Time-Point Synchronization Apparatus Using Time-Gap Counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP) experiences errors in time-stamping due to granularity issues, leading to inconsistencies in transmission delay and frame retention time measurements between networked apparatuses, which accumulate and worsen in cascading systems.
Innovation Solution
A time-point synchronization apparatus that manages current-time-point equivalent time points using a time-gap counter to calculate and synchronize time points, reducing errors by incrementing frequencies for specific time gaps and synchronizing based on the highest frequency counter, thereby minimizing inconsistencies across networked apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard time-stamping is used in gPTP protocol, then time-point synchronization is achieved with microsecond accuracy, but time-stamping errors occur due to granularity limitations causing measurement inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time-stamping process into two independent components: a high-precision timestamp counter that provides accurate time points, and a time-gap counter that measures intervals between timestamps with higher resolution. By separating these functions, the system achieves both measurement precision and reliability, as each component can be optimized independently for its specific purpose without being constrained by the other's granularity limitations.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple control frames are transferred through cascading apparatuses, then comprehensive time measurement is achieved, but errors accumulate and worsen synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the time-gap counter continuously measures the interval between received timestamps and locally generated timestamps, then uses this measured time gap to correct synchronization errors. This feedback loop compensates for accumulated errors in cascading systems by constantly adjusting the local clock based on the measured differential, preventing error accumulation even as multiple control frames are transferred through multiple apparatuses.
3Reliability
If time-stamping granularity is increased to reduce errors, then measurement consistency improves, but time-point precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional time-stamping approach to a two-dimensional measurement system. The first dimension is the high-precision timestamp counter that records absolute time points with fine granularity. The second dimension is the time-gap counter that measures relative time intervals with higher resolution. By operating in this extended dimensional space, the system simultaneously achieves both time-point precision and measurement consistency without the trade-off that would exist in a single-dimensional system.
Data Source
AI summary
A time-point synchronization apparatus (10) includes a time-point management unit (144), a time-gap counter (145), and a time-gap calculation unit (142). The time-point management unit (144) manages an apparatus time point equivalent to a current time point. The time-gap counter (145) records a time gap which is a different between a time point indicated in reception information and the apparatus time point. When a frequency in the time-gap counter (145), corresponding to the time gap corresponding to a latest reception time point corresponding to latest reception information is treated as the highest among all of frequencies indicated in the time-gap counter (145), the time-gap calculation unit (142) synchronizes the apparatus time point to the latest reception time point.