Time-Synchronized Data Packet Publication Using Common External Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems face challenges in synchronizing data measurements across different locations due to latency variations, which can lead to inaccuracies and difficulties in real-time monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
The use of a common external time reference and processing sequence number, reset at fixed intervals, to synchronize the publication of data packets, ensuring that subscribing devices can accurately determine the time of measurement and align data from various locations without relying on time stamps, thereby reducing latency-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time stamps are used to synchronize data measurements across different locations, then the time of measurement can be recorded, but latency variations cause data drift and synchronization inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common external time reference (e.g., GPS, IEEE 1588 PTP) as an intermediary that all devices synchronize to. This mediator provides a unified time baseline that eliminates the need for devices to rely on their own local clocks or time stamps, thereby resolving the synchronization inaccuracies caused by latency variations and ensuring reliable data alignment across the distributed system
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where devices continuously receive time synchronization signals from the common external reference and adjust their local timing accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that even if latency variations occur, devices can detect and correct timing deviations, maintaining both measurement precision and synchronization reliability
2Speed
If data is transmitted in real-time across distributed locations, then monitoring and control speed is improved, but latency variations lead to data drift and synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a temporal equipotential state by having all devices reference the same common external time reference. This ensures that regardless of when data is transmitted or received at different locations, all devices operate from the same time baseline, eliminating data drift and maintaining synchronization stability even during high-speed real-time data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic time synchronization signals transmitted from the common external reference at regular intervals. This periodic action ensures that devices continuously receive timing updates, allowing them to maintain synchronized operation and correct any drift that may occur during high-speed data transmission, thus preserving both speed and stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If each device uses its own local time reference, then device independence is maintained, but data drift occurs and synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time reference function by having all devices synchronize to a single common external time reference instead of using independent local clocks. This consolidation maintains device independence for other operations while ensuring that all time measurements are aligned to the same reference, thereby achieving both adaptability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The common external time reference serves as a universal time source that all devices in the distributed system can use. This universal reference provides a multi-functional solution that maintains device independence while ensuring precise time alignment across all locations, eliminating data drift without compromising system versatility
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for publishing time-synchronized information. In one embodiment, a system may include a time interface configured to receive a common time signal and a network interface configured to transmit a plurality of data packets using a network. A publishing subsystem may be configured to cause the system to publish at least one data value according to a schedule and the common time signal. A processing sequence number subsystem may be configured to generate a processing sequence number to be included in the plurality of data packets and to reset the processing sequence number at a fixed interval based on the common time signal. A data packet subsystem may be configured to generate a plurality of data packets comprising a respective processing sequence number and the at least one data value.