Ring Network Timing Master Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems with ring topology face challenges in maintaining a single timing reference across network nodes with minimal latency and low processing overhead, particularly when multiple lead computers are assigned for timing synchronization, leading to increased network load and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with network nodes interconnected by a transmission line, where each node includes a first communication port for generating frames with a preamble, data field, and time count field, and a second port for receiving and synchronizing data, using a stable clock and arbitration mechanism to ensure only one timing master, with unique IDs to identify additional timing masters and minimize resynchronization time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple lead computers are assigned for timing synchronization, then timing coverage is improved, but network load and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple timing masters into a coordinated system where each master operates autonomously with a unique ID, but their timing functions are merged through the wrap-around detection mechanism. When a master detects its timing signal wrapping around (indicating another master is present), it automatically adjusts its behavior to maintain synchronization, effectively merging multiple independent timing sources into a unified timing system without increasing network complexity.
2Measurement precision
If bidirectional communication is used for time synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The timing masters operate autonomously using their own local clocks and self-generated timing signals. Each master independently monitors its own timing signal for wrap-around conditions and automatically adjusts its operation accordingly. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex bidirectional communication and centralized coordination, significantly reducing processing power requirements while maintaining synchronization precision through the autonomous wrap-around detection mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If frequent time synchronization is performed, then timing accuracy is improved, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic timing signals generated by stable local clocks at each master, rather than continuous bidirectional communication. The wrap-around detection mechanism operates periodically based on these natural clock cycles, allowing synchronization to occur at the optimal interval defined by the clock period rather than requiring frequent active communication rounds. This reduces network latency while maintaining timing accuracy through the periodic nature of the synchronization checks.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system, network, interface, and port architecture are provided for transporting data across a ring network. A network node operating as a first timing master generates a set of frames, each frame having a preamble, a data field and a time count field, which represents a portion of the time information associated with the set of frames. This time information may include counted time units, like seconds, or a number of generated and transmitted over the network. As the individual frames of a set of frames are generated and sent on the network, they pass other network nodes and are forwarded through the ring bus to the first timing master which receives at least a portion of the set it is still generating. This enables a received time count field to be compared with a transmitted time count field of the same set. If the fields are identical, there is no other timing master on the bus. If there is another timing master on the bus, the additional timing master would overwrite the contents of the time count field propagating through the network; therefore, the received time count field would not be equal to the time count field being transmitted by the first timing master.