Single-Oscillator Radio Gateway Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication gateways face challenges in maintaining precise clock synchronization for both the processor and radio subsystems, particularly in cost and design complexity, especially for general-public base stations, where expensive GPS modules or dedicated hardware are often required.
Innovation Solution
Using a single oscillator for both the processor and radio subsystems, with software-based synchronization means, including timestamping data packets and controlling the oscillator's frequency, to maintain clock stability and precision over a packet data network, reducing the need for dedicated hardware components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS modules or synchronous telecommunication interfaces are used for clock synchronization, then clock precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive GPS modules and synchronous telecommunication interfaces with a low-cost oscillator that can be easily integrated into consumer devices. The oscillator, while having shorter term stability compared to GPS, provides sufficient precision for the application at a fraction of the cost, making it suitable for mass-market deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing packet data network connection to copy timing information from distant reference sources via NTP or PTP protocols. Instead of requiring dedicated hardware for clock synchronization, the system copies time information through software-based protocols over the existing network infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated synchronization hardware.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware control components are used for oscillator control, then clock synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dedicated hardware control components with software-based control mechanisms running on the general processor. The software implements the same oscillator control functions that would traditionally require separate hardware circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability through the same underlying algorithms and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the general processor serve multiple functions: it handles both the packet data network communication and the oscillator control for the radio subsystem. By consolidating these functions into a single processor rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware components, the system reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability of clock synchronization through software-based control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate oscillators are used for processor and radio subsystem, then timing independence is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock sources by using a single oscillator to provide the reference clock for both the processor and the radio subsystem. This consolidation reduces device complexity and cost by eliminating redundant components. The system maintains timing coordination through software-based synchronization protocols that manage the shared clock resource, ensuring both subsystems operate correctly with the unified timing source.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of radio communication devices and, more specifically, gateways connected firstly to a cellular radio communication network via a packet data communication network, such as an IP network, and secondly to cellular mobile communication terminals. The invention proposes to use the same oscillator to provide both the reference clock of the radio subsystem and the reference clock of the general processor of the device. The fact that the same oscillator is used for these two components also allows embodiments in which some of the functions that have hitherto been devolved to a hardware control component, itself operating by means of a clock derived from the radio oscillator and being involved in the control of said oscillator, can now be devolved to a software component that is executed on the general processor of the gateway.