Satellite Receiver Module Timing Signal Transfer via Universal Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunication equipment body devices often lack suitable connectors to receive timing information from satellite receiver modules, specifically the pulse per second (PPS) signal, which is typically extracted from GNSS signals, limiting the transfer of timing data.
Innovation Solution
A satellite receiver module with circuitry to convert timing information into synchronization protocol-compliant messages, enabling transfer via a data interface to a body device, which runs slave-end functions to regenerate the timing information using protocols like IEEE 1588.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the satellite receiver module uses a dedicated connector for timing information (PPS signal), then the timing information transfer reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring multiple connector types
Solution Approach 1:
The data interface connector is designed to serve multiple functions: it transfers both timing information (PPS signal) and location information between the satellite receiver module and body device. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated connectors for different signal types, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable timing information transfer through the unified interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If the body device includes dedicated connector pins for receiving PPS signal, then the timing information reception capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The data interface is designed as a universal connector that can receive both timing information (PPS signal) and location information through the same physical interface. This allows the body device to maintain timing information reception capability while using a standardized, easier-to-manufacture single connector type rather than multiple specialized connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The data interface acts as an intermediary that carries timing information (PPS signal) along with location information through a unified communication channel. This mediator approach allows the body device to receive timing information without requiring dedicated connector pins, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining full functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite receiver module (101) for telecommunication equipment includes circuitries (102, 103) configured to: receive timing information from one or more satellites, run at least a part of master-end functions of a synchronization protocol suitable for synchronizing master and slave clock-times over a data transfer network, and convert the timing information into timing messages that are accordant with the synchronization protocol. The satellite receiver module further includes a data interface (104) including a connector (105) for detachably attaching to a body device of the telecommunication equipment and for transferring a bit stream carrying the timing messages to the body device. Because the timing information received from the one or more satellites is converted into the timing messages that are accordant with the synchronization protocol, the timing information can be transferred among other possible digital data, e.g. location information, from the satellite receiver module to the body device.