Time Aware Shaper Schedule Update Time Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) environments, particularly with IEEE 802.1Qbv Time Aware Shaper implementations, there is a need to accurately measure the schedule update time to ensure timely and predictable communication, as delays in configuration changes can lead to anomalies and affect the timeliness of critical traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for measuring the schedule update time of a Time Aware Shaper device under test (DUT) by configuring it with a first configuration that blocks traffic, then opening the gates to allow traffic, recording transmission and receipt times, and calculating the response time using the equation T2−T1−(PdelayT1+PdelayT2), where PdelayT1 and PdelayT2 account for wire delays, to assess the device's adaptability to dynamic configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Time Aware Shaper device is configured with schedule updates to adapt to dynamic network conditions, then the network timeliness and adaptability are improved, but the configuration change delay and measurement complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring test traffic patterns and gate control lists before measuring schedule update time. The system prepares multiple configuration scenarios in advance, including different gate control lists and traffic patterns, so that when a configuration change is triggered, the measurement can immediately begin without setup delays. This ensures that the measured response time truly reflects the device's configuration update capability rather than including preparation overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring whether traffic is blocked or transmitted based on gate states. The system uses talker-listener pairs to send test traffic and confirms whether the traffic is blocked according to the current gate control list. This feedback loop allows the system to verify configuration changes and measure the actual time taken for the device to respond to schedule updates, providing accurate adaptability metrics.
2Measurement precision
If the schedule update time measurement is made more comprehensive to capture all configuration change aspects, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and measurement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement system into independent functional modules: CNC nodes for configuration management, talker nodes for traffic generation, listener nodes for traffic reception and timing, and controller nodes for coordinate is and data collection. Each module has a specific function, and they work together through standardized interfaces. This modular segmentation allows comprehensive measurement while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing measurement components that can perform multiple functions. For example, the CNC node not only manages configuration but also generates gate control lists and coordinates measurements. The talker and listener nodes can be configured for different traffic patterns and measurement scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of specialized components needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
3Speed
If the gate control lists are updated more frequently to respond to dynamic traffic conditions, then the network responsiveness is improved, but the processing overhead and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing scheduled gate control lists that open and close gates at specific time intervals based on traffic patterns. The system can configure periodic gate control lists that automatically update at predetermined intervals, allowing the network to respond rhythmically to periodic traffic loads. This periodic mechanism provides predictable responsiveness while avoiding the instability of continuous or aperiodic updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a schedule update time of a time aware shaper DUT includes configuring the DUT with a first configuration that blocks traffic from at least one gate of the DUT. The method further includes transmitting traffic from an emulated talker to an emulated listener via the DUT. The method further includes confirming blocking of the traffic from the at least one gate of the DUT and transmitting a second configuration from an emulated CNC node to the DUT, where the second configuration opens the at least one gate of the DUT, recording a time T1 of transmission of the second configuration to the DUT, detecting traffic from the at least one gate of the DUT at the listener, recording a time T2 of receipt of the traffic at the listener, and calculating a response time of the DUT to the second configuration based on T1 and T2.