Serial Time Protocol for IC Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing integrated circuits within wireless networks are inefficient and unsuitable for handling distinct timing requirements, particularly in changing radio environments and with imperfect time references due to manufacturing variances in oscillator components.
Innovation Solution
A serial time protocol (STP) is implemented for unidirectional communication between a time-transmitter and a time-receiver, using edge signals and data values to precisely synchronize internal clock bases within wireless devices, allowing for high-precision time reference distribution without the need for acknowledgement or dedicated hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing synchronization schemes are used, then wireless devices can operate with internal free-running oscillators, but synchronization precision is insufficient for components with distinct timing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization approach by implementing component-specific synchronization for each integrated circuit within the wireless device. Each component receives tailored synchronization signals and timing information appropriate to its specific timing requirements, rather than using a single universal synchronization scheme for all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic synchronization adjustment where the synchronization parameters and timing references are continuously adjusted based on the specific requirements of each component. The system adapts timing relationships dynamically to accommodate distinct timing needs of different integrated circuits while maintaining overall network synchronization.
2Productivity
If periodic time information distribution is used, then wireless devices can maintain synchronization, but the approach is inefficient for components requiring distinct timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring and distributing timing information to components before they need to execute time-critical operations. Synchronization data is prepared and delivered in advance to each component based on its specific timing requirements, eliminating the inefficiency of periodic general-purpose synchronization broadcasts.
3Measurement precision
If standard wireless synchronization protocols are implemented, then devices can synchronize across the network, but the complexity increases without adequate precision for internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization layer that sits between the wireless network protocol and the internal integrated circuits. This intermediary component receives synchronization information from the wireless network and translates/distributes it to individual components in a simplified manner, maintaining high precision while reducing the complexity burden on each component.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for synchronization of integrated circuits (ICs) within a wireless network. In one embodiment, a serial time protocol (STP) is disclosed for use within a wireless device of a wireless network. The disclosed STP provides a common protocol for communicating precision time information from one time-transmitter IC to another time-receiver IC within a wireless device. In one exemplary implementation, a time-transmitter and a time-receiver are implemented within the firmware of a wireless device. Various schemes utilizing the disclosed STP for time synchronization are also described.