Server Time Protocol Timestamp Exchange for High-Accuracy Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization methods, such as Network Timing Protocol (NTP), do not meet the accuracy requirements of high-end computing systems and often require external time sources or GPS receivers, which can be impractical due to maintenance, security, and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Server Time Protocol (STP) messages and methods, including Exchange Time Parameters (XTP) messages, facilitate time synchronization within a network by allowing processing units to exchange timestamp information and maintain synchronization accuracy without external dependencies, using existing high-speed data links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NTP is used for time synchronization, then time synchronization is provided, but accuracy requirements of high-end systems are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where processing units exchange timestamp information bidirectionally. Each unit records the timestamp when a message is sent and when the response is received, then uses this feedback information to calculate and adjust clock offsets and synchronization parameters, continuously improving accuracy without external references
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-synchronization by allowing processing units to autonomously exchange timing information and adjust their own clocks based on measured round-trip times. The protocol uses local clocks and internal timestamping mechanisms, eliminating dependency on external time sources while maintaining high synchronization accuracy
2Measurement precision
If external time sources or GPS receivers are used, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but maintenance, security and reliability become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time synchronization function from external dependencies and relocates it within the network itself. By implementing timestamp exchange and round-trip measurement directly between processing units, the system eliminates the need for external time sources, GPS receivers, or dedicated timing infrastructure, reducing complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol leverages existing high-speed data link communications to serve dual purposes: both data transmission and time synchronization. The same network infrastructure used for regular communication is utilized for exchanging timestamp information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated timing links or external synchronization hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Server time protocol (STP) messages and methods of exchange thereof are provided for facilitating synchronization of processing units of a timing network. The STP messages include exchange time parameters (XTP) commands and responses, and STP control (STC) commands and responses. XTP message exchange processing includes: generating an XTP message command at a first processing unit including a command transmit timestamp field set by the first processing unit and a command receive timestamp field which is unset by the first processing unit; transmitting the XTP message command to a second processing unit; setting the command receive timestamp field in the XTP command with the time the XTP command is received at the second processing unit; and generating an XTP message response at the second processing unit, the message response including the command transmit timestamp set by the first processing unit and the command receive timestamp set by the second processing unit.