Remote Radio Clock Calibration via Network Timing Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication systems face challenges in maintaining frequency stability due to the high cost of high-precision oscillators and the need for regular manual calibration, especially in large networks, where oscillators like quartz oscillators suffer from aging and temperature variations, leading to frequency drift and interference.

Innovation Solution

A method for remotely calibrating local radio reference clocks using a network reference clock, where the offset between local and network clocks is determined, and the local clock is placed in calibration mode via a radio link to reduce frequency offset, allowing for automatic adjustment without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-precision oscillators are used to maintain frequency stability, then frequency stability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining offset values between the local oscillator and reference oscillator, and adjusting the local oscillator without external intervention. This eliminates the need for costly manual calibration services while maintaining frequency stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the frequency offset between the local oscillator and reference oscillator, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the local oscillator frequency. This closed-loop control maintains frequency stability without requiring expensive high-precision oscillators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual calibration is performed regularly to correct frequency drift, then frequency stability is improved, but labor and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoidlabor and operational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system operates autonomously by automatically detecting frequency offsets and adjusting the local oscillator without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates labor costs associated with regular manual calibration while maintaining frequency stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs calibration adjustments in advance before significant frequency drift occurs, using periodic offset measurements and automatic corrections. This preventive approach maintains frequency stability without requiring reactive manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If oscillators are adjusted to compensate for aging and temperature variations, then frequency stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a feedback mechanism where the offset determination unit continuously measures frequency differences and the adjustment unit automatically corrects them. This simple feedback loop compensates for aging and temperature variations without requiring complex prediction algorithms or additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a reference oscillator as an intermediary standard against which the local oscillator is compared. This mediator enables automatic offset detection and correction without requiring the local oscillator to inherently resist environmental effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If automatic calibration is implemented using radio links, then ease of operation is improved, but communication interruptions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic calibrationVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration operations periodically at scheduled intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. This periodic approach allows calibration to occur during predetermined maintenance windows, minimizing impact on continuous communication operations while maintaining automatic calibration benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8670511B2Remote monitoring and calibration of system reference clock using network timing reference

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 AVIAT U S

AI summary

A system and method for calibrating a local radio reference clock for a radio operating in a radio network having a network reference clock. The method comprises determining at the radio an offset between the local clock and the network clock, placing the local clock in a calibration mode, and calibrating the local clock using a radio link to reduce the offset.