Communication Unit Synchronization Accuracy Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in achieving reliable time synchronization between communication units connected via non-trustworthy communication channels, which can result in varying synchronization accuracy due to unpredictable time delays and latency.
Innovation Solution
A procedure is introduced to determine the synchronization accuracy of a time synchronization between a first and a second communication unit by sending a time request and receiving a time anti-word, which includes the synchronization time of the second communication unit. The synchronization accuracy is determined based on the time of broadcasting and the time of reception, allowing for precise assessment even on non-trusted channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If every communication channel is implemented as consistently reliable (e.g., according to ASIL B), then time synchronization reliability is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trust indicator as an intermediary element that mediates between the communication channel and the time synchronization process. This trust indicator provides information about the reliability of the communication channel, allowing the system to adapt its synchronization behavior accordingly without requiring all channels to be implemented with high-cost ASIL B reliability standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of time synchronization based on the trust indicator. The system can adjust its synchronization strategy in real-time according to the observed reliability of the communication channel, rather than statically requiring all channels to meet high reliability standards. This dynamic approach allows cost-effective implementation while maintaining synchronization reliability where needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If a communication channel with low trustworthiness is used, then system cost is reduced, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to excessive time delay and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The trust indicator serves as an intermediary that provides information about communication channel reliability without requiring the channel itself to be physically reliable. This allows the system to use low-cost channels while compensating for their unreliability through adaptive synchronization based on the trust indicator information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the trust indicator as feedback about communication channel quality to adjust its time synchronization behavior. By continuously monitoring the trust indicator and adapting accordingly, the system can maintain acceptable synchronization accuracy even when using low-cost, low-trustworthiness communication channels.
3Measurement precision
If three messages are sent between components to determine delay (as in DE 10 2014 214 823 A1), then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the time synchronization message with the trust indicator information into a single communication exchange. By merging these functions, the system achieves both delay measurement and trust assessment without requiring separate message exchanges, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The time synchronization message serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries timing information for delay measurement and includes the trust indicator for reliability assessment. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate messages, improving communication efficiency while maintaining both precision and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (100) for determining a synchronisation accuracy of a timing synchronisation of a first communication unit (200). A time query (320) is sent (110) from the first communication unit to a second communication unit (220) via a communication channel (210) at a corresponding transmission time. The method comprises receiving (120) a time response (330) on the first communication unit, wherein the time response provides a synchronisation time statement from the second communication unit. The synchronisation accuracy is determined (130) on the basis of the transmission time and the reception time.