Slave Node Clock Synchronization via Control Frame Statistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization methods between master and slave nodes require frequent communication of synchronization frames, leading to increased communication traffic and processing load, which can disrupt the operation of slave nodes and are not applicable to systems with various types of frames.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a slave equipment with a statistic calculation unit, master environment value estimation unit, slave environment value measurement unit, frequency deviation estimation unit, and clock correction unit allows for time synchronization based on control frames, reducing communication traffic by estimating and correcting clock deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the frequency of communication of the synchronization frame is increased to maintain time synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication traffic and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control frame statistics as an intermediary parameter to indirectly estimate master environment values and frequency deviations, avoiding the need for frequent direct synchronization frame communications. The control frame statistics serve as a mediator that carries timing information without requiring dedicated synchronization traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical communication-based synchronization method with a computational estimation approach. Instead of relying on frequent message exchanges, the system uses statistical analysis of control frames and environmental value estimation to calculate and correct frequency deviations, substituting physical communication with mathematical modeling.
2Measurement precision
If the frequency of communication of the synchronization frame is increased to maintain time synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control frame statistics act as an intermediary that consolidates timing information from multiple control frames, allowing the system to process synchronization data less frequently while maintaining accuracy. This mediator reduces the immediate processing burden by pre-aggregating relevant information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of control frame statistics and environmental value estimations in advance, preparing frequency deviation corrections before they are needed. This preliminary processing distributes the computational load over time rather than concentrating it during synchronization events.
3Measurement precision
If the communication interval of synchronization frames is reduced to maintain time synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication of control frames may be influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses control frame statistics as an intermediary mechanism that extracts synchronization information from control frames without interfering with their primary control function. The statistics are calculated from control frame timing data but do not disrupt control frame transmission or processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control frames serve multiple functions: they carry control information for slave node operation and simultaneously provide timing data for synchronization estimation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate synchronization frames, preventing any negative impact on control frame operations while achieving synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A slave node (300) is slave equipment that operates in accordance with a control frame transmitted from a master node (200). The slave node calculates a control frame statistic that is a statistic of one or more control frames transmitted from the master equipment and estimates a master environment value based on the calculated control frame statistic. The slave node measures a slave environment value. The slave node estimates a frequency deviation of a master clock based on the estimated master environment value and estimates a frequency deviation of a slave clock based on the measured slave environment value. The slave node modifies a clock value of the slave clock based on a difference between the frequency deviation of the master clock and the frequency deviation of the slave clock.