Slave Signal Generator Synchronization via IEEE 1588 IP Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in synchronizing unrelated reference signals from multiple sources, especially across different locations and formats, due to varying signal delays and incompatibilities between equipment from different manufacturers, particularly in digital broadcasting and multimedia environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a data network with a network time service and slave/reference signal generators that accept timekeeping data to generate synchronized signals, employing a phase locked loop and precision time protocols like IEEE 1588 for sub-microsecond synchronization across IP networks, allowing for deterministic generation and alignment of reference signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Genlock reference signals are used for synchronization, then signal alignment is achieved within a single facility, but synchronization across multiple locations and formats fails due to varying signal delays and equipment incompatibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary timekeeping service that mediates between multiple remote locations and different equipment formats. This service provides a common time reference that all locations can synchronize to, eliminating the need for direct point-to-point synchronization between each pair of locations and enabling universal compatibility across different formats and manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The timekeeping service acts as a universal synchronization authority that serves multiple locations and supports multiple signal formats simultaneously. By providing a single common time reference that all locations can adopt, the system achieves universal adaptability across diverse broadcasting and multimedia equipment from different manufacturers.
2Ease of operation
If independent reference signals are used at each remote location, then local equipment can operate autonomously, but signal paths of different lengths cause delay differentials that prevent precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where remote locations periodically query the timekeeping service for time information. This feedback loop allows each location to adjust its local timing to match the common reference, compensating for varying signal path lengths and achieving precise alignment despite autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The timekeeping service performs preliminary time adjustment by pre-calculating and distributing time correction data to remote locations before synchronization is needed. This preliminary action accounts for different signal path lengths in advance, allowing all locations to achieve precise alignment without requiring real-time complex calculations during signal transmission.
3Measurement precision
If network time services are implemented for synchronization, then sub-microsecond precision is achieved across IP networks, but system complexity increases due to additional synchronization protocols and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly transmitting complex synchronization signals across the network, the system uses time code data that can be easily copied and distributed via standard IP networks. The actual timing information is encoded in a simplified time code format that can be transmitted through existing network infrastructure, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining sub-microsecond precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic synchronization systems with a software-based time code approach that runs over IP networks. By substituting traditional hardware synchronization mechanisms with network-based time code processing, the system achieves high precision while leveraging the simplicity and ubiquity of existing network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system replaces the current “Genlock” reference signals and distribution architectures used in media and broadcasting use an IP network and distributed timekeeping service, such as ISO/IEC 61588 or IEEE1588. In such a system, a master and multiple slave devices are used to distribute precision time and phase information to synchronize equipment and systems. The method described herein allows the generation of a signal standard and format with a single distribution system. In addition, the method allows this distribution to be accomplished over an IP network despite the non-deterministic performance of such networks. The method also allows the deterministic generation of signals at slave devices.