Slave Clock Synchronization Using Common-Base Pulse Timestamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods for audio systems are dependent on the frequency of the mains, which varies significantly, leading to inaccurate synchronization between systems and difficulty in maintaining compatible broadcasting time differences.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing a slave main clock with a master main clock using a common time base, involving timestamping of clock pulses, communication of timestamping information, and regulation of the slave clock based on master timestamping information, utilizing a proportional integral derivative controller for precise synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization is based on mains frequency detection, then a common time base is available for all equipment, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to mains frequency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces timestamping information as an intermediary element that mediates between the unstable mains frequency and the synchronization requirement. Each equipment generates timestamps based on its local clock when detecting mains zero-crossing events, and these timestamps are exchanged between master and slave equipment. The slave equipment uses these timestamps to regulate its clock, effectively decoupling the synchronization accuracy from direct dependence on mains frequency stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the slave equipment receives timestamping information from the master equipment and uses it to regulate its slave main clock. The regulation process continuously compares the slave clock's timestamp with the master clock's timestamp and adjusts the slave clock accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for drift caused by mains frequency variations, maintaining accurate synchronization over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local clocks are used for synchronization, then equipment independence is maintained, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to frequency drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both independent local clocks and centralized synchronization by having each equipment generate its own timestamps using its local clock (maintaining independence) while simultaneously exchanging and comparing these timestamps with other equipment (achieving centralized synchronization). The slave equipment regulates its clock based on master timestamps, combining local autonomy with global coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism allows each equipment to maintain its independent local clock while continuously adjusting it based on feedback from timestamp comparisons. The slave equipment's regulation process uses the time difference between master and slave timestamps to generate correction signals, enabling precise synchronization without sacrificing equipment independence or requiring direct dependence on stable external frequency references.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronization of a slave master clock of a set of slave equipment with a master main clock of a set of master equipment, on the basis of a common time base, including receiving, by the master equipment and by the slave equipment, clock pulses from the common time base, performing, from the master equipment and the slave equipment, a master timestamping and a slave timestamping of clock pulses received on the basis of the common time base, on the base of the master and the slave main clocks, respectively, for generating the master and the slave timestamping information, communicating the master timestamping information to the slave equipment, and regulating, in the slave equipment, the slave main clock on the basis of the master timestamping information communicated and on the basis of the slave timestamping information generated.