Coherent Sensor Array Time Transfer for Zero-Hop Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array systems are expensive, large, power-intensive, limited in frequency range, and require complex calibration routines, with synchronization becoming increasingly difficult in distributed arrays where elements are physically separated, especially over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensor array system with a zero-hop network architecture using dedicated two-way time transfer channels for picosecond time-synchronization fidelity, where a master node communicates with slave nodes to form a noiseless timing distribution network, enabling synchronization across the array without degrading with scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If distributed arrays are used to reduce size and cost, then system scalability and deployment flexibility improve, but time synchronization difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the distributed array into master nodes and slave nodes, with each node independently capable of receiving timing signals. This segmentation allows nodes to be physically separated while maintaining synchronization through individual dedicated channels to the master timing source.
Solution Approach 2:
A master timing signal acts as an intermediary that mediates synchronization between all slave nodes. The master node receives timing information from an external source and distributes it to all slave nodes through dedicated channels, eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer synchronization protocols.
2Ease of operation
If conventional phased array systems are used, then time synchronization is easier to maintain, but system cost, size, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each slave node independently receives and processes timing signals from the master node through dedicated channels. This self-service approach allows nodes to autonomously maintain synchronization without requiring complex inter-node communication or calibration routines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of synchronization.
3Length of moving object
If distributed arrays with successive hops are used, then physical separation of elements is enabled, but timing information accuracy degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing distribution function from the data communication channels and implements it through separate dedicated two-way time transfer channels. This extraction ensures that timing information travels through noise-free paths independent of data traffic, preventing degradation even over long distances and multiple hops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dedicated timing dimension to the distributed array architecture by implementing separate TWTT channels for timing information. This dimensional separation allows timing signals to propagate independently from data signals, maintaining picosecond accuracy regardless of physical distance or network topology.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described herein for time synchronization of a distributed sensor array system (“distributed system”). The distributed system includes multiple sensor nodes, which are time-synchronized using a combination of RF signal data and message-based time techniques across multiple communications mechanisms. Time synchronization is implemented both internally between a sensor node's components and over-the-air between different sensor nodes. The distributed system further employs multiple layers of standardized and custom synchronization protocols to build a scalable, potentially zero-hop, time transfer network. The time synchronization accuracies achieved by the time transfer network enable coherency in the distributed system.