Synchronization Device Maintaining Timing Precision

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in maintaining synchronization precision of timing signals due to signal interruptions or interference, particularly in GNSS and network-based systems, which can degrade the precision of synchronization signals and increase device size or cost when using highly precise oscillators.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization device and method that generate a first timing pulse based on network-transmitted packets and receive a clock signal as a physical layer signal, allowing for the output of a second timing pulse using both inputs to maintain synchronization precision even when the initial signal precision is degraded, without the need for a highly precise oscillator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a highly precise oscillator is provided to maintain synchronization precision, then synchronization precision is improved, but device size or cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing timing information and offset values in advance when synchronization signals are available. When signal reception is interrupted, the stored timing information and offset are used to maintain synchronization precision without requiring a highly precise oscillator during the interruption period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the need for an expensive, highly precise oscillator with a standard oscillator combined with software-based timing correction. The system uses readily available components (standard oscillator, storage memory) to achieve the same synchronization precision that would otherwise require costly specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If a highly precise oscillator is provided to maintain synchronization precision, then synchronization precision is improved, but cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the need for an expensive, highly precise oscillator with a standard oscillator combined with software-based timing correction. The system uses readily available components (standard oscillator, storage memory) to achieve the same synchronization precision that would otherwise require costly specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes a hardware-based solution (highly precise oscillator) with a software-based timing correction mechanism. By using packet timing information and offset calculations in software, the system achieves synchronization precision without relying on expensive precision hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If synchronization is performed using GNSS or network signals, then synchronization capability is improved, but synchronization precision is degraded when signal interruption or interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing timing information and offset values in advance when synchronization signals are available. When signal reception is interrupted, the stored timing information and offset are used to maintain synchronization precision without requiring a highly precise oscillator during the interruption period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention prepares compensatory measures in advance by continuously monitoring signal quality and pre-calculating offset values. When signal interruption or interference occurs, the system can immediately apply the pre-prepared timing corrections, cushioning against the degradation of synchronization precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2991261B1Synchronization device and synchronization method

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 NEC CORP

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AI summary

A first synchronization signal for synchronization with a synchronization signal source is acquired from a first signal source. A first signal synchronized with the synchronization signal source is generated based on the first synchronization signal. A second synchronization signal for synchronization with the synchronization signal source is acquired from a second signal source different from the first signal source. A second signal synchronized with the synchronization signal source is generated based on the second synchronization signal. A timing signal synchronized with the synchronization signal source is generated based on the first signal of a synchronization device. A phase difference between the timing signal and the second signal is output. An offset is set so that there is no phase difference between the timing signal and the second signal based on the phase difference.