RF Packet Timestamp Synchronization for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, the lack of synchronization between devices can lead to data errors, such as jitters and noises, due to mismatched timing references between transmitters and receivers.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization method is implemented using interrupt signals and radio frequency packets to synchronize timers between electronic apparatuses, where a first interrupt signal triggers a timer on one device, and a second interrupt signal, combined with a received radio frequency packet, synchronizes a timer on another device, allowing both to operate with synchronized clock signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices communicate without synchronization, then communication simplicity is maintained, but data transmission reliability deteriorates due to timing errors, jitters and noises
Solution Approach 1:
A timestamp field is introduced as an intermediary element within the radio frequency packet to carry timing information. This timestamp acts as a mediator that enables synchronization between devices without requiring complex dedicated synchronization hardware or protocols, thus improving reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The radio frequency packet serves multiple functions: it carries both data information and synchronization information (via the timestamp field). This multi-functionality allows the same communication mechanism to handle both data transmission and timing synchronization, avoiding the need for separate synchronization systems and reducing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If interrupt signals and timestamps are used for synchronization, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits and processing
Solution Approach 1:
Each device uses its own interrupt signal and timestamp mechanisms to generate and process timing information independently. The first device generates a timestamp when transmitting the radio frequency packet, and the second device uses its own interrupt signal to capture the arrival time. This self-service approach achieves high timing precision without requiring complex centralized control circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The timestamp is prepared and embedded in the radio frequency packet before transmission. This preliminary action allows the receiving device to directly use the pre-prepared timestamp information combined with its own interrupt signal for synchronization, eliminating the need for complex real-time processing circuits during the actual synchronization operation
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization method is suitable between a first electronic apparatus and a second electronic apparatus. The synchronization method include following steps. A first interrupt signal is generated to trigger a first timer on the first electronic apparatus. A radio frequency packet is transmitted from the first electronic apparatus to the second electronic apparatus. In response to that the radio frequency packet is received by the second electronic apparatus, a second interrupt signal is generated to trigger a second timer on the second electronic apparatus. The second timer is synchronized with the first timer or a timestamp of the first timer is estimated according to the second interrupt signal and the radio frequency packet.