is used for synchronization, then the time accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and hardware requirements increase due to needing remote time keeping systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a PTP protocol as an intermediary mechanism that enables time synchronization between the OS and BMC without requiring direct connection to remote time keeping systems. The PTP protocol acts as a mediator that translates and synchronizes time information across different system components, achieving accurate time synchronization while avoiding the complexity of direct remote system connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of direct GPS satellite connections with each system with an electronic/software-based PTP protocol solution. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized hardware while achieving comparable or superior time synchronization accuracy through network-based time distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If individual GPS satellite connections are implemented, then the time precision is improved, but the hardware requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime precisionVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the PTP protocol and time synchronization capability universal across multiple systems within the VLAN. Instead of each system needing its own GPS hardware, a single PTP time source can serve multiple BMCs and systems through the network, making the time synchronization infrastructure multi-functional and shared across the entire system landscape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the time synchronization capability through PTP protocol implementation. Rather than requiring physical GPS receivers in each system, the time synchronization function is copied and distributed across the network through software-based PTP clients that receive and process time information from a central PTP time server

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If PTP is extended to VLANs, then the adaptability is improved, but the protocol complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVLAN compatibilityVSAvoidprotocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time synchronization problem into manageable components: a PTP time server that generates time information, PTP protocol handlers that process time packets, and individual BMC/OS clients that apply time synchronization. This segmentation allows PTP to be extended to VLANs by breaking down the complex protocol into modular, independently implementable components that can operate within virtual network segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260067016A1Setting a precise time using precision time protocol capable network interface cards

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In general, certain embodiments described herein relate to a method for managing timing in a system. The method includes synchronizing a first TS of a global timekeeper with a global TS of a global positioning system (GPS) satellite. The method then transmits a first timestamp at a first point of time from the global timekeeper to a primary baseboard management controller (BMC). The primary BMC includes a second TS and the first timestamp is transmitted using precision time protocol (PTP). The primary BMC and the global timekeeper exchange three other timestamps which the primary BMC uses to calculate an offset time between the first TS and the second TS. The primary BMC then synchronizes the second TS with the first TS using the offset time.